The median PA undergraduate GPA is 3.6 with a median of 2,634 hours of patient care experience according to the PAEA's 35th PA program report (released 2020).

@khadijarabbani9576

3 жыл бұрын

Hi John! What do you think of a 3.5 gpa? Do you recommend retaking classes or just focusing on PCE hours?

@khadijarabbani9576

3 жыл бұрын

Hi John I have a 3.5 undergrad GPA do you recommend I focus on PCE hours or retake classes ? Since a 3.5 is below average

@mandupicante9344

3 жыл бұрын

me with almost 5,000 hours 😭

@khadijarabbani9576

3 жыл бұрын

@@mandupicante9344 whats your gpa?

@mandupicante9344

3 жыл бұрын

@@khadijarabbani9576 i currently have a 3.6 gpa in undergrad

John just found your page and gosh all the info and transparency is totally appreciated !!! Okay especially since I’m a not a traditional applicant and changing careers.

Subscribed!

Hey John! I just graduated from my undergraduate last year. I am in my gap year right now and decided to go back to do my pre reqs. My major has a GPA OF 3.8, minor of 3.7, but overall added to 3.265 because of some hard gen ed science classes I had. So I have 3-4 C’s for my gen ed classes. I plan to aim for a B average for all my pre reqs for pre-PA classes. So it is discouraging when I was young and struggling (working so much while being a full time student for personal family reasons) and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life yet. How do you think the schools when it comes time to apply will view this? I’m not a perfect student and my path was not a straight line, but I would hate to apply and then get rejected. I need 5-6 courses then I’ll be ready to apply. Any advice?

Hi John, I’m going to become a senior this incoming semester. I also plan on taking a gap year before applying to PA school. My major concern in regards to grades is the D+ I made in Orgo 1. I retook the class and made a B+. However, I also took Orgo 2 and made an A in it. Another concern is the W I received in Physics, but I’m retaking that now at the moment (major required it). I also made straight Bs in Gen Bio and Gen Chem. My cumulative Gpa is around a 3.61, while my science GPA is a 3.39. I plan on taking genetics and biochemistry later. Am I in “ok” shape?

I finished undergrad with a 3.2 overall GPA. I have my MS in clinical nutrition and work professionally as a registered dietitian. Hoping to apply by the end of next year for a career change!

Hi. I’ve family & 3 kids. Came in as a refugee. My gpa is 2.9 but I’ve been working as a lab tech in my senior year for 1 year and even published 3 abstract with my mentor. My reason for low gpa was poor life decision at my freshman and sophomore but my junior and senior year was B+ and A’s however it’s too late to bump my gpa. What do you think I should do going forward ??? I graduate in 6 months

Hi John! Really appreciate the info/videos you put out on this channel! I'm about to finish my undergrad with a 3.4. I plan on taking more science classes to keep myself involved in studying and will be working as a phlebotomist (recently certified!) during my gap year. I plan on applying to PA programs in 2022. Although the extra classes will not contribute to my undergrad GPA ,will PA schools still look at these grades especially if they're science-related courses?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, include the post-bac courses into CASPA and they will be considered

Hey so this is my situation. I’m currently a senior in college and I graduate in December. I am most likely going to graduate with a 2.8-2.9 gpa with a bachelors in speech therapy. I took a few basic science classes like biology 1010, chem 1000, psychology. I took anatomy 1 last year and did really good and I am taking anatomy 2 next semester as well as medical terminology and intro to human diseases. I will be getting my phlebotomy certification this summer and I am planning on doing some shadowing and volunteering as well. I was also planning on taking some pre reqs at a community college next year and getting an emt cert. Do you think this is a good strategy and will this make me competitive applicant?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, I know you're reaching out for me to validate your plan and nothing in it appears off but I can't attest if you'll be "competitive" as that's entirely up to PA programs. Also you may need another bio and chemistry class in regards to pre-reqs so I would verify that everything matches up.

So I have 2.9 gpa with my bachelors in business and recently decided to go back to school to eventually be a PA, I’m pretty much taking all the science prerequisite there is and getting A’s which is good but I’m concerned since I’m taking it at a community college. Will PA programs take that into account?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tiffany, taking your science classes at community college won't inherently hinder your application unless they specify a preference on their website. By applying to a bunch of programs, even if one of them feels off about your strategy, you'll have a handful of others that won't care. I assume you're at CC to save money or benefit from the convenience and that would be the explanation if they should ask why. The variation in each and every university is why PA programs are considering things like the PA-CAT as a standardized way of assessing each candidate and their understanding of the pre-PA concepts prior to PA school.

Hello I am unsure if I want to become a PA because I am not the best at science although I do find it interesting. I don't have the best GPA but I found out 2 years ago I have a learning disability. I wish I would of known this earlier. I now understand why I was struggling so much in school. When I decided to go back to school I took Bio (I) and got a C and I took Bio (II) twice the first time I failed because I was overwhelmed with so many science classes but I retook it and got a C+. I was considering retaking Bio I and II again but I don't know if that would look bad on my transcript. Can you please give me some advice.

I did a masters in biomed after my bachelors, do I have a chance of getting in despite my not so high masters gpa?

That's crazy that 3.0-3.3 is consider low. This really is destroying my dreams of going into PA school. I am way below 3.0 and I can't afford to take more classes since it took me 5-6yrs to finish my BS part time. I'm 52yrs old and changing career was hard enough to begin with but to finally finish my BS was a huge hurdle. I'm hoping to get a high GRE and with my medical experiences hope to get recognized by some schools. Otherwise I don't know what to do.

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

I should be clear that applicants get into PA school with a low or below average GPA. This video highlights that PA school is competitive but there's more to an applicant than just a GPA.

@johnguillen68

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA Thank you. I will do my best to make my CASPA look great

Hello, What would you recommend for a 2.8 GPA? Currently, my last semester is summer 2021. Currently was thinking of doing EMT to get hours and more direct patient care and probably look into a pre-professional program that takes about a year and hopefully improves my GPA. Any suggestions?

@bgill2476

3 жыл бұрын

I’m literally in the same exact situation

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, get your EMS hours up and ultimately you're going to need to do another semester's worth of classes somewhere for at least a 3.0. See if there are any recommended classes PA schools want and look to see if you can do well in them.

@noealecal

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA awesome! Definitely will, thank you so much!

Hello John! I'm a junior in my undergrad at the moment and to be honest my GPA is in the trenches lol. Like I'm barely at a 2.8 and I'm kinda freaking out. Should I retake a few pre requisite classes or something? Keep in mind I haven't taken any bio electives or other pre reqs besides microbio, genetics, and anatomy yet, mainly just chemistry stuff.

@SarangiNepali

Жыл бұрын

Oh oh 👽 Maybe consider post bach 👽

Hello! I would like to pursue PA school, but I do not know if I should do it since I am hard of hearing and my hearing will get worse in the future. Do you know any PA's who have HOH? If I did pursue PA school, which field/department/specialty should I go to?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, there are hearing-impaired physician assistants, doctors and nurses but the numbers are rather small. Hearing is important in the day-to-day of a PA: from gathering a history, to auscultation of lung sounds, to responding to codes and alarms. Your ideal specialty would be something you'll have to decide during your clinical year as you'll go through various rotations and get an idea of what you can excel.

@momay2670

3 жыл бұрын

Radiology can be good for you. You don’t have to speak too much to patients

what programs admissions qare more holistic?

when u say gpa, do u mean science gpa or like overall gpa? because I was a music major before i switched to biology, and still take many music classes, so my overall gpa is SIGNIFICANTLY higher than my science gpa. Which do PA schools look at?

@JohnThePA

2 жыл бұрын

When I'm talking about GPA in this video, I am referencing cumulative GPA. PA programs will look at both cumulative and science based GPA. How they weigh each of them is really up to the program

I'm 23 and I decided to drop out of highschool my senior year 🙄. I never got around to getting my GED because I was making decent wage because I was a GM for 2 years. I recently left and I'm doordashing now because I can make my own schedule and it's a nice break from working 60-80hrs. Since I'm dashing and I have more free time I've been thinking about getting my GED and going to school. Ive always liked the idea of nursing but then I stumbled across PA's and I've decided that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. None of my family or friends went to college so I have nobody to help guide me lol would you recommend me after I get my GED would you recommend me going to a community college, transferring to a university and then PA school? Also, would I be able to work part time while in PA school without falling behind? I have a car payment and rent so it's not like I can't have an income. If there's any tips you can give me id greatly appreciate it💕

@jennawebb6220

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jen! Most PA programs will not allow you to work while in their programs, since they want the entire focus to be on schooling so you can pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Exam) upon graduation. You also will learn within PA school that it is very difficult to pass exams if you are not studying for long hours everyday. While it's unfortunate, many students just have to take out an absurd amount of loans and pay them off upon starting their PA career. Also I would definitely recommend community college first! Almost every PA program will take those courses, but you may want to check first with programs you are interested in. You will also save a lot of money doing CC first! Congrats on going back to college and being a future PA ;)

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Jen, I wrote a long reply and accidentally deleted it a day later... I hope you managed to see what I said prior to that incident. PA Programs frown upon working during PA school as there's really not much time outside of studying for you to hold a job. You would have time to do a small amount of doordashing but likely not enough to sustain all of your living expenses. In another video of mine I highlight that most people pay for PA school and their living expenses with loans (kzread.info/dash/bejne/YqZ92ciio67RpLA.html). You can get your credits / freshman courses at a community college to save on costs and transfer to a 4-year institution prior to PA school, yes.

Hi 👋 new subbie.. just have a question. I have a 3.0 GPA and I have a C in Ap2 .. should I retake this Ap2 closer to applying in a few years for PA school? Also, I am in nursing .. should I continue towards nursing..or finish with Health science as a major? Just wondering if you think nursing route would hinder my application??

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome! People have earned their RN and gotten into PA school so that won't hinter you. I would likely consider retaking that C in the future, yes.

@marciasmiley3560

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA okay I figured. Thank you so much. Keep posting to your channel your are great 🙌💎

Can I apply to PA school with high 1st year grad school GPA instead of my undergrad GPA which is low?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Your grad school classes could contribute to your CASPA gpa but PA schools will want you disclose your entire undergrad performance

I am about to be a junior this Fall and my GPA is currently 2.6. I am also undecided with my major but I am interested in going into PA. I haven't taken any prerequisites yet but what should I do to strengthen my application?

@omgjoseph7931

2 жыл бұрын

Just drop out

@Andrew-ez9ft

2 жыл бұрын

@@omgjoseph7931 Shut up

@milagrosgranados1316

2 жыл бұрын

Wow that's so mean of someone to say

@yusefhassan6701

2 жыл бұрын

consider going into a post bacc program to finish your pre reqs and strengthen ur GPA

Hi what about someone that has a average GPA but when it comes to all the science classes you have a much higher GPA. Would that look better on a application?

@JohnThePA

2 жыл бұрын

I high science GPA looks good

How long would you say it would take for programs to reply back after the interview process? Had my first interview a week ago, and I’m growing quite impatient lol

@JohnThePA

2 жыл бұрын

Weeks to months (if they put you on a waiting list). You have to be patient.

Hi! I just took microbio over the summer and got a 79(so bummed). I’m going to retake because I want to get an A. When calculating your science GPA, does the application include all retakes as well? Meaning if the class is retaken, will it include both the C and A for that class, or just the better grade? Thanks!

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

You report every grade on your transcript. The new grade does not “replace” the prior one, they all show up. But the new higher grade will contribute positively to your overall GPA and tell a story that you did retake something and improve

If you failed a course and you retake it, will it repair your gpa if you get an a?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

In regards to CASPA you have to report every class you've taken so an A won't nullify the prior course but it should give a small bump to your GPA depending on how many total credit hours you have and what your other grade was. The real reason I say you should consider retaking the class is because you're demonstrating that you can improve upon the subject / find out what wasn't working beforehand and correct it.

@FwJT_

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA thank you

What if u did ur college in 3 years. What if u have a low gpa from that

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

I guess it depends on what the reasoning was behind that?

how to calculate gpa score?

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Your institution should have an easy way to see your current GPA. Otherwise, there are free online calculators where you can enter in each and every course and it spits out a number. Alternatively when you do your CASPA application, CASPA will formulate a GPA based on what you enter into the platform and they will verify that information with your transcripts.

@tejaswsr5881

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA thank you so much and one more question , i m a m.b.b.s graduate from india how can i approach i dont have source for this physician associate course, could you plz let me know

Good advice, "if you have a low gpa, dont have one." Thanks for helping me out there. Lol

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

.... I explained why I put that one first. It's serious advice for high school students OR those who are in 3+2 PA programs. If it doesn't apply to you, use the scroll bar and head to the next tip (I timestamp them for your convenience).

@mjrabiroff1

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA Well seeing how most people planning on applying to PA school already have a bachelor's...

@michaelu2562

3 жыл бұрын

Guys ima be a failure for life 🙁 probably an EMT forever

Just got my first rejection:(

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

You only need one acceptance! Keep your head up :)

@RosaPerez

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA you’re right :( I’m sure you’re pretty busy as I totally understand as I do KZread and work full-time myself but do you think you take a look at this Reddit post I made to see if I’m still in the running for the cycle.

@RosaPerez

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA So I received my first rejection today from Rush PA program and I believe it is due to my gpa. Let me give you a background. I’m a 24 year old Hispanic female. I currently work at an oncology research laboratory. I graduated with a degree in MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) in 2019 with a 3.16 gpa. My Caspa science gpa is 2.84 ( It will go up to 2.98 if I get an a in anatomy and physiology this semester). my overall gpa with retakes is 3.34 I retook some classes at my community college after I finished my degree and did poorly in Orgo 1 and Physics 1. I ended up withdrawing from calculus and took it the next semester and got a B in it.I didn’t think at the time to withdraw and ended up getting D’s in both of those classes which really tanked my overall science grade. Besides that I have As and Bs in the science pre-reqs that the schools I applied to required. I am currently taking AandP2 and I have an A and I retook AandP 1 last semester and received an A. I have 2000 hours as a Pharmacy Technician, 800 hours as an ED Scribe, 1500 hours as a Medical Technologist and about 600 hours as a phlebotomist (drew blood as a mls). I have about 100 hours shadowing a ED PA as well. My letters of rec are from a Medical Technologist who taught me phlebotomy, my pharmacist I used to work with, and my MLS program director. I also have volunteered over 100 hours in the hospital as a rehab and women’s health volunteer and over 300 hours through a school program as well as won several awards for implementation of STEM to disadvantaged youth. What are my chances for the other two programs I applied to and what should I do to strengthen my application in case I don’t get in this cycle?

@RosaPerez

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnThePA I also applied to Northwestern which has a 2.80 minimum gpa and Rosalind Franklin which has a 2.75 minimum gpa requirement.

@terimichelle8063

2 жыл бұрын

@@RosaPerez hey I’m in the same boat, I’m applying to Rosalind Franklin and Northwestern as well, did you receive anything yet?

Well I have no chance I see 🤦🏾‍♂️

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

Hey man, I've seen some crazy stories of people getting into PA school or even medical school with the odds stacked against them. Perseverance goes a long way. Maybe some people have all the educational requirements in one go but you'll need to take a gap year or two. Maybe some people in on the first application but you'll need two or three application cycles. If you meet the schools minimum gpa (typically a 3.0) then you have the ability to apply. Alternatively if you still feel as though PA is not as ideal anymore there are other healthcare professions out there where you can make a difference for people, get a great quality-of-life, and good pay/benefits without have to pursue a Master's degree.

is 3.5 below average ? @JohnElkhoury

@JohnThePA

3 жыл бұрын

In the most literal interpretation, if the average for PA school were 3.6 then 3.5 is indeed below the average. But 3.5 is a solid undergrad GPA.