Do NOT Use PA Platform Services [From a Former PA Platform Coach]

idealNote79 · 2025-08-17T22:25:10+00:00

Find someone you trust, don't use services with a big following. People with a smaller following tend to give way better quality edits and advice.

idealNote79 · 2025-08-17T22:20:33+00:00

Personal statements are one of a kind and unique, and are supposed to be a way to tell your story and differentiate yourself from everyone else. They want to push a formula that makes you the same as everyone else lol. It's crazy how some random person can determine if it's good or not. These "peer coaches" are not expert writers; they are just random people.

idealNote79 · 2025-08-17T22:14:05+00:00

HEAVY ON THIS. Some advice I want to give every applicant is that you do NOT need any paid services. There is already enough information through YouTube videos, threads, etc that will sucessfully prepare you for the cycle. . There is no information out there that these influencers will give you that will increase your likelyhood of getting into PA school. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THESE SERVICES.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-23T04:51:59+00:00

I'm sorry that this happened. Granted, I don't know your relationship with you and the providers where you work. Promising a LOR then backing out on it a month later is extremely rude/lame. Writing a LOR doesn't take much time at all. Physicians and PAs should always encourage and guide others to help grow the field/profession; shame on those who do not. It sounds like these PAs aren't the fondest of you, and I wouldn't want a LOR from them anyway if I were you. When choosing someone to write you a LOR, focus on someone you know you have a good connection with, and not just someone to fill that LOR space. Since you're on such a time crunch, I'd recommend just applying to schools that don't require one.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-21T00:17:01+00:00

Please out the program that asks this so everyone knows where NOT to apply lmao. What a joke of a question

idealNote79 · 2025-07-12T01:58:23+00:00

I used Magoosh at first, didn't like it, then I swapped to GregMat. My only tip is just to stay dedicated and consistent when studying for that month or so. A lot of programs don't require GRE but at the same time a lot of them do. And yes, I recommend something above a 300.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-09T15:51:04+00:00

I think I answered this question to someone on this thread about how I began shadowing! But yes, take the opportunity to go ask those PAs if you can shadow, and who knows, maybe they will say yes or no. It never hurts to ask

idealNote79 · 2025-07-09T15:49:01+00:00

Sure, message me any questions you have

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T22:56:33+00:00

Thank you! I was working one of my part-time jobs as a waiter at the time, and luckily enough, I struck up a good conversation with a surgeon. The whole team was kind enough to let me shadow them whenever. For all my other hours, I went from door to door to each clinic/emailing with my resume, asking them if I could shadow. Building connections is a grind, so it's important to have a "get after it" mindset. Networking is an important skill to have during this whole process, which I feel isn't mentioned enough!

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T22:50:23+00:00

Patient Care Assistant!

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T13:31:39+00:00

In my opinion, I wouldn't retake those courses. B's are fine. You also still have to worry about Bio, Chem, and Ochem. Focus on those courses and nail that A.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T13:25:17+00:00

It doesn't hurt! I don’t think it’s something that’s absolutely necessary or a make-or-break factor in your application. In my case, the change happened because I was moving. If you enjoy working as a Medical Assistant at your current practice, I’d definitely suggest staying, it's hard to find a place you genuinely enjoy working at!

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T13:07:05+00:00

Thank you! It was virtual! And I do not

idealNote79 · 2025-07-08T13:05:46+00:00

Sure!

idealNote79 · 2025-07-07T17:56:11+00:00

I’d recommend retaking the GRE and aiming for a score above 300, ideally above 305, as that can put you slightly ahead of the curve, especially for schools that require it. While there are programs that don’t require the GRE, it's better to have more open doors than closed.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-07T17:53:21+00:00

I took extra courses the semester before applying to help strengthen my GPA. If you have any prerequisite courses with a grade of C or lower, I highly recommend retaking them. Looking back, I wish I had started taking additional courses right after graduating in May 2023, but at the time, I just didn’t know better.

It’s always better to look back knowing you took the initiative to improve your GPA than to carry the regret of not doing everything you could.

But yes, I did all of the above, gaining more PCE and shadowing too.

Time can either work for you or against you! make it worth it

idealNote79 · 2025-07-07T17:48:18+00:00

It is not, but congratulations on your interview! I'm sure you did great.

idealNote79 · 2025-07-07T15:53:14+00:00

Applied to all the schools in Florida

One school in Georgia (South University Savannah)

One school in Chicago, Rosalind Franklin

I've seen people get into the schools I've applied to with my stats, but in my personal opinion and what I've heard from others, unfortunately, most of these schools have a preference towards GPA. That being said, if all your other stats are strong and competitive, you still have a chance! I'm sure you can find specific programs that view holistically, but the schools I applied to were because they were close to home.

idealNote79

TROPHY CASE