FL PA Schools - Acceptance Chances

[JUDolphin87]

Hello all,

I am a 24 y/o FL resident, currently working as an ER scribe (360+ HCE hours currently), restaurant server, and finishing up a manuscript for publication (I will be the first author on the paper). I recently decided to change potential careers from MD/DO to PA (due to acceptance that with my low MCAT scores, there's no way for me to get in or improve enough over the next year or two to get in). I graduated from an accredited private school in FL with a 3.2 GPA and a Bachelor's in Biology. Using the AMCAS application GPA, I have a 3.5 non-science and a 2.8 biology, chem, math, physics gpa (the criteria did not count a lot of the science courses or the 2 retakes (gen chem and ochem)). Upon graduation, I completed over 100 hours of community service (through random events, not all medically related) and through different programs, raised over 20k dollars for charitable and research purposes- many of which I was the head organizer. I was Treasurer of Chemistry Society, Vice President of Biology Honor Society, Founded a Social Fraternity (Served as Treasurer, Social Chair and Philanthropy Chair), played Division 1 Football for 4 years, and was involved in many other clubs/organizations on campus. Throughout my entire academic career, I worked two jobs (even while playing football). I completed a clinical research internship at Mayo Clinic and presented my research at the CHEST conference in Austin, TX. I've shadowed 2 cardiologists, 1 pediatrician, several lab techs over winter breaks while in undergrad. After my football career was over (also after 2 knee surgeries), my semester GPA increased dramatically (3.6 while taking ochem and upper level bio). I also scored in the 50th percentile for my GRE.

I'm planning on applying in 2017 for almost all the FL PA schools. Between now and then, I plan on taking some pre reqs at the community college, continuing the scribe job until I finish those classes (should have 1100+ HCE hrs by then), volunteering as a special Olympics coach/coordinator (or in childrens athletics), and getting EMT certified (which will hopefully get me above 2k HCE hours if I quit my other jobs and start working 40hrs/week). I will also take some time to study and retake my GRE. I should have improved my science GPA to above a 3.0 and cGPA to 3.5 (if I earn a 4.0) after finishing the classes.

My question is this- am I already a competitive candidate for several FL PA programs? And after completion of my goals, how much better of a candidate will I be? Anything else I can do to improve my credentials? Does anyone have anything specific to add about FL schools and their application processes?