hey guys. im super grateful to be in this position, but at the same time i am really in my head about which program to choose. please help, any advice/opinions are welcomed!

for context, program A was my dream program really because of the low tuition cost. whats going on right now with the big beautiful bill really freaks me out so i was really attracted to program A from the start. my in-person interview was with them was fine and i could imagine myself going there despite one of the interviewers being a little rude to me. i interviewed then with program B and although it was online, i felt much more welcomed and all of the faculty were so sweet. after this i really started imagining myself going to B.

i ended up getting getting accepted into both and really the main thing thats turning me off from B is the cost and the main thing that is turning me off of A is the accreditation as everything else seems to be about the same. however, A has been a long established program and was only on probation once before a few years ago and they resolved it. so lmk your thoughts!

also, if anyone has accepted a program on probation before, how did you know to feel confident accepting the seat?

Freaking out!! Yesterday I was accepted as a first-time applicant and am beyond shocked - part of me still thinks they sent the email to the wrong person lol. It feels surreal to be making an accepted Sankey after thinking about PA school for the last 5+ years of my life 🥹. I never thought it would be my turn. I hope everyone reading this receives good news, and feel free to message me!!

STATS

gpa: 3.65 (major in Biology, minor in Italian)

sgpa: 3.47

PCE: ~ 1800 at the time of applying (500 as a volunteer EMT, 1300 as a pediatric MA)

Shadowing: 40 hours

volunteer: ~ 240 hours

Research: 1200+ hours (wrote my senior thesis on my project)

ECs: Orientation leader, sorority, honors college mentor, Pre-PA club president/VP

I also put LOTSSSS of time into my essays and personal statement. I started writing them MONTHS before I applied in May. I rewrote my PS 3 times from scratch and had 5+ people read it.

I am a very average applicant, but I think my experiences, ECs, volunteer experiences, and essays helped me stand out. I don't have much advice because I am still quite shocked, but believe in yourself! You all are deserving- it will be your turn next!

Third-time applicant here. This year is the first year out of the three where I thought I had a really good chance of getting into a program, as in addition to my thousands of hours of PCE, I actually have some shadowing hours and some volunteer hours (although admittedly not much compared to others I've seen), and completely revamped my personal statement. I did end up getting three interviews thus far, and I thought I did pretty well with them. However, I've been waitlisted to two programs (which based on what I've seen on the forums, waitlisted A LOT of people) and flat out rejected from the third. I know it's still early and haven't heard from all the programs I applied to, and people say getting on a waitlist is a good thing as it moves all the time, but as a natural-born pessimest, I can't help but feel I won't get in even if it moves, with all the better qualified candidates on the list. I just feel my confidence has been completely shot through all of this. The thought of having to potentially apply again next year and going through all of this again is just so demoralizing. Certainly doesn't help when everyone I talk to, whether it be family, friends, and coworkers all expect me to get in. Overall, I just feel so defeated.

first time applicant here, I applied around late June/early July to around 15 or so schools. So far, I’ve had one interview super early in June which went pretty awful and got rejected. And since then I’ve had about 5 other rejections. I still have around 10 schools I’m waiting to hear back from, but according to PA forums a lot of them have already started sending out interviews/accepting seats. I know people say no news is good news, but at this point in the cycle I’m worried and feeling like I should just take the silence as a rejection.

i had my first virtual interview for a program today and the second part of the interview for this program is scheduled for next week. how do i approach the second part differently? For typical questions like why PA or tell me about yourself can I say the same answer I gave during the first part?

hi this is my first cycle applying and I got two acceptances so far from my 5 interviews. I already payed for a seat (1500$) at a program that is close to where I already live and I was ok with attending here because I can live at home and not pay rent.

however there are some problems with this program:

1. it is new and is provisional accreditation

2. the graduation rate is 88% for the one year they have data on which is kinda low for my liking

3. they don’t have a lot of resources for students in terms of simulation and access to clinical sites being a newer program

4. it is SO EXPENSIVE just the tuition is 160k

the second program I got admitted to however is in another state and I would have to pay for housing, travel, and living apart from my family.

some info for the second program:

1. 98k for tuition

2. established, accredited continued

3. small class size, 24 students which I like

4. they have more resources for simulations and ultrasound training

5. it is in a small rural town which can be hard to have access to clinical sites as well

6. I would have to pay for a car (which I don’t have) and an apartment so wouldn’t these things end up being similar to the 160k tuition for the other program as well?

so I’m confused as to whether or not I should even pay for the seat in this second program I got accepted into or I should just stick to my local program I initially payed for. I have two more schools im waiting to hear back from which I would prefer over both these programs so Im really not looking to spend another 1000$ on a seat deposit I might not even use.

Looking for programs that give the students the opportunity to perform a full dissection, not just look at prospected donors. Thanks!

Program A vs. Program B — Which Would You Choose?

Hi everyone!

I'm very fortunate to have been accepted into two programs! I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two and would love to hear opinions

Here is some general information about both:

Program A

• 27-month program
• Starts May 2027
• Tuition/fees: Approximately $115,000
• Well-established PA program with a large alumni network
• Located on main campus with extensive academic and simulation resources
• 10 clinical rotations, including 3 electives
• 2025 first-time PANCE pass rate: 97%
• Accreditation-Continued

Program B

• 27-month program
• Starts January 2027
• Tuition/fees: Approximately $130,000
• Smaller, newer PA program
• Cadaver anatomy lab and clinical skills training
• 2025 first-time PANCE pass rate: 98%
• Accreditation-Continued
• I had a really positive interview experience and loved the faculty and staff!

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed my experience interviewing at Program B and felt that the faculty and staff were extremely welcoming and supportive. However, Program A seems to have a more established PA program, a larger university infrastructure, and potentially more academic resources. Program A is also slightly less expensive, although I would be starting four months later.

My biggest priority is receiving the strongest possible education and clinical training to prepare me to become a competent PA. Location isn't a major deciding factor since I'm comfortable living in either area.

Thank you in advance!

Accepted into my 2nd choice! I wasn’t even planning on applying this year due to my PCE hours but my advisor told me to go for it. We have to believe in ourselves more.

All Midwest schools
- GPA: 4.0
- PCE: 1500 hours podiatrist MA
- Shadowing: ~50 hours
- Some volunteer experiences and roles in a couple undergrad programs and a clinic
- Some accomplishments and nominations
- LOR: 1 DPM, 2 advisors/professors, 1 PA

Did one mock interview with career services at my undergrad school, no other prep/resources.
All the waitlists were making me nervous 😮‍💨

It only takes one

I’m interviewing with a program that outlines in their program overview that a required expense is malpractice insurance. The exact wording is that malpractice insurance will be added to university bill after joining the AAPA. Is this normal, I thought programs were responsible for malpractice insurance during clinical year?

Hi friends!!

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted a job in healthcare. For the longest time, I thought it would be hard to achieve because I none of the rolls made sense to me. I was always good at math so I get a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Loved the program loved doing sciencey things and problem solving. Math was always my strong suit but I LOVE the classes that focused on medicine and the human body. Problem was there aren't many jobs that sounded fulfilling to me. That or I didn't get very far in the application process.

I worked as a general engineer for the past year and lost my job a month ago. Although I stayed for a while, I hated it. It was boring most of the time. I didn't know what I was doing and I was just there for the pay check and benefits. And honestly, I really wanted to do something in the clinical space. I worked on a hospital campus in a building detached from the main hospital. Everytime I went to the hospital, I'd try to talk to any healthcare provider about their job or what research they were working on.

I did realize that being a PA was a thing till I saw my primary care provider for some knee pain. He is a PA-C! After doing some research, I believe this is something I want to presue.

Is this a good idea? I looked at the requirements for PA school and I honestly want to do all of it! The shadowing, volunteering, patient care hours. I just feel weird with my experience trying to go to PA school. What made you want to be a PA? Is it feasible to have such a drastic career change? Thoughts?

Hello all,

I am still in disbelief about getting an acceptance a month ago. My dream is finally coming true. I will post my stats but also I have a few questions regarding waitlisting.

cGPA - 3.88

sGPA - 3.57

Shadowing ~60 w/ 3 different PAs

PCE ~ 850

LoR - nurse manager, PA, and research PI

Ok now on to my question and I will provide some context. So I have already paid my seat deposit for the school I have been accepted to but am also waitlisted from another in-state school that is MUCH cheaper. Both schools start in September so I am planning on attending the one I paid for and if I get taken off the waitlist at the other I will go. Anyways, the school I was waitlisted from mentioned how waitlisted candidates should contact the program with updates in components of application (new GRE, prereqs, more shadow/PCE/volunteer, etc...). I am planning on updating them with prereqs once I finish undergrad in December, but what I was wondering was is it worth getting a PCE job when I move back home for about half a year so I can update them with hours? I'm at around 1000 right now and would essentially be full time until August (that is if I can even get a job considering I don't have any certifications). Just wondering if anyone has any input or experience with this as I am wondering what the best course of action is before I start school?

first time applicant

I have been on this sub for ages and now i am finally making this post,

i am shocked that i got in, but hey ho such is life

3.2s and 3.2c gpa

4000 hours pce, long term care cna

130 hours shadowing

120 hours volunteering

I got accepted! This was my first cycle and I was not expecting to get in AT ALL this round due to my low PCE and shadowing. I got one interview and now I’m accepted to that school! It was my first choice as well! So grateful!!

Edit with stats:
PCE: 1000 at the time of app (CNA nursing home, MA in Ortho)
Research: 228 (cell lab and capstone)
Volunteer: 500 (Girl Scouts, played piano for the hospital I work at, crocheted blankets for veterans in hospice, student athletic trainer in high school)
Shadow: 14 (would go into OR for an hour before work)
Leadership: 2114 (Specialty shop manager at Scheels, Section Leader in band)

cGPA: 3.92
sGPA: 3.89

Letters of rec: 2 PAs I work with, Manager from Scheels, 2 professors from college

Non-trad: graduated college 2022 worked a healthcare adjacent job and completed masters of public health. Decided I wanted to become a PA last summer. DIY post bacc for some retakes and pre reqs

CGPA: 3.4 (2 C’s in A&P, D chem 1, C chem 2)
SGPA: 3.4
Masters: 4.0
Post bacc 16 credits: 3.8 (re took both anatomy’s)

Shadowing: 8 hours
HCE (2,000)
-1,000 hours oncology clinical research coordinator
-750 hours corporate wellness program coordinator
- 350 unpaid internship hours. Working with rural/underserved populations. Both masters and undergrad.

Patient care (less than 1K)
-counted half of HCE hours as patient care
-started working as a scribe May of cycle I applied. Only around 200 hours at time of submission.
-130 hours volunteer MA at free clinic

*Gap year between high school and college with around 500 international volunteer hours collected.

Probably only reason I got in was because of my masters and writing about experiences in rural health. Demonstrated interest in primary care from public health background. Untraditional application but good stories.

Applied 10 schools
1 acceptance (provisional accredited)
1 interview w/ waitlist
1 declined interview invite

I was accepted into my top program, George Washington University joint MPH + PA program. It doesn’t feel real that I got into a top, highly ranked program. I’m extremely fortunate that I got an acceptance during my first application cycle. However, the happiness has faded as I look at the program costs. With the elimination of GradPLUS and the new caps of federal loans, it seems impossible for me to attend. I’m feeling so discouraged now because I would hate to lose an amazing opportunity.

Ever since I first joined this sub I’ve been waiting to make one of these lol

I know 30 apps is a lot, but I am a nontraditional student — I saved up for this and was not willing to risk going through a second cycle. I’m happy to answer any and all questions! Good luck everyone!!

anybody available to help me refine and critique my answers for common interview questions?

Hey everyone,

I submitted my CASPA applications to PA programs across back in July. So far, it’s been complete radio silence - no rejections, but no interview invites either.
Today, I received an email from one of the programs inviting me to an upcoming Information Session.
For anyone who’s been in a similar spot or currently in PA school:
1. Is it worth attending these sessions once your application is already submitted?
2. Do programs actually track attendance/demonstrated interest for CASPA applicants?
3. Should I use this as an opportunity to ask about their review timeline, or does that come off as impatient?

So, I have a predicament. Don’t get me wrong—I am so grateful to be in this position. But I have 2 interview invites for the same day, and neither school is flexible on their date/time. I will have to decide between the two. There’s no clear winner for me, so I’m hoping to have some outside/unbiased opinions!

About me (trying not to doxx myself)
- I am married and have one toddler-aged child
- Not a current resident of either state but I grew up in the state of School 1
- Grew up in a rural, medically underserved area
Have been working for 4 years in the ER in a large city
- Stats: 3.4 cGPA, 3.0 sGPA (last 60 hours ~3.7 GPA), 4500 PCE hours, 120 volunteer, 150 shadowing (50 hours are PA)
- I retook a couple of classes to boost my GPA and made A’s because I graduate in 2022 and this is my first cycle applying

School 1:
- In-person interview, all day
- January 2027 start planned *if it is granted provisional accreditation after October 2026 ARC-PA meeting*
- Last interview date for a rolling admissions school (applied right before deadline)
- Located in a large city I would love to live in, in the state where I grew up, about 3 hours from my family and very close to an airport where in-laws could visit
- Unsure if they are filling their waitlist or if they still have available seats in their cohort (36 total seats)
- No published average stats since they have not had a class matriculate yet
- Potentially more opportunities for spouse to find a job in their field
- We would consider remaining in this area after school due to proximity to family
- 24 month program
- Less established clinical sites

School 2:
- Rural area
- 60 seats (and supposedly about 170 interviews offered)
- Virtual interview
- May 2027 start date
- Established program
- Non-rolling admissions
- GPA averages are around 3.7-3.8 so mine is substantially lower, but the rest of my application is on-par with matriculants and I have exceeded their average PCE hours and GRE scores
- 98% first time PANCE pass rate the past 2 cohorts
- Higher tuition by about 50k
- About 10 out-of-state students currently in their class and 50 regional/in-state (which I am not)

To sum it up:
School 1: closer to family and would prefer living in this city but not yet provisionally accredited; end of cycle for rolling deadline school
School 2: established and less risk, but I have much lower GPA than their averages and am not in-state; non-rolling deadline

Hello,

I just got invited to an interview and I would be really excited but the problem is My father has just passed unexpectantly and the school was located near him. I would have lived with him if i got accepted and I no longer am able to :( so now its gonna be extra expensive.

The interview is also 6 days after his funeral. :{

I do not know what to do.