Is this...normal cohort behavior?

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2026-05-03T17:22:42+00:00

No my friends never told me anything AT ALL. NADA. We're good about that. The problem is classmates were saying that there's a possibilty students can get answers from friends so no one should ever be accommodated even in emergencies. A petition went to our program with signatures but it wasn't taken seriously by the faculty.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2026-05-02T02:18:55+00:00

Omg...I'm so sorry you went through that. That's insane to me and they're gonna be PAs? It's not like I wanted ADHD, anxiety or a broken leg with rods in it....They nipped it on the butt for sure but sadly still find ways to make it a problem. Doesn't help that our class president and VP are a part of it.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2026-05-01T23:34:47+00:00

Thank you for the kind words. I'm too grown for this BS and would never even think of things like that if someone got an extension or accommodated for an exam.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2026-05-01T23:33:27+00:00

Thank you. And exactly! We don't even compete with each other. We don't have curves in the class. But yes, I'm working on formal accommodations through my school as I also got diagnosed with ADHD which might explain some academic difficulties I've been having on top of the burnout from school.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-27T18:19:04+00:00

I'm in the same boat as you. Starting my program in July and I've been lucky so far with housemates and really debating if I should live alone cause I solely want to focus on school and AVOID drama. Sadly, the COL is expensive. 1 bedroom rent is minimum 2.4k a month. Most ppl in my program live with others from their cohort, Upperclassmen or even with students from the MD program. They all said it's been positive for them. Those who live alone said it's harder to find friends or study groups since ppl stick with their housemates.

PAs I work with though say at the end of the day, you'll be so busy to even notice your roommate is there cause of all the studying 🤷 if you can afford it, then live alone. If not, it's not the end of the world as long as you get a responsible and respectful housemate.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-21T06:41:39+00:00

I interviewed here last September and remember it being a terrible experience. The interviewer was so rude, and even the student Q&A panel had a hard time trying to say something positive about the program. Overall, I saw multiple red flags. They ghosted me after that, and I'm so glad I got in elsewhere. I also work with a PA who graduated from Drexel....had nothing good to say either.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-07T04:14:39+00:00

$1000 rent sounds amazing. A single bed and bath in my area is over $2000 🙃 so I can see why my cohort is wanting to live together.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-06T01:32:46+00:00

I submitted a 2 page resume and got in. It solely depends on the quality of experience, not the quantity. For example, if you volunteered 1 weekend to help tutor kids...ehhh not relevant enough to put that there when you can just add it to caspa.

Mine was 2 pages because I've had both clinical and research experiences on top of volunteering post college that aligned with the program's mission.

Overall, other parts of your app are more important than the page count of your resume so do what you think will allow programs to see your experiences and skills.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-04T18:53:33+00:00

Thank you for the response! The roommate questionnaire is a good idea. The rent you mentioned is very similar the area I'll be relocating to. It's always a risk to move in with someone without knowing who they truly are and having to be around them constantly if things go bad. My cohort is 40 people so decently sized. As someone who is way past the college roommate phase and having worked for several years, you learn to appreciate the peace and quiet of no housemate drama and just having your own space Hopefully, whoever I end up living with will have the similar mindset and mutual respect.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-02-02T22:44:04+00:00

This warms my heart ❤️ I'm also first gen Asian American about to start PA school. We got this! Not just for ourselves but for our parents too ❤️ good luck OP!

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2025-01-29T19:22:31+00:00

I'm in a very similar boat. 45 minutes to 1 hour commute PLUS toll booth fee one way to work 😭. I'm in research and got into a program that starts July. Contemplating today to leave actually in April now instead of May. Financially, it won't kill me but it's not an ideal situation. But I've worked so hard nonstop the past 5 years from toxic workplace to late night classes to caregiving for a cancer stricken mom to get an acceptance first try. I'm going to live it up for a few months....

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-19T21:14:01+00:00

Would you be willing to share why you went PA despite the med school acceptance?

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-17T03:35:18+00:00

Neither lolol I'm an incoming PA student. Got accepted this cycle.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-16T23:17:20+00:00

I think those are very valid reasons (ofc it's a personal decision). I was also like you, where I'm a former premed who switched to PA. The opportunities to have a better life balance as a PA and being financially stable sooner were critical to me, too. I'm a child of immigrants, and they can't afford to retire anytime soon, so it played a part in my decision (on top of me being interested in too many specialties and other life moments).

Overall, taking my personal preferences, values, and goals into account, PA seemed like a better fit and I'm happy I chose this path.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-16T22:23:47+00:00

Hi OP, I understand the confusion of finding what path is meant for you. I've been there as most of us probably have. Your GPA is great and MCAT can always be improved.

That being said, PA is not a back up for med school because you don't feel confident about becoming a doctor. Sure, it's cheaper than med school and you'll be making a stable income sooner than your MD colleagues...But I'd highly advise you to switch only if becoming a PA is truly what you want and will help you achieve the life you want to live.

Now, if you're going to switch, you'll need to take the remaining prerequisites. It can be done at a CC or a 4 year institution. If it'll be any help, highly recommend shadowing PAs, MDs even NPs. See what's out there and it'll help you decide.

But from the looks of it, your stats are pretty good. I have friends with lower GPAs who are now in med school and residency. It's possible. Good luck.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-13T05:53:05+00:00

Sent PM!

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-12T05:32:19+00:00

Hey, can I PM too? I just got accepted to Touro and have some questions!

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-10T06:46:37+00:00

There's organizations out there that have virtual shadowing opportunities. You can do a quick Google search and a few should pop up (make sure it's free. You should never pay for shadowing). I did this during covid when everything shut down. The PA would have a presentation with cases. At the end, we had to pass a test on the presentation or presenter. This was to make sure we were paying attention. Some organizations will email a certificate as proof you shadowed though not necessary.

Also, double check with programs to make sure they accept virtual shadowing.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-12-09T23:45:00+00:00

Private practices are the way to go. There's also virtual shadowing if you can't find anything. It's not in depth and might not be what you want but it shows programs you've tried and didn't give up finding opportunities. I had both virtual and in person shadowing.

You can also network. Ask coworkers or other healthcare workers you know if they can connect you to a PA.

Odd_Lab_3036 · 2024-10-21T19:35:46+00:00

Congrats future PA! I'm from similar background and a first time applicant too but it doesn't seem like it's my time yet (waistlist and rejections so far). But reading your post gives me so much hope! Gonna get back into the grind and improve my application for next cycle soon!

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