Undergraduate education: BS in Public Health at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Overall GPA: 3.89
Science GPA: 3.46
GRE: Verbal 149, Quantitative 143, Analytical Writing 3.0
Total HCE hours: 2,955 (Medical Scribe, Oncology Volunteer)
Total PCE hours: 0
Shadowing hours: 91 (Emergency Department, Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, ENT)
Other volunteer hours: 342 (volunteering with people with disabilities at a horse barn, pet therapy at a nursing home facility, Exceptional Adventures volunteer)
LORs: Physician I work as a medical scribe for, Volunteer Coordinator for Volunteer Program I participated in for 3 years, Anatomy and Physiology professor.
How many times did you apply? 2
Age: 24
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? 9
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
I was invited for 4 interviews but only interviewed at 1. It was my number 1 choice and the first one I received an interview invitation for. I will be attending the University of Mount Union starting in May!!
Any red flags on your application?
No patient care experience, low GRE scores, re-took A&P II because I had received a C.
Anything you found surprising about interviews?
My interview experience was phenomenal. It was very laid back and I felt like I was able to connect with several people. Rather than it feeling like the other interviewees and I were competitors, it felt like we were trying to make friends. In addition, one of my interviews was with the director of the PA program. Most of our conversation was her answering my questions about the program and PA profession. I loved this part because it felt like I was given the chance to interview them a little about their program.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?
Helpful books: Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs (2018) (affiliate link) and The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Physician Assistant School by Andrew J. Rodican (affiliate link).
For personal statement review and interview prep I used the PA Platform and it was the best decision I ever made. If I could recommend one thing to an applicant that would be it. It was so helpful working through my personal statement with a PA and receiving their feedback. After reading the same thing so many times it can be difficult to see where changes need to be made, but they know exactly what to look for.
For the mock interview, I was able to work with a PA who has been an instagram role model to me, s/o @thepa_life. She completely calmed my nerves and made me feel confident going into my first interview.
Any other advice for other pre-PA students?
If you are a re-applicant this is for you! I felt very discouraged when I knew I did not get into PA school the first time I applied. However, I knew that I had two choices: I could go a different route and pursue a different career, or do absolutely everything I could to make sure I was chosen the next time. I worked very hard through out college to make this dream my reality, but I never worked harder than I did the 6-8 months between applying the first time and applying the second time. If you’re going through the same thing, I encourage you to work hard to gain experience, improve your grades or GRE scores, make connections with people and job shadow, and continue to learn about the PA profession. Not only will this enhance your application, but it will also allow you to grow as a future PA. Believe in yourself. You can do this!
Where can we find you? Instagram: @bethany_mart1n (Feel free to DM me with any questions!)
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
