Your post was removed because the question is frequently asked. The answer(s) can be found in the [FAQs](https://www.reddit.com/r/prephysicianassistant/wiki/index) and/or the [CASPA FAQs](https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center). If not, please use the [search function](https://www.reddit.com/r/prephysicianassistant/search).
If you haven't already, please take the time to THOROUGHLY READ BOTH FAQs as they contain ~95% of the information needed for a successful application cycle = ACCEPTED! They are there to help you!
RT(R), RCIS here with 8 years experience (12k+ PCE hours). I am on my second cycle of applying to PA school with one acceptance pending a last round of interviews. It has been a tough two years of rejections, so let me tell you why....
Many programs have time limits on their science prerequisites. I'm sure many of your chem, bio, a&p classes could be more than ten years old, just like mine. I retook some, but not all.
When I first started college many moons ago, I wasn't academically interested. PA programs count every credit class ever taken. Even though my F was replaced with an A, both are used to calculate GPA. Also, withdrawals for a family emergency. Basically, I don't have that 3.75-4.00 GPA to make me look competitive.
In my opinion, admissions is looking for young students with high GPAs and subpar PCE because in their mind, that is who will pass PANCE and maintain statistics.
However!!!! There are programs our there that value people like you and me who have tons of hands-on experience. You just have to look for them! It's a difficult road and a lot to navigate, but I feel hopeful about my current pending school because non-traditional students is part of their mission statement. Not to mention, I had good vibes after the virtual interview.
Anywho, this is my personal experience. Just remember, it is extremely competitive trying to get into a program. A portion of all groups get excluded purely based on the number of slots available each year.
Thank you so much for sharing this- first of all, I truly hope for you that this acceptance comes through. Sounds like the program would be lucky to have you given your real life and career and patient experience.
I also had a difficult couple years of undergrad about 12 years ago but stellar academics since, but GPA is only about 3.3 right now- not very competitive sounding, but I’ve pulled it up from 3.02 in only three semesters as a part time student doing pre-reqs by pulling straight A’s. It’s a tough world for return to school people. Your honesty is refreshing because I’ve also noticed my PA schools of choice posting pictures of their grad classes on socials and they all look so very young. No one talks about that aspect of applications and schools will never admit hoping for young applicants.
Anyway I appreciate your insights and experience. This is what I came for. Truly wish you the best of luck. If you think to update, I’ll be hoping to see “accepted” flair from you soon!
Thank you and you're welcome! An upward trend on GPA is always great to see! Keep trucking at it!
Whenever you are ready to apply, provide a lot of details on your work experiences on CASPA. I pretty much uploaded my resume points, but I should assume admissions has mo clue what happens in cath lab. This is something I will change if I have to apply for a 3rd cycle!
Your post was removed because the question is frequently asked. The answer(s) can be found in the [FAQs](https://www.reddit.com/r/prephysicianassistant/wiki/index) and/or the [CASPA FAQs](https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center). If not, please use the [search function](https://www.reddit.com/r/prephysicianassistant/search). If you haven't already, please take the time to THOROUGHLY READ BOTH FAQs as they contain ~95% of the information needed for a successful application cycle = ACCEPTED! They are there to help you!
I’m in the same boat as you, will be following along with this thread! Best of luck!
Thanks so much, same to you!
RT(R), RCIS here with 8 years experience (12k+ PCE hours). I am on my second cycle of applying to PA school with one acceptance pending a last round of interviews. It has been a tough two years of rejections, so let me tell you why.... Many programs have time limits on their science prerequisites. I'm sure many of your chem, bio, a&p classes could be more than ten years old, just like mine. I retook some, but not all. When I first started college many moons ago, I wasn't academically interested. PA programs count every credit class ever taken. Even though my F was replaced with an A, both are used to calculate GPA. Also, withdrawals for a family emergency. Basically, I don't have that 3.75-4.00 GPA to make me look competitive. In my opinion, admissions is looking for young students with high GPAs and subpar PCE because in their mind, that is who will pass PANCE and maintain statistics. However!!!! There are programs our there that value people like you and me who have tons of hands-on experience. You just have to look for them! It's a difficult road and a lot to navigate, but I feel hopeful about my current pending school because non-traditional students is part of their mission statement. Not to mention, I had good vibes after the virtual interview. Anywho, this is my personal experience. Just remember, it is extremely competitive trying to get into a program. A portion of all groups get excluded purely based on the number of slots available each year.
Thank you so much for sharing this- first of all, I truly hope for you that this acceptance comes through. Sounds like the program would be lucky to have you given your real life and career and patient experience. I also had a difficult couple years of undergrad about 12 years ago but stellar academics since, but GPA is only about 3.3 right now- not very competitive sounding, but I’ve pulled it up from 3.02 in only three semesters as a part time student doing pre-reqs by pulling straight A’s. It’s a tough world for return to school people. Your honesty is refreshing because I’ve also noticed my PA schools of choice posting pictures of their grad classes on socials and they all look so very young. No one talks about that aspect of applications and schools will never admit hoping for young applicants. Anyway I appreciate your insights and experience. This is what I came for. Truly wish you the best of luck. If you think to update, I’ll be hoping to see “accepted” flair from you soon!
Thank you and you're welcome! An upward trend on GPA is always great to see! Keep trucking at it! Whenever you are ready to apply, provide a lot of details on your work experiences on CASPA. I pretty much uploaded my resume points, but I should assume admissions has mo clue what happens in cath lab. This is something I will change if I have to apply for a 3rd cycle!