Balancing between pre-reqs and applying early

When I applied for school I had 2 pre-reqs in progress (Anatomy and Physiology II And Organic chemistry). I know there is a lot of emphases placed on applying as early as possible.


I submitted my CASPA in April (less than 2 weeks after the application opened) and I finished my two remaining classes in May. However, after my CASPA application was completed and verified it wasn't mailed to my designated programs until mid June! (This was the first mailing of applications for CASPA, as I contacted them and asked them when they were going to get mailed out).



Before I was accepted to Pacific University I did investigation as to why I was not considered at other schools for an interview. 


A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ was my first rejection letter.   When I finished my remaining pre-reqs in May, I had sent the school my official transcripts with the final grades. It was my desire that they would at least see that the courses were completed in order to give me a better chance to get an interview. 


After receiving the rejection letter I wanted to get an Idea of how to make my application stronger if I needed to apply next year. when inquiring and how I could make my application better for next year, they said that they could not consider those transcripts I sent unless I was given an interview. (bummer) The committee also mentioned, besides the program being competitive, that if I had all of my pre-reqs completed I would have had a better chance of an interview! 

Each program is different and each acceptance committee looks for different important attributes from applicants. Its all about balance. If an applicant has an amazing application and fits what the program is looking for, but they have 2 pre-reqs in progress, they may easily consider this applicant. 


It is my opinion that one may have better chances of getting an interview if it shows on the CASPA that all pre-reqs are completed. The CASPA application process usually begins April 18th, and for those who are finishing pre-reqs in May it might be a good idea to wait 3 weeks or so and submit the CASPA with the pre-reqs completed, rather than 'in-progress'.  


Since the first mailing of CASPA applications are not sent out until the middle of June, this would be enough time to send CASPA transcripts and have the application submitted with the pre-reqs completed. 


This is not a perfect 'glove-fit' for everyone, not everyone's circumstances are the same. I was blessed, and lucky enough to get accepted with two pre-reqs 'in-progress' on my application. However, if there is anyway to have increased chances of getting an interview, I feel it would be worth considering. 

PA coaching, is it worth it?

I felt it would be worth it to mention a path I was looking into before I was accepted to PA school. I had read Andy Rodican's book:

 "The ultimate guide to getting into Physician Assistant School"  

This book I found to be VERY helpful in my process of getting accepted to PA school. It only cost me around $17 or so, and I figured anything that could give me info on getting into PA school would be worth investing in. 

After receiving a few 'rejection letters' I thought it smart to look into my approach of applying for next year (in case I wasn't accepted). I did a lot of research and came across a service that a few people offer, this is 'PA coaching'.

If one is committed to becoming a PA they will be willing to invest hundreds, if not a thousand or more dollars to get accepted to PA school. Yes of course if accepted one will have to pay for tuition costs, but if being a PA is the goal and passion, nothing should stand in the way.

I decided that investing in a PA coach would be worth the investment for my desire to become a PA. (I however did not have to follow through on this because I was fortunately accepted this year). It is my opinion that getting help in the form of a 'PA coach" would be worth the investment. Its hard applying to PA school alone and having someone who knows the process, will review your personal statement, and do a 'mock interview' with you when accepted for an interview will be such an amazing benefit.


Many PA coaching programs offer a money back guarantee or a second year of coaching free if you are not accepted with their help.

This is not always the best fit for everyone, however it is worth looking into, and could be that extra push you need to make it into the PA program you want to get into. 

Below are a few of the coaching programs I have found, I have no personal connection with any of these programs, these are just a few that I have found in my own searching:

Andy Rodican

Dave the PA coach 

Last but not least...

 I was under the impression that I would receive no more contact from other schools that I had applied to. It was around 8 months ago when I actually applied. Some schools I did receive rejection letters fairly quickly, and other schools I received nothing... At the end of January I received an email from the University of Toledo inviting me for an interview!

I had already made my choice to go to Pacific University, however it was still very flattering to get another offer for an interview. Especially because I thought I was not going to get any more contact from other schools. I just thought I would let everyone know the exciting news that made me feel good to be wanted by another program. 


I am VERY happy with my decision to be a part of Pacific University and they have been my top choice since I started this journey and I couldn't be more happy with with my selection. I should be in contact with the rest of my class this month, a forum is being created by Pacific that will allow our class to ask questions and get to know each other. Stay tuned for this next part of my journey!

Words cannot explain!

The phone range while I was driving home from work, I looked to see who it was and although I didn't know the number, my iphone said "Oregon" under the number. I knew immediately who it was. My heart started thumping very hard, I could hear it in my ears. I answered it as quickly as possible.

"hello"

                                  "Is DJ there?"

"yes this is him"

                                   "Hey DJ, this is Leah from Pacific       

                                    University's PA program"

"Hey Leah how are you?"

                                "I'm calling to say congratulations!
                                the committee wants to offer you a
                                position in the graduating 
                                class of 2014 for the school of 
                                Physician Assistant studies!"

My smile went so big I almost broke the car door windows with my cheeks! The first thing I did (after yelling out-loud of course) was call my wife and we screamed at each other on the phone with excitement! 

  

December 6, 2011

Dear DJ,

Congratulations! It is our pleasure to offer you admission to the Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies. Your application and interview were of exceptional quality and we believe you will add to and benefit from the opportunity to be a member of the entering class of 2012. At Pacific University we know you will gain an outstanding education that will thoroughly prepare you for the field of Physician Assistant Studies. You will find the faculty, staff, students, and the University committed to the highest academic standards. We are all supportive of your efforts to succeed and hope you will join us in 2012. 

  I couldn't believe that all of my hard work finally paid off, and it was SUCH a blessing to get accepted the first time I applied. I was floating on air, and the feeling seemed to last for weeks. Honestly it still hasn't gone away! 

One of the PA's that I shadowed explained to me that it is such a good feeling to finally get accepted. He said its deserved for all the hard work that is put in to get accepted. He then explained that the hardest part about PA school is getting in... because nothing else can happen unless your accepted! Now don't get me wrong, I understand that its not going to be a breeze for the next few years going through PA school. In fact i assume its going to push me to my limits at times, at least that's what I have picked up while reading other PA student blogs. I look forward to this amazing opportunity and this upcoming challenge.