Undergraduate education: Biology - UIW
Overall GPA: 3.93
Science GPA: 3.94
GRE: 300
Total PCE hours: 3,500
Total HCE hours: 2,000
Shadowing hours: 260
Other Volunteer hours: 1,000
LORs: PA, previous professor, and current supervisor
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Why PA? Growing up with a P.A. as a father, I was introduced to the professor at an early age. My mother was an ultrasound technologist too, so I grew up in the medical field. I always knew I wanted to be a medical provider, because it combines my love for medicine and science with my passion for education and helping people. I always looked up to my father and saw how much he truly enjoyed his job and the flexibility that it provided him, so after shadowing him (along with other medical professionals) my decision to follow in his steps and become a P.A. myself was solidified.
How many programs did you apply to? 9
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? 7 interview invites, attended 2 of them, accepted at both of those 2.
Where will you be attending? UTHSCSA (UT Health Science Center San Antonio)
Anything you found surprising about interviews? Both were MMI format. One of the schools had a “meet and greet” dinner the evening before, which I really enjoyed because it helped calm my nerves as well as allowed me to meet several of the staff members, current students/Alumni, and other applicants in a more relaxed environment before the actual interview day.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process? Savanna Perry’s interview prep course as well as her interview prep book from Amazon. Listening to the Pre-PA Club Podcast also helped a lot!
Any other advice for other pre-PA students? Just be yourself! Try to practice techniques ahead of time that can help you calm your nerves and allow your true personality to shine through. Whether it be guided mediation, self help books or podcasts, herbal supplements, power poses or deep breathing exercises, and positive mantras/affirmations, all of these things helped me to train myself to keep my nerves under control enough to feel comfortable and confident on my interview days!
Where can we find you? instagram - @PA_Leira
