Where do i go from here?

[thompsongroup3]

I applied to one PA school in late 2010. About a week before the deadline. I did not get an interview. When I contacted the school, they told me I was too late in the process. When I asked if there was anything I could do, besides getting my application in earlier, to improve my application, I was told retaking some classes to improve my GPA would also help. (I think it was 3.6 at that time.) I applied again in 2011 as soon as CASPA opened up. This time my overall GPA was 3.8 and my science GPA was 4.0. I was a licensed physical therapist for 10 years and then went into medical sales. (42 yrs old at the time of application.) I did NOT receive an interview. When I contacted the school to find out why, I was told it was because when I first started college (over 20 years ago), that I dropped all my fall and spring semester classes. Basically dropped out my freshman year. Since that time, I went on to make excellent grades and even had a 3.7 GPA in PT school.

Any advice on what to do when I reapply this April? I'm at a loss. There is nothing I can do to improve my GPA (its already a 4.0). I have tens of thousands of direct patient care experience. My references were from two MDs and a Professor. I'm locked into applying to only this one school. I have a family and my wife owns two businesses.

thanks!

[PaulK]

I think I would re-evaluate your letters of recommendation. Any chance one or more of them could be just okay?
I would also look critically at your personal statement. Does it showcase your abilities and uniqueness?
Finally, if you haven't done it already, I would call them (anonymously is fine) and ask them something along the lines of "Can you describe for me the ideal applicant for your program?"

Then orient yourself according to what they tell you. Sometimes just packaging yourself differently can appeal to a school that is very particular.

Other ideas?

[thompsongroup3]

Thanks for the reply. I have copies of all of my letters of recommendations and they are all three very strong. The two MDs are close friends. I thought my personal statement was strong and showcased my abilities. I had it proofed by a friend who is an english professor. That is the only thing I can see to improve in April. The first time I contacted the school and asked for recommendations for improvement, I was told the GPA. Before I ever started the application process I contacted the school and asked just that question. I was told most applicants have a science GPA of 3.8, (mine is higher) and lots of health care experience. I have since learned from talking to people that have been in the last two classes, they accept alot of people straight from college. This has made me wonder if my age is an issue (42). This particular school is really big on rural health care. The school is located in a rural area. That was the area I focused on in my personal statement, because I will have to continue to live in this area after graduation because of my family. I also focused on my physical therapy experience. Thanks again for your help!