Undergraduate education: Graduated in 2017 from Boston University. Major was Health Science and I was on the pre-medical track. Overall GPA: 3.7
Science GPA: 3.6
GRE: I took the GRE twice. I got 35% verbal and 70% math and 5 on writing the first time. The second time, I got 35% math and 70% verbal and 5 on the writing. This just proved to me that standardized testing is not a reliable measure and did not affect me at all through the application process.
Total HCE hours: 200
Total PCE hours: 3200 (Medical Assistant at an Internal Medicine Practice)
Shadowing hours: 100
Other volunteer hours: 300
LORs: Three letters
How many times did you apply?: Once
Age: 23
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? 13
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I was offered 12 interviews and attended 8 of them. I interviewed at: Northeastern, Northwestern, Johnson and Wales, Drexel, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Mass General and Cornell. I was waitlisted at Northeastern and Northwestern and was accepted to every other program.
Where will you be attending? Weill Cornell College of Medicine PA Program
Any red flags on your application? Low GRE scores and a Withdrawal on my transcript from freshman year
Anything you found surprising about interviews? They are a lot more relaxed than I thought and they are all very similar. There are several questions that you are always asked at every interview. Overall, faculty are very nice and want to get to know you and your true self.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? To get through the application and interview process I highly recommend these two books: PA school interview guide by Savannah Perry and How to Ace the PA school interview by Andrew Rodican. Read both of these through and make flashcards with your own responses and practice them out loud before interviews.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Only apply to programs you would actually attend. Looking back, I applied to several programs that I would have not wanted to attend but applied anyway. It is a lot of money and a waste of time completing all of the supplements so really focus on what schools are important to you. Also, start everything in advance. You can start filling out the application before it opens, and writing your personal statement ahead of time is crucial. Sending your applications earlier is much better than later in the process.
Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc) My instagram is: jess_bonet
