I'm looking to apply to PA schools after this coming semester. I am currently a post-bac student taking some pre-requisite courses.
I graduated with a BS in biochemistry with a 3.0 cGPA (according to my university's grading scale and after repeated grade replacements) I believe CASPA counts it as a 2.8 cGPA because I've repeated 3 courses (I turned an F, D+, D+ into B+, A, A in advanced physiology, organic chem 1 and 2 respectively).
As a post-bac I have maintained a GPA of 3.6 thus far on 21 credits, and I'm working on 17 more credits this semester. If I continue my success, the CASPA GPA will go up to 3.0. The problem is that by then I would have maybe 170 credits, so even if I got straight A's my GPA will barely see improvement.
I took the GRE back in January 2011, and I scored 1120 (690Q, 430V, 3.5 writing).
I have been a part time CNA since high school, and I've accumulated around 8000 patient contact hours so far and counting.
I have also participated in some chemical research as an undergrad for a year, clinical research in a busy ER for 6 months as an undergrad. I've been volunteering to various different kinds of places, and participated as an officer in 2 clubs on campus.
I have yet to shadow a PA, but I've shadowed an MD a year ago. Since I work at a major hospital, and know plenty of people, it shouldn't be a problem getting a PA to let me shadow them and have them write me a good letter of rec.
So given the above, what do you think are my chances at PA school? I'm going to be applying super early. I really want to get into Northwestern's PA school, as I see their past admitted student's stats aren't so high, and given the fact that I have an upwards trend, tons of clinical experience, decent GRE score, volunteering, research, and likely good letter of rec should I have high hopes?
Are there any things that I could do to improve on my application besides get good grades?
Side-question: Does anyone know which PA school can consider only your latest 60 credits for GPA calculations? I know of 1 school so far, but unsure if there are others.
I graduated with a BS in biochemistry with a 3.0 cGPA (according to my university's grading scale and after repeated grade replacements) I believe CASPA counts it as a 2.8 cGPA because I've repeated 3 courses (I turned an F, D+, D+ into B+, A, A in advanced physiology, organic chem 1 and 2 respectively).
As a post-bac I have maintained a GPA of 3.6 thus far on 21 credits, and I'm working on 17 more credits this semester. If I continue my success, the CASPA GPA will go up to 3.0. The problem is that by then I would have maybe 170 credits, so even if I got straight A's my GPA will barely see improvement.
I took the GRE back in January 2011, and I scored 1120 (690Q, 430V, 3.5 writing).
I have been a part time CNA since high school, and I've accumulated around 8000 patient contact hours so far and counting.
I have also participated in some chemical research as an undergrad for a year, clinical research in a busy ER for 6 months as an undergrad. I've been volunteering to various different kinds of places, and participated as an officer in 2 clubs on campus.
I have yet to shadow a PA, but I've shadowed an MD a year ago. Since I work at a major hospital, and know plenty of people, it shouldn't be a problem getting a PA to let me shadow them and have them write me a good letter of rec.
So given the above, what do you think are my chances at PA school? I'm going to be applying super early. I really want to get into Northwestern's PA school, as I see their past admitted student's stats aren't so high, and given the fact that I have an upwards trend, tons of clinical experience, decent GRE score, volunteering, research, and likely good letter of rec should I have high hopes?
Are there any things that I could do to improve on my application besides get good grades?
Side-question: Does anyone know which PA school can consider only your latest 60 credits for GPA calculations? I know of 1 school so far, but unsure if there are others.
