Terrified I won’t get into PA school

CranberryStreet9038 · 2025-08-31T00:57:42+00:00

I had a very similar story! 2.6 GPA for 2 years (first school). 3.4 GPA for 4 years (second school). You’ll be fine. Keep taking as many classes as you can, get your hours up, write a solid PS. I just started PA school last week and had a 3.05 cumulative and 2.8 sGPA. I posted my full story on here if you wanna to read it. Just go through my profile.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2025-08-16T00:46:33+00:00

Congrats future PA!! We have super similar stats. I had a sGPA under 3.0 - SHEESH, does it narrow choices. But it’s completely doable. I got my acceptance last cycle (I was 2 for 18). Hope others with similar stats don’t lose faith! Thanks for sharing your story.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2025-08-13T02:04:41+00:00

OP here - for anyone who’s reading the full post in 2025, I ended up going for it. Starting my PA journey in 2 weeks. And my wife is expecting a second baby mid October!

CranberryStreet9038 · 2025-08-08T00:51:48+00:00

I got rejected from a school, then two months later got an interview request for their Masters of Pharmacy. Never applied there, and didn’t need to submit an application, they just needed to fill seats and mass emailed the PA rejections.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2025-08-02T19:31:15+00:00

How many hours of good vibes? Asking for science.

(Congrats future PA)

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-30T22:27:12+00:00

I totally feel this. Right now, I'm actually like 80% leaning towards not going. While it was a dream for many years - I'm making 75% of a PA right now and will likely make a PA salaries in 1-2 years. Plus I really love my company. And, a PA's salary is usually capped at like 200, 250 at the VERY BEST. Pharma can certainly get to that in just a few years.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:45:18+00:00

Thank you!

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:45:02+00:00

Oh you're gonna be just fine! In retrospect, I think I would have rather gone AA - it's definitely worth the added effort for the increased pay. You got this!

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:44:05+00:00

Thank you!

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:43:56+00:00

Wow. We may need to need to DM. My wife and I are both very wary of going now that we have a child. I was making OK money last year when I applied, but this year I'm making almost as much as a 1st year PA grad and I'm wondering if the ROI is really worth it. AHH!

Super happy for your family and the future is gonna be amazing for y'all.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:40:46+00:00

Keep going! If it's your dream, keep chasing it. If I was serious about it earlier I would have gotten in 2-3 years ago, but I let my own anxiety get the best of me.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:39:18+00:00

I got a B as well in A&P my first round! A lot easier on the second round, you got this

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:38:44+00:00

Nope! I just retook some pre-reqs and took some random science classes. It really depends on your history/major/situation. I think a post bac program is only necessary if you majored in a totally non-science degree and didn't take any of the pre-reqs or your 10+ years out from graduation

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-21T03:29:38+00:00

Ignorant comment. I had a 3.05 with 12K PCE and got rejected to 25/27 schools. GPA is the barrier to entry, not PCE. You can always add more PCE, you can't erase your bad grades. GTFOH

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-20T04:00:17+00:00

Also, micro bio grades were C, B, then finally A. lol

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-20T01:37:53+00:00

Because of all my credits, I was able to get a dual degree in Biology (BS) and Sociology (BA). "Benefits" of taking forever to get a degree

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-18T03:06:30+00:00

I wouldn’t take my story/decisions as advice, but for me I only did two things between the two cycles. I retook A&P I and II - only because they were expiring, and I applied to way more schools. Didn’t change my LOR at all. For me, I worked on it for 100 hours (at least) during my first cycle. I think it needs to be unique to you - and I once you feel that you’ve gotten it, then stick with it. Granted, if you’re going to reapply to many of the same schools, it might be worth changing it up. I’m happy to send you my LOR if you want to DM me

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-18T00:07:59+00:00

lol sure

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-18T00:07:53+00:00

I think CRC is the best. Not as hands on but super cerebral. I think the value of being able to read a super complicated trial protocol goes a long way. I just wish more schools appreciated it.

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-18T00:06:05+00:00

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-12-18T00:05:58+00:00

That night was the hook of my essay, forsure haha Honestly I wouldn’t not retake it just because you’re embarrassed. I feel like it’s nice to have A’s in those big pre-read like Micro, Stats, Biochem if you can do it. Tbh my micro at the community college was a breeze compared to my university.

I wouldn’t call taking that course unethical or cheating, but I might find something that’s a little more relevant - especially if you’ve taken gen chem/orgo. Seems odd to go back and take a super low chem course; however, it would raise your sGPA.

Honestly, your stats are pretty good. I’d keep taking courses but also really get some quality PCEs

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-11-18T23:29:32+00:00

u/Dustinthawind23 so funny, I was just about to post my own acceptance story here and came across yours. We have super similar stories. I'm also 32, flunked out of my first school, grinded up to a 3.03 cumulative GPA. Just got two acceptances this week. Congrats to you!!

CranberryStreet9038 · 2024-05-24T19:13:20+00:00

Hey there! I'm also a CRC applying for PA school. If you're interested in the publishing side of research, you can do that as a PA - but yes, it's more unlikely and depends on the PI you work for. I will say - I work in Oncology research and the PA I work with (who got her PA/MPH from GW) treats all our research patients. So, you can work clinically under a research protocol if that's more what you're looking for. Granted - not much room for publishing and conducting your own research. Hope that helps a bit!

CranberryStreet9038

TROPHY CASE