This is my second time around for college. I currently hold a BA degree. When I decided to peruse a PA degree, I spoke to a counselor about my GPA and what I needed to do to boost it up. The advice was as long as I continue my Science GPA above a 3.5 the overall GPA would qualify me into the program. After several semesters, I completed all my prereq my science GPA is a 3.7, made A's in all my class but nutrition - B & Lifespan - B, but CASPA averaged out my overall GPA to be a 2.77. Which doesn't qualify me for any program! In all fairness, my BA GPA is 2.5 and it wasn't because I got to enjoy my youth. I was working 2 jobs, paying for college all a while taking care of my younger siblings and an ill parent. Allowing my personal life to affect my education was one of my biggest regrets. Now that I don't have those responsibilities any longer, I am trying to do what my heart desires. I have been working as a PCA for 3 years in many different units ( acute care, ICU, med-surg, ect...) I have great repor with all the doctors and nurses I work with. I love everything about the medical field and being able to contribute thoughts and ideas on a diagnosis or care plan. I have put in as much love into my work as I have the first day, my momentum has never subsided. If any one has ever felt love, I feel it everyday I see my patients. I know belong in this field. I want this so bad I had studied for the GRE in the hospital up to the delivery of my son and 5 days later waddled myself to the testing center, bandage, bleeding and everything just to take the exam. But once I saw my Overall GPA, my heart sank. I am sure if I get into any program I will succeed but who will give me a chance now? It is clear that I have been given poor advice by counselors from my school & have yet to hear back from the program advisers. I just want to know if after all my efforts, am I just fighting a lost cause or should I continue. If my journey ends here, I would be heartbroken but at least I would know now and stop holding off on building a family since I am about to reach the danger zone for child bearing years. If any one has any insight, suggestions or constructive criticism, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you for taking out your time.
Insight please! Going the right direction or is this a lost cause?
Insight please! Going the right direction or is this a lost cause?
Last edited by cili0303 on Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Insight please! Going the right direction or is this a lost cause?
No one can tell you for sure if you\'ll get in, but I don\'t put much stock in lost causes.
IMHO, it can be done. To whit, you\'ll need:
1) A great CASPA essay that focuses on what you have overcome. Make sure to tell this story in a positive and inspiring way (your GRE story could tells me you have some material to do this with), and don\'t forget to give them a stat related to your more recent GPA: \"Though my cumulative GPA is 2.77, my GPA for the last X years/classes/semesters/whatever has been X\" (the best number you can use). Use the period from when your grades began to improve, until now, so you\'ll get the best number, and you can make a convincing argument that this is more reflective of your CURRENT ability. Explain *briefly* about all that dragged your grades down, and then return to talking about all you\'ve learned, how you\'ve matured, why grades will never again be a problem for you again, etc.
2) Excellent letters of reference. I\'d recommend two from faculty in your case, since academics is your weak area. You want letters that will testify to what a great student you are, by instructors who know your situation and support you. The last letter should be from an employer or supervisor who is similarly supportive.
3) Rather than apologizing for your academic \"weakness,\" sell your experience as a strength, both in your essay, and you interview. IT IS A STRENGTH - YOU JUST AREN\'T USED TO THINKING OF IT THAT WAY.
This could be a great place to get essay feedback from readers...hint...hint...
Let us know how it goes.
SUCCESS.
-P
IMHO, it can be done. To whit, you\'ll need:
1) A great CASPA essay that focuses on what you have overcome. Make sure to tell this story in a positive and inspiring way (your GRE story could tells me you have some material to do this with), and don\'t forget to give them a stat related to your more recent GPA: \"Though my cumulative GPA is 2.77, my GPA for the last X years/classes/semesters/whatever has been X\" (the best number you can use). Use the period from when your grades began to improve, until now, so you\'ll get the best number, and you can make a convincing argument that this is more reflective of your CURRENT ability. Explain *briefly* about all that dragged your grades down, and then return to talking about all you\'ve learned, how you\'ve matured, why grades will never again be a problem for you again, etc.
2) Excellent letters of reference. I\'d recommend two from faculty in your case, since academics is your weak area. You want letters that will testify to what a great student you are, by instructors who know your situation and support you. The last letter should be from an employer or supervisor who is similarly supportive.
3) Rather than apologizing for your academic \"weakness,\" sell your experience as a strength, both in your essay, and you interview. IT IS A STRENGTH - YOU JUST AREN\'T USED TO THINKING OF IT THAT WAY.
This could be a great place to get essay feedback from readers...hint...hint...
Let us know how it goes.
SUCCESS.
-P