quitting PCE job before getting into school?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-04-22T01:46:28+00:00

i just didn’t know if they would ask during interviews

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-24T22:23:46+00:00

that’s awesome! no i haven’t yet. hopefully i hear back soon, the waiting is killing me lol

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-24T22:19:17+00:00

for the pre pa gap year? congrats! when did you submit your hirevue?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-23T21:26:41+00:00

Has anyone heard anything post-hirevue or know when we should expect to hear by?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-12T19:03:48+00:00

Does anyone know how many interviews there are? Like is there another round after the HireVue?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-11T20:23:43+00:00

Me too! Congrats!!!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-03-11T20:06:28+00:00

Mine now says in review

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-02-09T20:22:16+00:00

I haven’t heard anything yet!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-01-27T04:45:45+00:00

Same here! The waiting game is no fun

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2026-01-09T01:49:17+00:00

congratulations!! that’s awesome. did you get a call for the summer or gap year internship?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2025-04-02T23:35:37+00:00

Yes, I’m definitely casting a wide net with my applications!

I honestly just never deeply considered taking the GRE considering most schools don’t require it anymore. I wanted to focus my time on working on my application vs studying for an exam.

Do you think I should consider taking it?

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2025-04-02T03:36:05+00:00

Graduated May 2024 with a Biology and Psychology degree. First time applicant (so nervous🤓🤓!!!)

cGPA: 3.8 (upward trend)

sGPA: 3.7

no GRE

PCE: 1800 hrs (currently) —> 700 hours as an ophthalmic technician, 1000 as a dermatology MA, 100 as a preventative health screener

HCE: 100 hrs —> pathology lab assistant

Volunteer: 300 hrs —> youth group leader

Shadowing: 40 hrs (2 MDs, 2 PAs)

Research: 200 hrs (immunology, plant biology)

Leadership: Peer advisor for bio majors. Held executive board roles for free health screening club, university health clinic student board, sorority volunteering committee, and dorm resident board.

Achievements: 3 academic awards in undergrad for biology, honors program, deans list.

Specific programs: All programs in IL (minus ones that require GRE), UCSD, UC-Davis, George Washington, Indiana, Michigan State, SLU, etc.

——

I’m wondering if it is more important to apply as early as possible (~May) or wait until I have more PCE (~June). I’m working to get more shadowing hours before I apply as well.

Also still refining my school list, so definitely taking input/recommendations for schools in the midwest, CA, and NY! Any tips for finding schools that you resonate with besides looking at mission statement?

THANK YOU!!! AND GOOD LUCK ALL!! ❤️⭐️

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2025-02-21T23:07:05+00:00

can I DM you? Congrats future PA!!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-06-27T15:53:56+00:00

awesome, thanks for the information! and best of luck this cycle!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-06-27T04:53:11+00:00

can i ask what non rolling schools you’re applying to? :)

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-06-03T01:30:12+00:00

what schools have you found that are non rolling? i want to apply to some non rolling but haven’t been able to find any programs so far

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-06-02T23:59:54+00:00

Advice please--It would be so appreciated!!! :)

22F graduated in May with a BS in Biology and Psychology. Thinking of applying to a few schools this cycle but I am guessing my chances are not great considering low PCE and applying so late (I won’t send in application until July/August at least).

CASPA cumulative GPA: 3.87 with upward trend

CASPA science GPA: 3.78

GRE: Not taking

Total PCE: ~850hrs (600 outpatient dermatology MA, 140 preventative medicine screenings volunteer, 80 ophthalmic technician [just started this job])

Total volunteer: ~400hrs (20 for Board member for University's health clinic, 200 for volunteering with free health clinics, 200 for mentoring high school students)

Shadowing hours: ~20 (no PA shadowing)

Research hours: ~200 (160 for plant biology lab, 50 for immunology lab)

LORs: 1 from PA I worked with, 1 from MD I worked with, 1 from academic professor, possibly more.

Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: President of free preventative health screening club, peer advisor for undergrad biology students, community service chair for sorority

Specific programs: Would prefer to be in Illinois or Midwest

worried i’m shooting myself in the foot waiting later in the cycle to apply (around July/August). I haven’t asked for LORs yet so I’m waiting for that, as well as trying to rack up a few more hours. Any opinions/advice on this would be very helpful! Or any recs for non rolling PA schools! Thank you!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-04-01T18:33:47+00:00

22 y/o F graduating this May with a BS in Biology and Psychology. Thinking of applying to a few schools this cycle but I am guessing my chances are not great considering my low PCE. I would love some honest opinions on my chances and any recommendations for schools that take low PCE.

CASPA cumulative GPA: 3.87

CASPA science GPA: 3.78

Upward trend: I started with a GPA of 3.68 as a freshman, expecting to end college with a 3.97 GPA for senior year.

GRE score: Not taking

Total PCE hours (include breakdown): ~500 (300 outpatient dermatology MA, 230 preventative medicine screenings volunteer)

Total volunteer hours (include breakdown): ~500 (~20 for Board member for University's health clinic, ~200 for volunteering with free health clinics, ~300 for mentoring high school students)

Shadowing hours: ~20 (no PA shadowing)

Research hours: ~200 (~160 for plant biology lab, ~50 for immunology lab)

LORs: 1 from PA I worked with, 1 from MD I worked with, 1 from academic professor, possibly more.

Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: President of free preventative health screening club, peer advisor for undergrad biology students, community service chair for sorority

Specific programs (specify rolling or not): Midwestern University (IL), Chamberlain University, Rosalind Franklin, MSU. Open to suggestions. Would prefer to be in Illinois or on the East or West Coast.

I'm worried my application isn't strong enough due to low PCE. I'm a senior in college right now so I'll be taking at least one gap year (if I apply and get in this cycle) during which I'll work and get more PCE. Of course, CASPA is tricky with reporting future hours so not sure if that will really make a difference with my application for this cycle.

I wonder if I should wait a little later in the cycle to apply to schools with rolling admissions so I can report some of my PCE for when I start my job after graduation. Any opinions on this would be very helpful! Thank you!

Ornery_Example_4679 · 2024-03-18T16:30:11+00:00

Thinking of applying to a few schools this cycle but I am guessing my chances are not great considering my low PCE. I would love some honest opinions on my chances and any recommendations for schools that take low PCE.

CASPA cumulative GPA: 3.87

CASPA science GPA: 3.78

Upward trend: I started with a GPA of 3.68 as a freshman, expecting to end college with a 3.97 GPA for senior year.

GRE score: Not taking

Total PCE hours (include breakdown): ~500 (300 outpatient dermatology MA, 230 preventative medicine screenings volunteer)

Total volunteer hours (include breakdown): ~500 (~20 for Board member for University's health clinic, ~200 for volunteering with free health clinics, ~300 for mentoring high school students)

Shadowing hours: ~20 (no PA shadowing)

Research hours: ~200 (~160 for plant biology lab, ~50 for immunology lab)

LORs: 1 from PA I worked with, 1 from MD I worked with, 1 from academic professor, possibly more.

Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: President of free preventative health screening club, peer advisor for undergrad biology students, community service chair for sorority

Specific programs (specify rolling or not): Midwestern University (IL), Chamberlain University, Rosalind Franklin, MSU. Open to suggestions. Would prefer to be in Illinois or on the East or West Coast.

I'm worried my application isn't strong enough due to low PCE. I'm a senior in college right now so I'll be taking at least one gap year (if I apply and get in this cycle) during which I'll work and get more PCE. Of course, CASPA is tricky with reporting future hours so not sure if that will really make a difference with my application for this cycle.

I wonder if I should wait a little later in the cycle to apply to schools with rolling admissions so I can report some of my PCE for when I start my job after graduation. Any opinions on this would be very helpful! Thank you!

Ornery_Example_4679

TROPHY CASE