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Putting it in perspective: Getting into PA school is not your whole Life

in pre-pa, Uncategorized on 04/24/17

Photo credit: Morguefile @johninportland

 

Getting into PA school is not your whole life. SAY WHAT?!? It feels like it’s your whole life, like your entire future depends on it. And now the next CASPA cycle is about to open; it’s time to apply to Physician Assistant school. Thrilling, right?

 

And terrifying, right?

 

Yep, we get it.

 

It’s only one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, so it’s understandable if you’ve got a case of the jitters. Applying to PA school will exhilarate and intimidate you all at once, an ulcer-inducing joy ride, complete with hairpin turns and the possibility of plummeting to certain doom.

 

Is that too extreme?

 

Okay, maybe. It does sound a little melodramatic, but the process of applying to PA school can feel that way some days.

 

Morguefile: @Jusben

 

You want to apply with confidence, not arrogance, with credentials and volunteer hours, with a fantastic GPA and generous health care experience. It’s a tall order; how can anyone do it all?

 

It takes time and perseverance

Reality check: many PAs had to apply to PA school more than once.

 

Think about that.

 

Not to discourage anybody, but the reality is that you might have to apply more than once.

 

You could have a couple reactions to that idea…

  • Oh man, I might not get in this year even after I’ve done so much work? **Groan** You’ve got to be kidding me.
  • Oh man, if I don’t get in this year, what will I need to change so my application is even better next year?
  • Oh man, I might not be a practicing PA for a few years, since PA programs are two+ years long. That feels like forever from now.

 

It’s true that the PA school process can take some time. You have to be realistic about all the factors that go into being offered a spot in a program. Many of those factors take time for one individual to accumulate.

 

This does not make it impossible.

 

In fact, it makes being a PA even more estimable because the entry process is so arduous. Those who have been accepted and complete their programs have usually done so because of great determination and sacrifice.

 

 

No matter what, you are still a valuable human being

Here’s the thing: it’s so easy to feel like a failure if you don’t get into PA school. Let’s back up; it’s easy to feel like a failure if you don’t even get an interview, much less an actual spot in a program. You’ve worked so hard to craft the perfect application, combed through your experiences to find every hour of patient care, diligently recorded your test scores and grades, gone over and over your personal statement essay so it’s tight and articulate. How did they not even ask you for an interview? It can really sting.

 

Even if you don’t get into PA school, it does not mean you are a failure. You are still a great person, someone who is important and makes a difference in the lives of those around you. This set-back doesn’t define you.

 

It’s just a matter of numbers — cold, impersonal numbers.

 

There are a finite number of openings. For example, let’s say you apply to an average program that has 50 seats available. On average that program will have (at least) 1000 people apply. Their acceptance rate is only 5%. It might be nothing personal about your application, it might simply be that someone else in those 999 other applicants has a stronger overall application, grades that were just a tad higher, a bit more experience, and that’s just enough to edge you out.

 

The school that doesn’t offer you a spot is not necessarily saying you won’t ever get one.

 

Don’t let rejection define you.

 

Instead, let it motivate you. Let that “failure” light a fire under you and serve as motivation. Let it power you to work harder, dedicate more energy, seek out knowledgeable people with helpful suggestions for improvement.

 

We know you can do it. You’ve got this. And we’re here to help if you need us.

 

Our coaches have all been through the process and have great insights to share with you. Consider using our services so you know you’re putting your best foot forward. Check out our Services page for more details. 

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

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Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

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Angela, accepted at Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Coaching Package

I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

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Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

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Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

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Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

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Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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