Don’t know what I expect out of this post, maybe just hoping someone understands.

I’m 23yrs old working as an immunizing pharmacy technician making $26 hrly. I have 4 years of pharmacy experience which most PA programs don’t care about. Transitioning to a MA or EMT job would be a huge pay cut that I can’t personally take. Not including the money I’d have to pay to get certified to begin with. I’ve only been applying to programs with no PCE requirements for this reason, but I’m still well aware it’s what they value (and yes, I know for good reason. Hands on care is the most valuable asset a provider has).

I’ve applied to PA school several cycles now, fully aware it might take multiple tries, but on cycle 3 and I’m just exhausted of being ghosted and rejected. adding more shadowing hours, getting my GRE up, revising essays and retaking a class for a better grade, nothing seems to help. I’ve given so much time, money, and mental energy to getting in that I’m truly at a breaking point.

I know I’m not entitled. But genuinely nothing could’ve prepared me for how hard this would be.

I’m falling back on becoming a PharmD now because I feel like there’s nothing left for me. I can’t keep watching years of my life go by, but I’m also left mourning the provider I could’ve been.

It’s such a disappointing feeling to be waitlisted after an interview where they said they really liked you, and would love to see you attend their program 🤥

Hi everyone! It’s finally my turn to make a sankey, and I’m so excited! I found out this morning I got accepted into my dream PA program (OHSU), and I immediately signed the offer letter! I’m very proud of the effort I put into my application; I’ve been killing myself for 6 years to cultivate a great resume and prepare myself for PA school, and it feels amazing for it to pay off. I still have to finish one more prerequisite, but no biggie.

Here are my stats:

cGPA: 3.92
sGPA: 3.89
PCE: 2100- most as a MA in family medicine, but some as an EMT.
HCE: none

Volunteer work: 110, designed free sea kayaking program for local teenagers in my community

Shadowing: 120, half in ER in my city, half in rural town. I was lucky enough to be able to stay with the PA I was shadowing, so that was a plus.

Leadership: 1000, on the board for my ultimate frisbee team in college, designed concussion prevention and reduction program for the club sport program with the athletic trainers. Lead MA at my clinic, helped redesign EHR Messaging system and created handbook for the MA team

Teaching: 1600, worked as a TA for organic chemistry department all throughout college, was an instructor for Outward Bound and did a shit ton of field work

Research: 800, published public health research paper and worked as a research assistant in organic synthesis lab

Other notable things I did that I’m really passionate about is I worked/work as a Vaccine Coordinator for the federal Vaccines for Children program. I talked a lot about that during my applications.

To be honest, if I were to apply again I would be a little more discerning about where I chose to apply. The schools I was rejected from admittedly weren’t great fits; I applied because I wanted to live there, and not because I actually cared much about the school’s mission. The only program I actually truly loved was OHSU, so I’m ecstatic that I got in.

I’m currently working on completing the prerequisites I need to apply to PA school, and I’m honestly struggling more than I ever expected. I’m 20 years old, and I already have a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Medical Administration, so this isn’t my first time in college. However, this is my first time taking this type of science-heavy coursework, and I’m finding it incredibly difficult. No matter how much I study or how much work I put in, I can’t seem to understand the material the way I need to. I currently have a 2.7 GPA and a 3.0 science GPA, and I’m worried that I’m not going to be able to get an A in either my psychology or chemistry class this semester. Honestly, I feel like I’m going to fail no matter how hard I try, and I’m starting to question whether I’m capable of doing this.

My long-term goal is to become an emergency medicine PA (ED PA), and it’s something I genuinely want to pursue. However, my biggest fear is that I’m going to end up with a lot of student debt from completing my prerequisites and preparing for PA school, only to never get accepted into a program. Since I already have a bachelor’s degree, I’m trying to be realistic about how much more time and money I should invest in school. I don’t want to keep putting myself into debt if there’s a chance I won’t be able to achieve the career I’m working toward.

Another thing that makes this situation difficult is that my girlfriend is going to pharmacy school, and a lot of my friends are going to medical school. It feels really bad to struggle just to get through my prerequisite classes when the people around me seem to be moving forward with their goals. I can’t help but feel like I’m falling behind everyone else. I know everyone has their own path, but it’s hard not to compare myself to them when I’m struggling to get to the point where I can even apply to PA school. I already have a degree at 20, so I know I’ve accomplished something, but I still feel like I’m behind because I’m struggling with something that feels like it should be the next step toward my future.

I think part of what frustrates me is that I know I’m capable of completing college-level work because I’ve already earned a degree. However, this science coursework feels completely different from what I’m used to, and I’m having a hard time adjusting. I thought my previous college experience would help me feel more prepared, but I’m starting to question whether I can handle the academic demands of getting into PA school and completing the program itself.

At this point, I’m starting to wonder if I should consider pivoting to a different career path instead of continuing to pursue PA school. I don’t want to give up on my goal of becoming an ED PA, but I also don’t want to ignore the possibility that another healthcare career might be a better fit for me. I’m trying to figure out whether this is just a difficult adjustment to a new type of coursework or a sign that I should reconsider my plans before investing even more time and money.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Have you struggled with your science prerequisites but still managed to get accepted into PA school? How did you decide whether to keep pushing toward your goal or pursue a different healthcare career? I would especially appreciate advice from people who have experience with PA school admissions or who have had to make a similar decision. I’m looking for honest, realistic advice about my chances, what options I should consider, and whether continuing down this path makes sense. I don’t want to give up on something I genuinely want, but I also don’t want to spend years and thousands of dollars pursuing a career that may not be realistic for me.

Will I be fine if I just study from the Exam Master questions and the Blueprint Q banks? Also where do I find the exam master questions/ how do I access it?

That’s it. No story here really. It was an interview for a waitlist spot so I knew the only options at this time were waitlist or rejection. I thought I really jived with one of the interviewers. She asked me a lot about my family and my life and barely got to the for real questions. I’m trying not to overthink it, but this process is exhausting and I am very ready for some good news. Hope everyone is taking care of themselves! 💞

Hi everyone, apologies if this has been answered already. I will be a non-traditional applicant for PA school. I have an undergrad degree in music and work in commercial insurance. I currently work 6 days a week—8 hours M-F and 4 on Sunday mornings.

Is it possible to get satisfactory Patient Care Experience while working a full time job in something else? Is it in my best interest to switch to a healthcare role now?

Like the title, I’m a junior at a UC, and I’m struggling with the quarter system. My current GPA is 2.9, after all the stem courses, I have got beat up so bad. I suck at chem and I suck at math. I have 0 motivation to study, 0 motivation to do anything. If I’m struggling this much as an undergrad with these pre reqs, do I even stand a chance to be a PA.

my program is 35 min drive from my house that I stay at for free with family but with traffic can be 45 min drive and especially winter time with snow could be even longer… is free housing worth this commute every day ? (they expect us to be on campus 8-5 M-Th)

other option is renting an apartment ($1,500+) (I can’t do roommates sry) AND buying all the first apartment things which is another huge expense😭

idk what to do cause the loans for rent seems so much and so scary but the convenience and living alone would be so nice 😬

Saw another post like this on here, and just got my news today and wanted to share as well! I have worked as a professional scientist for a few years post-undergrad trying to decide what I wanted to do. For a while, I thought it was a Ph.D. until T*ump kicked the NIH budget in the teeth. The CRO (contract research org.) I worked at closed due to this since we had a ton of government-funded contracts, went to another CRO, hated it, and decided it was time to really figure things out much sooner than I thought I was going to have to.

Cumulative: ~3.4

Science: ~3.1

I have extensiivvveeee and diverse shadowing/healthcare/volunteer hours. My patient care hours sum to about ~2000. This helped a lot, especially where my hours are. I spent a lot of time shadowing different doctors and a PA at my local VA hospital. This also showed me where I wanted to work because the veterans we have are the sweetest. Additionally, I have great GRE and CASPER test scores and completed over half of a Masters in Immunology due to the CRO companies I worked for offering tuition reimbursement and paying for it. I stopped my classes due to changing jobs recently this past summer (the one I currently have is remote, much higher paying, still healthcare related but doesn’t offer tuition reimbursement) and decided to just apply to see what I got. I applied to 3 schools, got one interview and subsequently one acceptance.

I also completed the first half of my undergrad during COVID, and had some life stressors going on in unison during this time. I also retook some of the classes over this past summer that I did not do too well in during COVID in undergrad, and got all A’s (this is crucial to show your upward grade growth over time. I would not retake any classes you’re not confident you will get an A in). Being able to adequately express your circumstances is huge, as well as how you do so in your personal statement (obviously). I am rooting for the underdogs in this group and am here to say YOU CAN DO IT‼️‼️

I've made a couple of posts about my cycle updates, but this time I want to ask about choosing a program. I was lucky enough to be accepted to 3 programs, one I turned down because it's a January start date, and I don't think I'm financially stable enough to quit my job so soon. The other 2 programs start in July 2027.

Option A vs Option B

Option A: Newly acquired continued accreditation, cohort of 30 students max, ~45 min- 1 hr drive from where I'll be living, estimated cost $130,000, has a cadaver lab, small town college, big focus on rural healthcare, 96% PANCE pass rate for class of 2025

Option B: Provisional accreditation, cohort of 30 students, 15-minute drive from housing, estimated cost of $121,000, has Anatomage tables (no cadaver lab), downtown area, focus on community service within my hometown, no PANCE data yet

I'm leaning more towards option A because they have continued accreditation now, but I'm worried about driving 2 hours every day to get back and forth from school. I don't plan on renting closer to campus because I would like to save money. The only perks I see with option B are being closer to home and helping to serve my immediate community.

My mom wants me to hold off on making a decision until I hear back from the other schools I'm still waiting for, but tbh I don't feel super confident about getting accepted to those programs because 3 of which I applied to later (September) after receiving 3 rejections back to back and kind of freaking out. The program I really wanted to get accepted to is super competitive, and I don't think I stand much of a chance with my lower GPA (3.5, sGPA of 3.2) and not having heard anything from them at this point in the cycle.

I would love to hear all of your opinions on this! Please let me know if there are other factors I should be considering!

Instead of making the PA you shadow sign like 10 forms, is it usually acceptable to have them verify hours with a general form or maybe sign something on official letterhead?

Hi everyone! I’m a long time lurker on this page and finally received an acceptance after 3 cycles! I wanted to share with you all some of my stats which will hopefully encourage at least one person to keep pushing forward and not give up on their professional goals!

My first cycle was a “trial run” where I only applied to two schools and based on my GPA, I automatically got an interview where I completed my undergrad.

The last two cycles, I ran up quite the bill and applied to around 15-20 programs each year. This cycle I’ve received three interviews so far. No rejections post interview yet but ONE acceptance! I applied mid-July and had 2 C’s (Ochem and Physics)

Here are my stats:

CGPA: 3.58

SGPA: 3.32

PCE: 3,575 hours (plasma center phlebotomist)

Volunteer: 215 hours

Shadow: 16 hours PA, 64 hours abroad MD

Leadership: 120 hours as Phlebotomy Teaching Assistant

Leadership: 66 hours on ACS E-Board for my university

So I went for 1 month and did not complete classes. I was not in the right mindset and mentally unwell. I was having anxiety from my big move and it affected my academics. I learned I need to be close to home and so this time I plan to apply close to home or where a relative who is a PA lives and live with them and learn if I need help.
Can I apply again? I learned I need a support system
Regardless

Hey guys, I got waitlisted from my top PA program and I am feeling a little defeated. I did send an email after I got the notification to show my continued interest. The admission director reached out to me afterwards and said i am very competitive but I need more shadowing hours. I am trying to get 60 more hours by december but should I aim for more and would this guarantee acceptance? Thank you.

Just be advised for anyone applying to the PA program and thinking they have a fair chance of being considered if you meet the minimum requirements listed on the website: they actually have a first cut minimum GPA of 3.4 to be considered for an interview that isn't listed on their website. Only if you attend their information session do you find this out. I spoke about it with the admissions office, and they kept saying it wasn't a "requirement," just a "preference," but then said it was a cutoff to be considered for an interview... so to me that seems like a requirement. If you don’t pass this first cut the rest of your application won’t be considered. There is a supplemental application with an associated fee. I know from personal experience how much time these applications take, and they cost money as well ($65 CASPA and $100 for their supplemental fee), so I don't want anyone else wasting their valuable time or money on a program that likely won't look at your application if you don't have a 3.4 or above. Hopefully this warns others before applying and getting their hopes up!

Hello, I am going to be applying in the 2028 cycle and have been shadowing lots of PAs. I have two possible LORs willing to be written for me (PA & DO). I have shadowed both for years. I have also shadowed another PA in ortho, while I did not find ortho to be interesting, that PA graduated from the school I would love to get into. She is also loosely tied to the program. How much would it help if I were to shadow her some more and get a LOR from her when applying to that school?

Also, as a side note question. I have a 3.3 cGPA and around 8,000 hours as a paramedic, how do I document in CAPSA my weekly hours as they are not the same each week + I work a lot of overtime. (I work 24 on 48 off, with 24 hours when I take overtime)

Thank you!

I just got accepted to PA school!! I’m so excited, and a bit in shock. It’s wild to think that this whole process is done. This school is my second choice school- I’m waiting to hear back from number one, but I would be happy attending this program.

I do have another interview scheduled next week on Tuesday. It’s for an in state school, but the program is on probation currently- it actually was extended by another 2 years at the program review in early October. The tuition would be significantly cheaper, and it’s about 15 minutes away from my house. Most of the PAs I know went here. If it were my only option, I would absolutely attend. But now, it’s not.

Part of me wants to go because I already have the time off work booked and I do enjoy interviewing, but another part of me thinks it’s not worth it. Thoughts?

I (23F) was recently invited to interview at one of my top choice programs. The invitation: "The evening before the interview, you and your guest are invited to join us for a Campus Tour followed by a Meet and Greet reception where you will have the opportunity to meet our PA Program faculty, staff, and current students. Dinner will be served."

I was considering bringing my mom because I feel like it could only help my interview performance - for example, if she has something in common with a faculty member and we naturally start up a conversation during the meet and greet, it could be a cool point of connection/help them remember me better when they interview me the next day.

However, as a young-ish applicant, I don't want to come off "immature" for bringing my mom and am not totally sure how many other people would actually bring a guest.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!

interviewed today, and extremely grateful for the opportunity! my brain feels like “now what?” I think because the anticipation and preparation weigh so heavily, that now that it’s over I kind of feel “in limbo.”

planning to distract myself by being intentional with my free time and engage in hobbies that I haven’t had time for due to caspa, pacat prep, and the interview. now that I’m free it feels odd.

how did you ground yourself after interviewing?

I was accepted on my first cycle!! I’m thrilled and so grateful but I’ve also been having some mixed feelings because the program wasn’t my first choice.

My biggest concern is that the program is relatively small and not particularly well-known or ranked. I had a genuinely great experience during my interview. The campus was beautiful, the current students had nothing but positive things to say, and the faculty seemed genuinely supportive and invested in their students. I honestly left the interview feeling really good about the program.

Despite all of that, I can’t seem to shake this worry about attending a smaller, lesser-known school.

For context, I currently attend a very small undergraduate university that hardly anyone has heard of, including people who have lived in the area for years. Throughout undergrad, I’ve felt like people questioned the quality of my education simply because they didn’t recognize the school’s name.

I think part of my hesitation comes from worrying that I’ll experience the same thing with PA school. Ive worked so hard so I’m afraid that people won’t recognize the accomplishment because the program doesn’t have much name recognition.

So my question is: Does the PA program you attend actually matter when it comes to employment and career opportunities? Do employers care about rankings or name recognition, or is graduating from an accredited program and passing the PANCE what really matters?

I’m still waiting to hear back from my top-choice program, but realistically, I know my chances are slim.

PA school is a huge investment, and part of me wonders if it is worth spending that much money on a lesser-known program or if I should consider reapplying next cycle to pursue my top choice?

I know I should be celebrating this acceptance, but I am still worried, so I’d really appreciate some perspective! Thank you!