Undergraduate education: University of Minnesota
Overall GPA: 2.5 ***I am a non-traditional applicant (I became a mom in undergrad at 20!) I completed 70 credits of post-bacc work at a 3.75 GPA*** My cumulative CASPA GPA was 2.76
Science GPA: 2.5 (2.76 in CASPA with post-bacc work)
GRE: Total 293; 152 verbal, 141 quant, 5.0 writing.
PA-CAT: Yes, 540 composite score; I also took Casper and scored 75-100th percentile.
Total PCE hours: >10,000. I have experience as a CNA in both med/surg hospital, and assisted living settings, and as Lead Diabetes Coordinator for a free clinic. The patients I cared for were all uninsurable, underserved, immigrants. My role as Lead Diabetes Coordinator was unique in that I worked collaboratively with providers to come up with treatment plans for patients with type II diabetes. I also drew blood, took detailed patient histories and vitals, and counseled patients regarding lab values, medications, insulin titration, and nutrition. I also participated in community outreach events. This experience solidified that my desired work as a PA will be with underserved groups, likely in a primary care setting.
Total HCE hours: ~5,000 hours. For HCE I worked as a Spanish Interpreter, and a PCA.
Shadowing hours: For the purposes of documenting in CASPA, I had around 50 hours of shadowing; however, I have shadowed countless hours with numerous MDs in my PCE roles. I shadowed PAs in 5 specialties including cardiology, primary care, emergency medicine, hospital medicine, and functional medicine. I also shadowed an APRN CNM.
Volunteer hours: I have always enjoyed volunteering and being of service to those in need. This was probably one of the strongest aspects of my application. I have accumulated over 3,000 hours volunteering for various organizations and causes that are special to me. Some examples include working with dogs at an animal shelter, bridging the language barrier as a volunteer Spanish interpreter, serving meals at a homeless shelter, and providing companionship over the phone for an elderly, Spanish-speaking woman who was isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
How many times did you apply?: 2
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Why PA? A career as a PA will allow me to combine my love of community service with my passion for medicine. It is my ultimate goal to become a primary care PA and provide high-quality care to those who would otherwise go without--both at home and abroad. And while I am excited at the thought of practicing primary care, it is equally as satisfying to know that as a PA, I will have the ability to work in another speciality--as I see fit or a need for in my community. The versatility of the PA profession is incredibly appealing. I am excited by that fact that, as a PA, I will receive a solid medical education, coupled with thousands of hours of hands-on clinical experience that will prepare me to enter the workforce more quickly than other career paths. Further, during my numerous healthcare experiences, I have witnessed the positive impact that patient-centered care has on health outcomes. I look forward to playing an integral part in healthcare team, and collaborating with my future colleagues to deliver high-quality care.
How many programs did you apply to? 26
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes? I was offered 6 interview invites in total--I declined the last 3 as I had made my final decision. I was accepted to 2 of the 3 programs I interviewed at.
Where will you be attending? Rutgers!
Anything you found interesting about interviews? How comfortable the interviews actually felt! You will be nervous no matter what, but remembering that those interviewing you are truly trying to get to know you as a human, was comforting. After each of my 3 interviews, I looked back on the experiences as having been surprisingly laid-back (but professional).
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process? The PA Platform, of course! I also found a lot of useful information, support, and resources in the Pre-PA Club on Facebook, as well as the "Low GPA' Pre-PA Group.
Any advice for other pre-PA students? As difficult as it is not to compare yourself to other applicants, don't! Be confident in yourself, your experiences, and all that you have to offer. You are enough! It's so cliché, but it's the truth. As a low-GPA applicant, I truly enjoy offering advice to other applicants with similar academic circumstances. When you have a low GPA, you have to work that much harder than the average applicant. My biggest advice to others who are experiencing this, is to apply strategically! This means: thoroughly researching potential programs and their requirements to be sure you meet them, applying as early as possible, and approaching the application cycle as well-organized and prepared as possible! Play up your strengths, and make your application shine.
Where can we find you? (Instagram, TikTok, Website, etc) - On Instagram @thechili
