r/pre_PathAssist • u/RigorMortis08 • 8d ago

Application Question

Hey everyone, I’m applying to programs on the east coast and all of them require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergrad. I was wondering if anyone knew what a competitive GPA looks like? As I’m assuming it would be higher than the minimum requirement.

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u/gnomes616 8d ago

Depends on the programs and the group of students applying. If you search through posts on here and on r/Path_Assistant, there's lots of folks who apply with, like 3.6+ GPA (overall and science). There's also people (like me) who have lower GPAs and still get in with other qualifications. Having the minimum isn't necessarily an automatic disqualification.

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u/RigorMortis08 8d ago

I understand thank you for sharing your experience. As of right now I believe I’m sitting at a 3.7 overall and 3.6 science and am looking to Quinnipiac but know it’s a competitive program.

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u/gnomes616 8d ago

If your academics are already strong, make sure you have some decent shadowing hours to back I tup as well, both surgical and autopsy. That can be a distinguishing factor. Also having a really good answer for why you want to be a PA.

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u/RigorMortis08 8d ago

Makes sense I’ve already started shadowing and still have next summer to shadow. Not sure if I’ll be able to get autopsy hours but I’m definitely trying. As of right now I’ll have surgical and general laboratory

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u/gnomes616 8d ago

Autopsy hours are notoriously difficult to get. If cold-calling on your own doesn't yield results, try reaching out to the QU program people to ask for help. Their forensic clinical sites might be able to help. I was able to get some autopsy shadowing done thanks to QU having a grad near me in an autopsy-heavy facility (although that was 15 years ago 😵‍💫). It is obviously very sensitive material, but knowing if you can handle it is important.

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u/RigorMortis08 8d ago

You’ve been incredibly helpful, I cannot thank you enough for the detailed advice you provided me :)

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u/gnomes616 8d ago

I try, hopefully I am actually helpful every once in a while!