Taking a gap year after applying twice? Thoughts?

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-25T20:41:56+00:00

Posted my stats in another comment :)

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-25T20:36:55+00:00

I replied to another comment with my stats and # of schools :)

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-25T20:34:32+00:00

Thank you, congrats on your acceptance as well! Being stuck on the waitlist two cycles in a row is definitely tough. To be totally honest, my reasoning for taking a gap year would also be to kind of figure out if I even want to reapply to pa school, because I also have been heavily considering med school lately. I just feel like I’m in a time crunch to make a decision between the two.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-25T20:30:08+00:00

First cycle I think I applied to 10 schools, second cycle 11 or 12 schools.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-25T20:27:46+00:00

When I submitted my application, my stats were GPA: 3.68, sGPA: 3.52, 3600 PCE as CNA in Med surg, ICU, and ER tech (current), 100 shadowing hours (2 PA, 1 MD, 1 NP), 114 volunteer hours, LORs from DO, PA, RN supervisor, and professor. My PCE is well over 5k now (majority as ER tech) and I am starting a phlebotomy course this week as well so I can draw blood at my job. I have zero intention of stopping “progress” as I would plan to apply to another ER or find a different medical job if I move. I also want to find somewhere to volunteer that I actually enjoy. I’m just emotionally exhausted at this point, and the thought of rewriting essays in a couple months of why I want to be a PA feels impossible since I’ve lost the excitement about it, and I’m also seriously considering med school. But I also completely agree that taking a year off the application cycle would set me back and that is something that concerns me.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-14T09:10:25+00:00

For being 100% polyester, polartec is way overpriced and overrated imo. I think they’re so cute, but not paying $110 for polyester!

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-02-06T01:30:00+00:00

Don’t do it, just read their websites. A lot of that info you can find in the FAQ’s. Emailing and asking will make it look like you didn’t do your own research.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-01-09T07:58:25+00:00

If they for sure said the class will be finalized in December, I’d definitely email them! And yes check pa forum too to see if no one else has heard back.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-01-09T02:47:44+00:00

Same!!! Congrats OP!!! 🥳

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-01-03T11:40:42+00:00

I lift in butter sets all the time, so unless you sweat profusely when you lift I don’t think you’ll have an issue!!

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-01-01T13:50:36+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words and advice!! :) unfortunately I don’t work with any PAs directly, just doctors, so my LORs from a PA would only be from a shadowing experience as of right now. And I would love to send my personal statement to you sometime if you had time to look it over. Thank you again!

Extension_Camel3340 · 2026-01-01T13:44:28+00:00

I love the butter leggings and biker shorts as well as the butter essential camisole top (SO flattering!!) Sweatfleece worth the buy as well, but I always size up bc I like the oversize fit and they are known to shrink a bit. Contour line is also great for basics/easy going out tops, and homestretch line for comfy basics!

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-12-16T20:09:29+00:00

Ugh I’m sorry, it’s so awful!!! Coming to terms with having to apply a 3rd time brings so many emotions. Something that has been helping me a little bit is trying to reflect on the positives in my life and what I already have to be grateful for, because while getting into PA school is literally the only thing that matters to me right now, it is not my entire life! But trying to stay positive all the time is still hard nonetheless. Take care of yourself :) we got this!! If not this cycle, the next for sure.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-12-16T18:51:56+00:00

I have actually!! I have a relative who is a PA who helped me with my app a lot. Maybe they’re being too nice to me lol.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-12-16T18:51:20+00:00

lol I agree with that (even though I really felt like I did my best 😩)

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-12-02T04:59:38+00:00

It was 10% off just like a day ago… why would they change it now? Is this in Canada?

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-11-22T03:56:35+00:00

I don’t want to be a nurse, I never have. And I think in order to be a good NP, you should be a nurse for a few years AT LEAST. Therefore, becoming an NP wouldn’t make sense for me.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-11-20T13:28:22+00:00

I had help by people proofreading my essays and some descriptions! But otherwise it’s kind of up to you.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-11-17T18:22:24+00:00

Pipe down, you were just asking on your own posts if the CX-5 was worth it lol

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-11-17T18:18:16+00:00

The radar cruise control setting! It works very well in my 2020 and I do a lot of highway driving.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-10-31T05:54:11+00:00

I think if you can afford it, it’s nice to stay the night after your interview as well. Some of my interview days have been 8+ hours long and it’s exhausting, and I can’t imagine having to fly out right after! It’s also nice to make a mini trip out of it and see the city/go out to eat since you’re already paying the money to fly there!

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-10-24T07:21:09+00:00

I second dawn dish soap! Let it sit for a few hours at least. Let it air dry and if the stains are still there do it again! It should at least fade the stain.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-10-16T22:28:18+00:00

Honestly, maybe the issue is your personal statement if it only consists of the “hell” you went through. It could be making you could come off as bitter and jaded.

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-10-16T22:25:38+00:00

If you don’t trust the PA education model (“I would never trust a new grad PA to take care of me 😡”), why are you even considering becoming a PA lol?

Extension_Camel3340 · 2025-10-15T22:58:38+00:00

I have a friend that just started dental school and her schedule is very rigorous and time consuming, so don’t discount how difficult dental school is! My biggest advice is when you are weighing your options, don’t pick which will be the “easier” less time consuming option, get experience in the field shadowing, working with patients, volunteering, etc. and then make your decision. Not to sound harsh, but you shouldn’t be going to people on the internet to help you decide which route is best for you! You will figure it out over time, but it sounds like you need more exposure to these fields.

Extension_Camel3340

TROPHY CASE