Undergraduate education: Nutrition/Dietetics at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL
Overall GPA: 3.65
Science GPA: 3.54
GRE: Verbal - 145, Quantitative - 151, Writing - 2.5
I took the GRE multiple and my scores fluctuated in all sections every time I took the test.
Total HCE hours: 5,500 (ER scribe and scribe for a pulmonologist)
Shadowing hours: 1,680
Other volunteer hours: 40
LORs: 3 (2 MD, 1 PA)
How many times did you apply?:
I had started my 4th cycle but was accepted in to a program that I was waitlisted at during my 3rd cycle.
Age: 26
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to?
1st cycle - 6
2nd cycle - 12
3rd cycle - 12
4th cycle -6
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
Throughout the entire process I interviewed at 6 programs. During my second cycle I interviewed with four programs and was waitlisted at all four. I actually got pulled from the waitlist and was offered a seat at one of the programs but they ended up not getting there initial accreditation (was a blessing in disguise). My third cycle I interviewed at two programs, one was a no and the other I was waitlisted at.
Where will you be attending?
I started on January 3, 2019 at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, CA. I was waitlisted at this program in March 2018 after my interview but was offered a seat on December 11, 2018. Best day of my life.
Any red flags on your application?
Low GRE score. Only a few of the programs I interviewed at questioned this but I assured them that this was not indication of my test taking skills. I also did not work in the healthcare field for an entire year. This did not get brought up formally during my interview but I think it hurt me at one interview because I didn’t get a chance to explain why.
Anything you found surprising about interviews?
The faculty and staff really wanted to get to know me. There was only one interview where I felt that I was being interrogated.
I felt that I was interviewing the school as well. Were they a good fit for me? Could I see myself thriving in this atmosphere?
Majority of the schools I interviewed at made me feel welcome but also made it clear that there was high expectations from students, faculty and staff.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?
Khan academy was a lifesaver during majority of my prerequisite courses.
Powerprep tools on ETS and Kaplan quizzes to study for the GRE.
I googled common interview questions for PA school, made a long list and would practice in the mirror or have family or friends ask me questions.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students?
Sometimes things may not work out right away or how you imagined. It is easy to feel discouraged and that is okay! Remember that this is a tough process. Stay focused and continue to work toward your goals. When it’s meant to happen, it will. Feel free to message me with any questions.
Instagram @victoria_blair
If you've recently been accepted to PA school and would like to be featured in an "Accepted!" post to share your story and advice with other PA hopefuls, send an email to savanna@thepaplatform.com
