Am I competitive?

[Docnic8404]

I really want to know what you guys think. The looming omnipresent shadow of getting into PA school is always in my mind and is quite depressing to be frank . It is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Below is a list of who I am and tell me is you think I am competitive or not.

- Former Combat Medic (5yrs) extensive patient care during 2 combat tours. Was the senior medical provider in a 40 mile radius in Afghanistan.
- Current senior with Physiology major. Graduate Spring 2016
- Currently doing undergraduate research in an organic chemistry lab on campus
- Undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology
- Supplental Instructor for intro to chemistry (CHM1010)
- Science and Math GPA of 3.102
- This is because I received an F in a 5 credit hour Precalc because of medical issues. Class cannot be replace since the university no longer offers it.

This is me, I do my best and have 2 C's and the rest A's and B's. I think about PA school everyday and genuinely study my brains out.

[Dopedog]

I like to read stories like this. Because it's more fun.

[Dancingchachafruit]

Can you repeat that class in another institution?

[RugerMeister]

Docnic,

As a military 'enthusiast' and future navy PA you sound like a competitive candidate to me. The PA was conceptualized around Vietnam combat medics/docs entering the civilian med world. Your GPA may not blow up a huge number of skirts, but that combat med exp should be worth its weight in gold.

Here is my background:
-2yr 9 mo aseptic surgical cardiovascular tissue processing and cryogenic storage at a biomedical company
-11mo and counting PT/OT/SLP rehabilitation aide plus Adaptive Technology training
-6 months biological sciences Supplemental Instruction Leader
-4mo paid undergrad research fellowship; Group A strep and host haeme resistance acquisition
-about a year unpaid research/lab volunteer exp
-just starting volunteer exp in adaptive sports clinics for amputee/prosthetic children and adults
-GPA 3.3
-gre 312 and 5/5 both essays
-skydiving, multi-solo multinight hiking expeditions, dirt/street/mtn biking, dedicated obstacle course racer (seemingly competitive), kayaking, target shooting, etc
-28 yo white male

I'll be applying for the first time in about 2 mo. What do you all think?

[RRTkpence]

I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist and I am looking to apply to PA next cycle after I receive my bachelors next fall in Respiratory. I was wondering how competitive my credentials are:
- I have 5 yrs now of experience ( I work in all areas of the hospital. OB, ER, ICU, the floor) We work closely with all doctors and aid closely in the care of pts
- I have a GPA 3.16 overall classes and 3 pre reqs to take.
- My bachelors GPA is 3.5
- I am scheduled to take the GRE in Sept

Do schools look more at experience or GPA's?