Basically the title - I just graduated this last May and pretty much did every prereq possible expect an ochem lab or genetics. The first lecture of ochem is my worst grade of undergrad (BC at my school, the equivalent of a B- / C+, but my overall GPA is a 3.7) I avoided taking it because I knew it would do some more damage to the GPA.

I am applying in this next cycle in April, and I am starting to get everything ready and trying to figure out where I can apply. I am realizing that many many smaller programs that I likely have a better chance of getting into all require 4 credits of ochem - usually 3 of lecture and 1 of lab. Now I am panicking....I want to increase my chances of getting in this cycle. I cannot afford to not get in this cycle for a whole host of reasons.

Is it worth taking a course through a local college as a non-degree seeking student? That in addition to a genetics course? This would be my one outstanding pre-rec during the cycle which is allowed. But I am worried about truly failing this lab. I took the ochem lecture my sophomore year, did bad, and that was 3 years ago. Plus because of COVID, my in person lab experience was limited so I have minimal experience with actual wet labs which makes me nervous.

Is it worth the stress of taking this lab given my circumstances and inexperience of wet labs, and the stress of applying at the same time? I don't think I have a chance at some bigger name programs like Northwestern or Duke or Iowa which don't have an ochem lab requirement.

Sigh. What do I do. This is the time of year to find colleges or places I can take a class as a nondegree student and take it in the spring.

Hey guys, I wanted to ask how you guys would feel about potentially getting together and preparing for the interviews? Like mock interviews with each other to prepare for the real deal? Let me know what you think! I will form a group if enough people are ready to!

Im currently in my second year of undergrad. At my college, we have extensive options for student research as a junior/senior standing student. Is research something worthwhile to get under your belt along with all of the other stuff required to get into PA school, or is getting through clinical experience and other req's more important? I'm not very knowledged on the entrance side of the PA process and some info would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, can someone PLEASE explain how financial aid works for PA school. I recently found out I was admitted to a program with a JANUARY start date. It's a private school and I live in a different state. I don't have much time to figure things out as a result. I haven't filed the FAFSA or done anything. Also, I have never taken out any loans for schools, therefore I have ZERO loans from undergrad and that's why I know nothing about this. The PA Program said I will receive more information soon about what to do before orientation and before classes start. I'm guessing it's not too late to file the FAFSA and receive financial aid/loans bc I've heard of people getting admitted the week classes start and they seem to figure it out. I'm gonna wait to see what the school says but my question is once the school tells me to fill out the FAFSA/apply for loans, how long does it actually take to receive the money? A few weeks? A few months? How is the money distributed? Is it a check? And how often is the money distributed-monthly or per semester? Per year? I'm guessing the money for tuition goes directly to the school, but what about the money for living expenses? Is that given directly to me and how often? I'm relying on loans to pay EVERYTHING therefore I need to know because I have to pay rent once I move-which is very soon. I appreciate any help! I'm aware things might be slightly different for me, but any insight is appreciated!!!

Edited to add that the program is PRIVATE. Forgot to include. Also edited to include that I never took any loans out for undergrad, therefore I know nothing about this.

Hey guys, just had my interview yesterday and for the most part, I felt like I did well. However, I was reflecting back on my answers and probably should have added some important additional details that will help my case. I’m worried that the school might not take me now because I did not add those details. I guess I just need some reassurance that it probably is not as big of a deal as I’m making it out to be? TIA

I look great on paper but suck at interviews. I’ve prepared, practiced, and done mocks. I just get so nervous when answering questions and feel like I bomb the interviews I do get. I’m getting interviews but no acceptances. Any one else having the same issue? Any recommendations would be great. Thanks!

TJU vs. Arcadia (PA program)

Trying to decide between Thomas Jefferson’s physician assistant program (East Falls campus), and Arcadia’s dual degree program in public health and physician assistant studies.

Arcadia is currently on probation status which makes me nervous. However,  their program has been around for a while and has a long history of standing at continued status. Also, the staff seemed very confident this status would be moved back to continued…

On the flip side I’m nervous about TJU because their attrition rate in 2023 was 23% whereas arcadia’s was only 6% … 

Both have very similar PANCE pass rates.

Arcadias tuition is a bit higher but that’s bc of the dual degree program. (143k for Arcadia vs around 117k for Jefferson). Additionally, I was told I can work part time for the first year at arcadias program because it’s only evening classes for the public health portion. With that in mind, I just started a new job that can be fully remote. It’s for a startup healthcare company that has a lot of growth potential. If I go to Arcadia I could hopefully continue my job at this startup for the first year….

Also Arcadia is a 20 minute commute from my grandparents who I could live with vs. TJU which would be 50 mins.   Although I could live with my mom’s fiance and have a 25 ish commute to TJU but that’s a little weird and not sure I want to do that. 

Thomas Jefferson is more well known in the healthcare space and seems like a more “esteemed” program. I’m not sure if I’d have more opportunities as a PA if I go here (since they do have their own hospital) so I just don’t know what to do.

Any thoughts?

USF

• Accreditation-continued 

• Cost - 68k

• 24 month 

• Been established since 2017 

• 97% PANCE pass rate for first time test takers 

• 1 hour from home 

• 4.6% attrition rate (last three years)

• 50 student class size 

• Average rent for one-bedroom apartment - $1632

• Most clinical rotations within an hour of USF - Tampa General Hospital (level 1 trauma center), All Children's Hospital (level 1 pediatrics hospital), Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley VA Hospital 

• CAMLS - high fidelity simulation facility 

• Prosected cadaver lab 

• 2 elective clinical rotations 

• Community outreach focused 

• May 2025 start date 

UF

• Accreditation-continued 

• Cost - 55k 

• 24 month 

• Been established since 1972 

• 97% PANCE pass rate for first time test takers 

• 2 hours from home 

• 6% attrition rate (last three years)

• 60 student class size 

• Average rent for one-bedroom apartment - $1099

• #14 ranked PA program in the US

• Shands - Level 1 trauma center for both adults and pediatrics within walking distance of program - own hospital system 

• Cadavers for dissection - cadavers specifically for PA students with 24 hour access to cadavers 

• 3 elective clinical rotations (one elective is internal medicine subspecialty) 

• Student health insurance available 

• Five clinical areas of preference - Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and Panhandle area

• June 2025 start date 

Hi everybody, I am in desperate need of help for picking a program. I have recently been accepted into three programs. I have already paid a deposit on one because the acceptance came out early in the cycle.

The three schools are Carlow, Chatham, and Slippery Rock. I just need some guidance and advice on which one to pick.

FranU recently sent out acceptances and I just want to say a few words on the school. I would be wary about this school, this should be a last choice as they are currently on probation and unfortunately have high a likelihood of not passing their accreditation meeting next year (regardless of what they tell you). I have a family member who directs meetings at the ARC accrediting body and he has told me FranU is NOT doing so well in regards to meeting standards. Just thought I would warn others! Especially since this school is >90k in tuition and would have you repeat the first year of schooling without reimbursement of tuition should they fail accreditation. My advice would be accept other school's acceptances before this one, or wait until next cycle to see how their accreditation meeting goes, but I would not risk getting into this and taking loads of debt for a probationary school.

Ever since my junior in high school, I found out about the PA profession and I vehemently wanted to do it because I didn't think I would ever be 'smart' enough to go to med school. I relentlessly watched YouTube videos and scoured this subreddit every day. I loved it and the profession and how nice you all were!

This past May I graduated with my bachelor's degree in the biological sciences with a decent GPA and sGPA. Entering college I knew I wanted to be a PA and kept med school at the back of my mind (almost didn't think about it at all). The summer before my senior year I got the opportunity to shadow an NP. Long story short she kinda convinced me to think of pursuing med school and taking the MCAT. I had already planned on taking a gap year (technically 2 years until matriculation) so it would work out similarly except I wouldn't have to take A&P 1 and 2 at my nearby community college. For some odd reason, it locked me into this mindset of 'premed' my last 2 semesters of school where I got As in the 6 courses I took besides 1, and made my upward trend continue nicely. During this time I only did school and was on the executive board for a few organizations including one I was president over my senior year as well. Throughout college, I got a little volunteering here and there and shadowed an MD as it was hard to find a PA around me.

This summer I've had some family drama, to say the least, and my MCAT study plan didn't go as well as I had hoped and I had to cancel my exam in September date. From the time after graduation to now, I took about a month off from studying and from May-August my life was a blur. I didn't process my actual graduation or celebrate at all (even though I was incredibly happy for myself because I never thought I would even be able to get a STEM degree let alone with honors). Studying during this time has shown how hard and willing I am to go for what I want and learn everything I can. With that being said, I think I want to become independent and make my own life away from my family asap.

TLDR: Thinking about my life circumstances and the future I want to have (and my ego not being the biggest in the world for better or for worse lol) I think I wanna switch back and go to PA school instead. The biggest determining factors would be me taking A&P 1/2 in the spring and summer, study and take GRE, try to find a decent PCE job, volunteer, and apply next year (hopefully if possible). As I have said I have never cared about the money or prestige of being a doctor which is why I think I fell in love with the PA profession so early on but now that I feel not as confident and plateaued with the MCAT I feel like its time I consider going back to the way I wanted to be in the medical field in the first place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

TL;DR:
I’m 32, with a B.A. in Psychology (3.4 cGPA) and poor grades in science courses. After a few years, I went back for a B.S. in Computer Science, made all A’s, and raised my GPA to a 3.615. Now, I’m considering a career in medicine (PA or MD), but I’m worried my past GPA will hold me back. I also know I’ll need to retake my prerequisites and gain patient care experience (PCE) hours while doing so. Is it possible to overcome my academic history and pursue this path? Looking for advice from anyone who’s been in a similar position or has insights to share.

**If this type of post is not allowed, please remove!

Long Story Short:
I graduated in 2015 with a B.A. in Psychology. Honestly, I didn’t take school seriously at the time, and it showed. I ended up with a 3.4 overall GPA, but my science GPA was much lower—probably around 3.0 or somewhere between a 2.9 - 3.1. I got a D+ in A&P 1 (though I got a B+ in the lab) and retook the class (without the lab) to get a B+. I took the usual Biology 1 & 2 and Chem 1 & 2. Those were a mix of mostly B's with a C or two. In my last semester, I took Microbiology and Immunology (no idea why), and I ended up with A’s in both.

Fast forward 5 years later, I decided to go back to school for a B.S. in Computer Science. This time, I had a completely different approach. I matured, learned how to prioritize, and really committed to doing what was required to succeed. I made all A’s in the program, and my GPA shot up to 3.615, even though I had to take challenging courses like calculus and statistics.

But here’s the issue—I’m not happy in tech. Software development doesn’t excite me, and I don’t feel passionate about it. I'm also not interested in Healthtech as some friends have recommended I look into staying in tech and doing that.

I recently shadowed some medical professionals—a PA in Dermatology, a PA in Anesthesia, and MDs in Ortho and Emergency Medicine—and I absolutely loved it. I felt so energized and fulfilled during those experiences. Now, I know medicine is the path I want to pursue, either as a PA or MD.

But here’s what’s holding me back:

Concerns:

• Age: I’m 32. I’m not worried about this too much. I’ll be this age in 5-8 years no matter what I do, whether I go into medicine or not.
• Academic History: This is the big one. CASPA and AMCAS will consider all of my past coursework, including my undergrad grades from 10 years ago. Even though I’ve matured and excelled in my second degree, I worry it won’t be enough to make up for my earlier performance. If I go back and retake the necessary prerequisites and do really well, is it enough to overcome my earlier GPA, or will that old GPA haunt me forever?
• Prerequisites: Since it’s been almost 10 years since I completed my initial undergrad, I know I’ll need to retake the science prerequisites to apply to PA/MD school, and I’m fine with that. I’m also aware I’ll need to accumulate patient care experience (PCE) hours while retaking these prerequisites, as I don’t have any healthcare experience at this time.
• Alternative Path: If I went for a new bachelor’s degree at a different school, would I be able to leave out my older transcripts? Or would it be better to just do a DIY post-bacc program to boost my GPA?

I’ve been told by some that I’m wasting my time because of my past mistakes, but I’m really passionate about pursuing medicine. I’m just looking for honest advice and insights from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or who has knowledge about how schools might view someone with my background. Thank you so much in advance!

Hi! Has anyone used any third party services to help with CASPA? I’ve heard about the “Pre-PA Clinic” and they have a service where they review your CASPA and give guidance on what schools you should apply to for a fee. I’ve seen testimonials they’ve shared on social media and am just curious if it is worth it.

Thanks!

Hello, I was accepted to a PA program recently! I am very excited but have a question because the program I was admitted to has a January start date. I am still on the waitlist for a different program with a fall start date (which is actually my top choice). They said I could hear back from them any time between now and the first week of classes. I already accepted my spot at the January program because I am not about to let this opportunity pass by and I do NOT want to go through the soul-draining application process again. My question is- what if I hear back from my top choice AFTER January (after the program I was admitted to starts). I pray I hear back from them sooner, but can I switch programs at that point? Has anyone done this? Is this even allowed? I'm obviously going to go to the program I was admitted to despite the fact that it's far away and I have little time to figure out the logistics. My top choice, on the other hand, is much closer and I am more familiar with the area. Any help is appreciated!!!! I also got an interview invite today to a third program. Not sure what to do about that either- I don't know whether to accept it? The interview is early next year, at which point classes at the program I was admitted to would already be in session.

Hello everyone! I was blessed to receive an interview invite to one of my top choice pa programs. The only thing is that it will be an MMI interview. Because this will be my first interview this cycle, I’m worried it may be my only interview invite and would not want to mess it up terribly. Is there any advice you guys could give me regarding this interview style format? I know the questions are situational but I would want to hear about the experiences you all have had if you’ve already gone through an MMI interview. Thanks in advance guys!

I would just like to say that while it’s so disheartening to not get into the schools you wanted or having to reapply for several cycles, there’s still and upside to things and it might not be your time yet. I applied this cycle knowing I MOST likely wouldn’t get in but I just wanted to get my foot in the door and experience the cycle so I knew how to best approach things for my next cycle when reapplying. They upside to not getting in is that I have decided to increase my gpa by going back and getting a masters in nutrition (something I have always loved and am very excited to learn) before I reapply. I have just been accepted into a program at my dream school since I was a little girl. It has been a huge part of my family and everyone has also wanted to go there. I wanted to go for undergrad so badly but I couldn’t afford it. I now can and am extremely grateful to be apart of this school and my family is over the moon that someone is now going to graduate from there. So one dream was pushed back but another one has been fulfilled. So just keeps those things in mind when you feel like you’re losing hope. There’s always a right time for everything.

Okay yes I know I’m not supposed to really read or study and just try to relax before school starts. However I’m at a job that doesn’t allow phones at my desk (if you have a phone they’ll write you up) they allow reading and knitting but no phones. So I was thinking I could make my time useful and just read up on some stuff at work because there’s days where we’re doing literally nothing and I’m staring at the ceiling. Yes Ik I can read something interesting or color but if I have a ridiculous amount of free time during work and can’t use my phone, why not maybe make my time useful. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Wd or take me chances

I'm taking orgo 1 and I'm not doing so well, I got a 28 on the first exam the average was a 30 and the highest was 75. My professor said I need at least 15 points more to be good. My friend who got the same grade as me says she's staying bc the curve will help bring it up but I'm considering wd bc I don't want to fail the class. There's 2 more exams left and idk what to do as the wd deadline is the 10th. I'm meeting my prof to speak with him again today and see what he suggect but I have like 2 days to make a decision, any advice? I took it bc some pa schools require it. now idk if I should stick to it at aim for the best grade possible or wd. Il that'll look bad on my application

Who has actually written letters of intent and have they actually worked? And if so how many?? I feel like this reddit group is against them but when I look at different groups like on Facebook I see a people write a bunch and they get off the waitlist (recently saw someone write 4 to one school…) I’m currently on 3 waitlists right now and I feel like I’m going crazy. I’ve sent one update to each school but idk how much I should be updating them with experiences.

Hi! I’m currently working as a full time lead ortho tech and that has me working one on one with doctors and PAs. I am super hands-on with patients and make casts, splints, braces, do wound care, draw blood, spin prps, etc. Unfortunately, as this application cycle is drawing to a close, I probably won’t be getting in anywhere. Is it worth leaving my position to work as a scribe/medical assistant in another specialty just in order to diversify the specialties I’ve worked in? Or is only having orthopedic experience but a really hands-on position enough to make me a competitive applicant? This was my first time applying and I would love to change and improve my app in any way I can. Thank you 🥹🙏🏻

I got accepted a week ago and am finally starting to calm down from the excitement. I’m 26 and wanted to give some applicant advice, considering I applied to 3 schools, interviewed and got accepted to one (haven’t heard back from the other two schools). This was my first time applying and I want to share what I did to for all you future applicants.

1. Meet the requirements. I had to retake a couple of courses outside of my bachelors degree to raise my GPA but also to meet required courses. Additionally, each school will have stats in their homepage from the classes they’ve accepted previously. Do anything to match their stats, or if you’re lagging in one area at least make up for it in a different area. You want to be average or above in comparison to previously accepted cohorts.

2. Take a gap year! (Or two) I know a lot of students can get by, jumping straight from undergrad to PA school, and I think that’s great. However, I took one year to gain clinical experience and it really paid off. Taught much about the PA role and the jobs I would one day have. It gave me l experience to speak about during my interviews and my essays.

3. Research your schools! I know many people apply to dozens of schools with the hopes of getting accepted to one (and while this process may work for some) I decided to take a different approach and only apply to a few schools, however I tailored my application to their goals, vision, and mission. My essays, personal statements, secondary essays, etc. were proofread by my partner, but we made sure to target what each school was individually looking for.

This may help some of you, or you may get accepted doing something completely different. This is not the only way to get accepted, it’s just what I did to secure my spot as a first time applicant. I’ve been reading many of your posts over the last couple of years, and many of them were helpful to me. I just thought I’d return the favor and give some advice in return

For those of you who are curious. GPA: 3.65 SGPA: 3.5 Age: 26 Schools applied: 3 (still waiting to hear back from 2) Acceptances: 1 Volunteer: 120 Shadowing: 40 Clinical: 2,000+

I have the opportunity to shadow both a PA as well as a physician. The physician is my oncologist who knows me very well, as I’ve just finished 2.5 years of cancer treatment while in undergrad. The PA however, I don’t know. If I shadow both, do you think it would be more valuable to PA schools to see a LOR from a PA, or a LOR from an MD that could attest to my character as well as the shadow experience. I guess I could get both, but wanted to hear some thoughts. Thank you!

I am a student, currently in my second year of college, still in freshman standings. America is FUCKED with this upcoming administration. I'm wondering if it's time to ditch medicine and find another career here in the states. Let me know your thoughts on this. I am in the early stages where switching out is still possible, I don't know what else there is to do as a career, maybe going into physics or biology.

So i’ve been working at a primary care office since May, and i’ve worked at an urgent care and got about 500 hours there. By the time I apply in April I will have well over 1500 hours at the office I am currently at. The physician I have been working for wrote my LOR early, and he said that I have been working at his office for a few months to date. He did put the date on the letter, I just hope the admission committee notices this and doesn’t think I’m lying about hours. Is this okay?? Super worried

I get so nervous during and after interviews no matter how much I practice and I feel like I never say the right things. I still haven’t heard back from my interview which was a month ago and I just had another one which was MMI format and I feel like I did not do well compared to the other applicants 😭😭 Im so upset with myself I really wanted to get into this school this cycle. Has anyone else felt like this after an interview. I think 2/5 of my MMI stations did not go well at all today

Hey guys, I have an interview soon over Zoom and I was wondering if I can use my headphones? They’re sony wh1000xm4, basically like bulkier headphones. Is it unprofessional to use these? I would use my airpods but they died on me. Have you guys seen people interviewing over zoom using headphones? I appreciate the help y’all

I’d like to apply this cycle but am not sure if it would be a waste. I have 4.0 gpa/s-gpa, 1k shadowing, good GRE, good LORs (including from a PA) but 0 hours of PCE. Has anyone been accepted without PCE at all ?

My number one school emailed me today and let me know I’ve been put on the alternate list. My application has some clear strengths and weaknesses, but I think they recognized my qualities in the interview and thus placed me on the list. The school has 24 seats, what are my prospects of getting in?

24f with a 3.74 cGPA (3.7 sGPA), 1000 hours research, 400 hours volunteer, and about 1,300 hours clinical experience as a CNA. No shadowing and haven’t taken the GRE.

I keep getting rejections so I think I won’t get in this cycle.

Is it normal to not get in your first cycle?

I am grateful to have gotten into multiple programs. These are the 2 I am deciding between.

PCOM Philly Campus

Length: 26 months

Tuition: 122k

Attrition Rate 2024: 9.5%

Class size: 60

PANCE pass rate 2023: 92%

1 elective rotation

Thomas Jefferson University NJ Campus

Length: 25 months

Tuition: 110k

Attrition Rate 2024: 12.1%

PANCE pass rate 2023: 97%

Class size: 60

1 elective rotation

I am leaning more towards PCOM. Any advice would be appreciated. :)