How to Get into PA School Despite Low Grades, Test Scores or Setbacks on Your Application
Applying to PA school can feel overwhelming, especially with a low GPA, test scores, or personal setbacks. Here’s how to handle these challenges:
1. Low GPA
Retake key courses to show improvement and responsibility.
Emphasize growth and better study habits.
2. Low Test Scores
Focus on strengths like healthcare experience.
Explain how you’ve improved your study skills.
3. Setbacks
Acknowledge personal challenges briefly.
Show how overcoming them strengthened your resolve.
4. Gaps in Time
Explain how life experience led you back to healthcare.
Emphasize your focus and readiness.
Key Tip: Your journey matters more than perfection. Be honest about challenges and show how they made you stronger.
Shadowing a Physician Assistant: The Benefits, Challenges, and What You Need to Know
As an aspiring PA, one of the most valuable experiences you can have is shadowing a practicing PA. This hands-on opportunity not only offers a glimpse into the daily life of a healthcare provider, but also provides invaluable insights into the field you’re preparing to enter. Here’s why shadowing a PA is so crucial and […]
5 Things I Wish I Knew About Clinical Rotations in PA School
I have to admit- starting clinical rotations as a PA student was a bit overwhelming at first (but also exciting)! Everything was new—the pace, the expectations, the amount of information, and the responsibility of working directly with patients. At first, it felt like there was so much to learn and so little time to absorb […]
Common Misconceptions When Going From PA School to Practicing “Real Medicine”
When I first started practicing as a PA, I jumped straight into an urgent care setting. I thought I was ready for anything after the grind of PA school—little did I know, nothing could quite prepare me for what I was about to face. I found myself seeing 50+ patients a day, and I was […]
Lateral Mobility as a PA
If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone about becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) or considered going to PA school, you’ve likely heard the term “lateral mobility.” It’s basically the ability to switch specialties relatively easily throughout your career, regardless of prior job history or training. But like anything in life, lateral mobility comes with […]
The 5 Most Important Non-Technical Skills Every Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) Needs
You want to know what it really takes to be a great PA? Well, it’s not ALL about knowing how to bandage a wound or interpret X-rays (though that definitely helps). To be truly amazing in this role, you need a mix of technical skills and non-technical, soft skills. So what exactly is the difference […]
Dress to Impress: Your PA (Physician Associate) Interview Attire
Are you gearing up for that all-important PA interview? Well, here’s a not-so-secret secret: what you wear matters (yes, even with an online interview)! While your resume might shine with qualifications and experiences, your attire sets the stage for that critical first impression. Dressing appropriately is paramount because it ensures that the focus remains on […]
