If I fail more often than you, I win!
If I fail more often than you, I win!I have written before about the importance of becoming anĀ epic failureĀ and how this is a fundamental part of becoming an epic success.
I was cleaning out some of my old file cabinets today and came across my PA school application documents from 2001.
I will be sharing three of them below.
If you are experiencing setbacks on your path to becoming a physician assistant, I want you to know that this is a normal part of the process.
Do not be discouraged: failure met with perseverance, is the key to long-term, sustainable success.
My PA School Rejection Letter #1 (Ouch!)
To help you reach your goals, it is important that you see my failures along with my successes.
Otherwise, you will be fooled into believing that success is a simple, pain-free process when in reality the path to each of my successes has been lined with the roadkill of my many epic failures.
Whether it is God or otherwise, how we perceive a setback matters! Ā (ListenĀ 25 minutes)
This week, I won two free tickets as part of my daughter's kindergarten raffle to see James Durbin, an American Idol "outcast," play here on our shared hometown stage in Santa Cruz, California.
Although I am not that familiar with all of James' music, last night as he stood on stage, I realized just how much I respected this 25-year-old rocker.
Knowing all the public criticism he had to endure during his time on the Idol stage, the sting of being "voted off" and rejected by his peers, not to mention the many obstacles he had to overcome in a lifelong battle with Tourette's and Asperger's syndrome.
Last night, he spoke to the sold-out crowd (many of whom were young, screaming teenage girls) and divulged his story of how his pediatrician told his parents to keep their expectations low. Just goes to show what you can do with a dream and a whole lot of grit.
Don't even get me started on the Olympics!
It may sound clichĆ©Ā to say that we learn more from our failures than from our successes, but nevertheless, this is true.
Because life is a process of trial and error, and error, and even more error until finally you succeed!
The key is to hang in there long enough, don't give up with the struggling masses, there is light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dim and distant it may seem.
PA Rejection Letter #2 (You're Killing Me)
So, success is simply the result of a long series of epic failures if you have done things right.
Reading the above rejection letter so many years later I am almost embarrassed to admit that I didn't have a 3.0 GPA, but there is a backstory not written on this rejection letter. This proves the point that an isolated number outside of any context is just a point along a curve that when seen alone is useless.
Don't become a point on a curve. The trend is what matters! In what direction are you trending?
And just when you thought the pain and suffering couldn't go on . . .
My Rejection Letter to the National Health Service Corps (The kick in my proverbial balls)
Yes, I was even rejected by the National Health Service Corps the first time I applied. Although not the second . . .
And yes, I received even another rejection letter from OHSU, but I must have thrown that one into the fire.
My Acceptance Letter to PA School
At first, it seemed odd to me that among this stack of failed attempts I could not find my acceptance letter into PA school.
I remember it so well, that simple single sheet of white paper with red and black ink letterhead, about four sentences long sporting an official UMDNJ seal.
I read it in the rain, on a cold Seattle evening by streetlight, heart beating, exhausted after a long day of work. The feeling of nausea rose to my chest as I held the two corners of that letter, and I said a short prayer before I tore it open.
I made a promise to God and myself that if this dream came true, I would use my training always to relieve the suffering of others and to make the world a better place.
Spoiler alert I was accepted, and I am still working hard to keep my promise.
Recommended reading:Ā
My Message to You
If you have received a rejection letter fear not my fellow epic failures, I to have stood demoralized in your shoes.
But do not let that define you, let it guide you, let it be the roadkill that you can look back upon with pride years later when you are writing a blog post hanging out your dirty underwear with pride for all the world to see.
Here are my rejection letters. I am posting them as a reminder of what should make you stronger. I saved them because they are a source of motivation, and I hope they can provide you with some peace of mind as well.
If you can learn to see adversity as a tool to help you reach your goals, you can turn a "setback" into a "set up" for something wonderful.
Thank you for reading, and I wish you the best wherever you may be on your journey to PA-C.
- Ā Stephen Pasquini PA-C
photo credit: venspired
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Reading this just gave me some hope as my undergraduate GPA is also poor. I have a 3.2 overall and 2.7 in sciences. I am pretty sure this is the weakest part of my application and perhaps the reason I got rejected from so many schools. At this point, if I retake my C’s, I’m not sure how much it will change my overall GPA. What do you suggest I do? Please help.
Hey Stephen!
I’m currently doing my application on line as we speak. I’m nervous because I struggled with college in the begging but ended up graduating with a 3.49 gpa and with honor societies. I have a science gpa of 2.95 due to have B and B-‘s in some classes. I have 5,000 of hands on patient hours all paid as a medical assistant. From Peds, urgent care, Obgyn and now I work in the OR of a hospital. I’m extremely nervous that because of my grades I won’t get into a program. Although I won’t know till I apply, I wanted to know what you thought!
Thank you!
Nichole
Hey Stephen I am planning to apply to a pa program next year. I am a senior and currently have a 2.9 gpa not including this semester. I am a medic assitant on my emergency response team and have had research experience with childhood asthma. I work as a pharmacy technician as well. I have also transported patients in the hospital as a volunteer. I have shadowed a pediatrician and am currently planning to shadow pas. I applied to this program this fall and was denied admission their overall gpa requirement is a 3.0 but the committee said they would review apps lower than that. I really want to go there and was wondering if you had any advice for me
Hi Mr. Stephen,
Thank you for this great post. We as readers appreciate your energy for inspiring one reader at a time. Stephen, I considered my self a non-traditional student. I been going to school since 2005. Both of my daughters were born in 2008 and 2009. At the same time, my wife got lay off from work in 2008. I continued to go to school and transfered to a university in 2011. My gpa went from a 3.2gpa to 2.9 after graduating in 2015. For this reason, I was the main provider in the house hold while averaging 33 hours of work per week and attending full time school (12 units). My wife was a stay home Mom from 2008-2015. Further, I’m applying this coming cycle (2016) to PA school. What do you think are my chances for getting accepted? By the way, I have a BS in Exercise Science with an overall gpa of 2.9 with volunteer, shadowing, and work experienced. Thank you for your time Stephen.
Hi Stephen,
I have always wanted to be a PA and have always felt it was the right thing for me to do. I just finished all the prerequisites and a degree in public health. I recently found out that I received a D+ in organic chemistry and am not really sure what to do about it. Should I try and retake it? This would delay my internship and job opportunities that I need for PA school. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Madison.
Hi Madison,
Could you move on and retake the course later through your community college? In this case, I would certainly recommend scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your options based on your current goals, timeline and course availability.
– Stephen
Hi Stephen! Thank you for your posts they are heartwarming and inspiring. I totally agree that failure leads to success through determination. I had a dental friend that got rejected twice from dental school and got in to her dream school (our alumni) the third time. People kept telling her to consider other options but she never gave up.
I was hoping you could also answer my chances of getting into PA school? I feel very discouraged because I graduated from the University of Minnesota w/a 3.0 gpa. I got very ill my freshman year and stayed ill for a year and a half. The doctors could not find what was wrong w/me but it turned out to be pneumonia. It started as the h1n1 then turned into bronchitis which i was treated for but the pneumonia was overlooked. I kept going to school and it was very very hard to function- I did very poorly for a year and half. I got depressed since the doctors couldn’t find what was wrong w/me I had to drop out of school because I felt I couldn’t do it anymore. chronic cough, sleep deprivation, tremors, chills, SOB went on for that entire 1.5 yrs. It wasn’t till 1.5 yr later that my now primary doctor order a radiologist to examine the chest x ray for the millionth time that year- and found pneumonia. I was treated immediately but returned to school and the recovery was very very hard and last 2 years. I again did poorly through the recovery phase. I was able to increase my gpa from 2.7 to a 3.0. Still I feel that no schools will give me a chance as they would have to read more into my profile to understand the unfortunate circumstances. I have had three years of CNA HCE because when I was seeing doctors and left school I decided that I wanted to “test” my stamina/health by taking a cna course. that turned into a job and my clinical admin quoted me for roughly anywhere from 3500-4000 hours of experience. Now I have graduated but am starting as a medical scribe with my alumni in their pediatrics discovery clinic (a top ranking clinic in MN) I am pursuing publication on my thesis that was based on my time as a CNA, and plan to volunteer as a medical outreach provider (w/the AD association). I have been the president of a club promoting education, and I plan to shadow PA’s in this upcoming year. Do you think I have a chance or gpa will make it impossible for me?
Hi Sophie,
First off congratulations on overcoming what were very difficult circumstances. I think you have a very good chance of acceptance, your determination and willingness to take on challenges show well beyond your academic life. Also, your GPA is not the only factor. With strong HCE like yours, you will have great recommendation letters and both the life and work experiences that will make for a well-rounded personal statement. This is where you can really shine. If you are having trouble putting it altogether consider signing up for our personal statement review. Sue and Duke have worked with many applicants in similar situations. The key is pulling this all together and giving the admissions committee a clear picture of your story – taking them from A to Z. You don’t’ want to overstate the difficulties of those first few years as an undergrad but you want to show how they made you a better, stronger person and likely a more compassionate and empathetic future provider.
– Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for your kind and helpful response! My email never sent me a notification of your reply but I was looking at your blog today and thought to check if you had left a response. It turns out that I don’t have as many patient direct contact hours as I originally thought (as I looked at my tax forms) and the hours I was quoted for by my previous clinical admin were her estimate (and off). Therefore, I know that working is probably the easiest part so I plan to work full time and apply next year (to really reach that 35000). I am currently working on my personal statement and I will definitely take you guys on that offer for help by having your review it. It has been very hard to write all the experiences that led me to choose PA, and soon I will be reaching out to you guys.
I appreciate your heart warming comments and your fantastic blog,
-Sophie
Hi Stephen,
When I read your blog, it gives me hope that I will get into a PA school. My overall GPA is 3.05 and my science GPA is 2.87 according to CASPA. I already received my first rejection letter . I was told my GRE scores and my grades were not very competitive for this cycle. I have health care experience working as a Patient Observer and MRI Tech Aide. I have shadowing experience, but I shadowed Physicians. I have not shadowed any PAs. I graduated last May 2015 with a BS in Biology.
I have been told that my best option right now since my science GPA is low is to take advanced science course or classes that would help bring my grades up. I feel confused now and I have been looking at post bacc programs, but most of the courses that they show i took them and I did well with the exception of chemistry that i have a C+ I look at schools that fo not require GRE, but i am not sure if that would help since my grades are not competitive. Thank you!
Hi Stephen,
Thank you so much for this blog. I have been very anxious about applying to PA school and I am in the process of getting application ready. I completed my BS in bio pre med and I also have a MHA but no healthcare experience. My undergrad GPA in 3.2 science 2.9 and my graduate GPA is 3.8. I intend to retake the GRE and complete much more community service and volunteer hours with the intention of getting some good recommendations as well as experience. I am skeptical about whether I’ll get in as I am limited by location ( Texas) and I got my BS in 2009- almost 7 years ago. I have been a Highschool science teacher ever since teaching physics chemistry and bio. Any advice you have will help greatly. Do you think I have a good chance of getting in?
Hi Deidra,
This is a wonderful question. I have a good feeling that you are going to have to take some uncomfortable risks to make it into PA school. Are they worth it? My thinking is yes, especially if this is something that you really are sure you want to do. I don’t think education or GPA will be your limiting factor here. You have been teaching science, physics, chemistry and bio for 7 years – the proof is in the pudding here. I am sure you know your understanding of the hard sciences exceeds that of 90% of PA school applicants. Your limiting factor will be healthcare experience, and on the flip side of the coin, proving to the admissions committee you have a strong understanding of the PA profession and your place in it. You may likely have to leave your teaching position in order to garner the necessary healthcare experience, although you may be able to use your summers to test the waters before you go “all in”. Join the AAPA and the Texas state PA chapter, attend the conferences, make yourself familiar with state and national laws and while you’re at it, make yourself invaluable to a team of healthcare providers. If you can do this you will prove without a doubt that you have what it takes to do very well in PA school – The passion, courage and motivation to change course mid career and challenge yourself is impressive. And if you are willing to take the leap it could certainly pay off in the end. I wish you the very best on your journey!
– Stephen
Thank You so much your insight and advice has been invaluable.
Hi Stephen,
I was just rejected from two programs this year and I’m waiting to hear back from a couple of more programs. I’m just feeling very discouraged at this point. I have above a 3.5 gpa and I work as a dental assistant. This article really helped and I really do thank you for that.
Hi Stephen,
Ideally I do want to go to PA school but my GPA is only a 3.21 which is pretty low and I am already a Junior majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. This semester, Immunology kicked my butt and next semester Hematology and Blood Banking will do the same so my GPA is currently taking a beating.
I have been a volunteer EMT for 2 years and have well over 1000 patient contact hours. I also work at Student Health, as well as go on clinical rotations for school doing lab work.
Do you think I have a shot anywhere because the field has gotten so competitive over the past 2 years? There are people in my major with 3.7 GPA and I’m no competition.
Hi Connor,
GPA is simply one part of a bigger equation, maybe you have read – I applied to a top 5 PA school with a minimum requirement of a 3.0 GPA with a 2.9 GPA and was accepted. There were lots of students with much higher 4.0 GPAs who were waitlisted. People have told me that nowadays this wouldn’t happen, but they are dead wrong and I continue to see it all the time. PA schools get so many applicants with high GPAs who are afraid to go out and work with patients. You are an EMT, working in student health, putting yourself out there everyday. The PA profession began as a way to take experienced military trained medics and use their skills and training to solve problems of healthcare delivery. A 3.21 GPA is nothing to be ashamed of at all, especially since you are taking challenging classes while still obtaining hands on patient care experience. Don’t let numbers get you down, most of the worlds greatest heros were underdogs who statistically speaking didn’t stand a chance, thank God they didn’t pay attention to the numbers, just ask Barack Obama.
Hang in there and keep up the amazing work!!!
– Stephen
That may have just made my entire semester! Thank you so much for your advice!
š
Hi Stephen,
I have read your article several times and it is such an encouragement. I am currently a sophomore leaning toward PA with an undecided major (probably biology). I am trying to get my CNA by next April so I do not have any health-care experience. I have helped out as a research assistant in breast cancer during the summer and was selected as one of the co-author and that is pretty much it. I am helping out as a pre-health officer at my university but I feel like I am not doing enough to be competitive.
I am hoping to work at a home-care during the summer. Although I would love to work while I am at school I am afraid that this will pull my GPA down. I was thinking about a gap year after I graduate so I can have a year to work at a hospital. What do you think?
TM
Hi TM,
I think for most people a year or two after graduation is necessary to be a competitive PA school applicant. You can work during school to the extent that it does not affect your studies and the growth that goes along with being a college student – i.e you need time to enjoy being young, meeting new people, taking some risks – life is short after all š I think a part-time job or an internship during school is good for most people – I know that once I started doing some part time work at the campus health center my grades actually went up. This is not uncommon, I had to be more organized and make better use of my time. Get creative, don’t take on too much work outside of school as you will have time after graduation and just doing a little will go a very long way.
I wish you the best of luck!
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I graduated with my undergraduate in Biology and my GPA is very low. I have been in the medical field since graduation and that is where my interest in the PA profession began. Unfortunately, I have a very low GPA and I know this will hinder my success in getting into a school. I do not think I am able to raise my GPA since I have already graduated and I am afraid I will not get into any schools. What is your advice? Should I give up and go a different route?
Thanks,
SJ
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for posting this. One word I can say about is…. Inspirational! I’ve come across failure this year. I was exited out of a community college level nursing program. However, it’s been a learning experience that’s made me rethink my career path. I want to apply to a PA program now, because like you said to achieve more you have to strive for more. Well, I have a whole new purpose for being in the medical field now. I want to prove that I can help my fellow man, not just as a nurse but as a PA. My worry is, will I even be accepted with this on my record? My Gpa is 3.76 and strong sciences but I’m worried that the dismissal will prevent me from even being considered. Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Hi Jamie,
Probably the best advice I can give you is to “own it”. Failure is not taking the scary steps to change direction when we know we are on the wrong path. So many people spend a lifetime working in a field or pursuing an idea they are no longer passionate about. It is tempting to believe that once youāre invested heavily in something, it is counterproductive to quit. This is known as the sunk-cost fallacy. The exit out of the nursing program (although not as “tidy” as leaving on your own terms) should be presented as the result of a change in direction, a lost passion for nursing, a newfound focus and desire to be a PA. This will have to be done carefully and probably most effectively in your personal statement. You have strong academic marks. Just make sure you have the healthcare experience and recommendations to back up what you are saying to the admissions committee and you should be fine. Also, if you haven’t already call some of the programs you are interested in and discuss the situation with the admissions faculty. They will be able to offer helpful advice.
– Stephen
I found this post last night while turning to google for advice after opening my first rejection email of this cycle. I applied to 5 schools, have been rejected from one without an interview so far, and have heard nothing from the other four. I’m starting to get really worried.
I applied once, seven years ago, in my last year of undergrad. At that time, I applied 4 places, got interviews at two great schools and wasn’t accepted to either. In the meantime, I have been employed in another field, but I’ve also become and EMT and earned a Master’s degree, since I felt that my undergrad science GPA (3.41) could be holding me back. Right now, I’m going on as many EMT calls as I can, attending EMT continuing ed meetings whenever possible, and still holding down my full time job.
My CASPA wasn’t verified until 7/27/15, so while I feel I still have a little hope left, it doesn’t look like much. Maybe I’m being naive, but I know I am a truly different person than when I applied 7 years ago. I’ve matured and I’ve sought out experiences that have not only challenged me academically, but also that have given me healthcare experience. Do you have any advice on how I can keep from going nuts while waiting? At this point, I’ve pretty much abandoned hope for a 2016 admission and am trying to figure out what I can do to improve my chances in 2017.
Thanks!
Hi Brittany, I think you are are on the right track. At one time the average applicant had 4 years of full time hands on patient care experience. That number has gone down in recent years as the average age of students has gone down a bit. If you have been away from the medical field and science focused training for some time you may simply need to get more experience under your belt. The key is to use this time wisely to build a strong portfolio of healthcare experience. You will also meet more people who can give you killer references (which makes a big difference). The linchpin will be your personal statement. That is the place where you are going to tie it all together, so you can work on making that the best you can. Of course the more experience you have the more you can talk about this in your personal statement. You may even consider doing something like a week long experience through a volunteer organization overseas. If you have a family you can take them along with you š Attend the AAPA conference, get involved in your local state chapter, meet some students, talk to others through the reddit forums or Facebook. Join an organization such as Physicians for a National Health program and help bring awareness to the ongoing healthcare crisis. There are so many options, that can really come together to make your application shine. And those are just the ones on the top of my head š
– Stephen
Hi, Stephen
I am going through the same situation, you faced with rejection letters, due to a poor GPA!!!.I feel like losing hope because I figure no program will give me the opportunity. I have plenty of recommendations, volunteering, employment experience, and personal statement, but the schools are not looking at that success. What should I do?
Hi Brandon,
Is this your first time applying? How many schools have you applied to? What schools are you applying to? Have you contacted the schools after the rejection and asked them specifically? Are you sure your personal statement goes beyond the “status quo”? What type of employment experience do you have? Volunteer experience? Does your GPA reflect an upward trajectory, or is it flat-lined? Do you have a good explanation for your GPA?
There are so many factors here…. One good place to start is to contact the schools directly and speak with their admissions teams about your application. If you don’t get in this year you have to have a clear plan as what to do. They may recommend that you retake a couple classes, or rewrite your personal statement, or maybe you can find an opportunity that truly allows you stand out from the packed crowd. Maybe you will have to throw a wider net, look into different programs, take the GRE? You need a plan and it needs to based on facts that you can collect from your current application and not speculation. So you will have to collect some data to figure this out. The bit take home point if you don’t get in this year is that you cannot reapply with the same application next year. So do everything you can to figure out where you are falling short and remedy that, don’t let anything stop you and don’t be afraid to reach out the the programs directly and ask the hard questions.
Stephen
Mr. Stephen,
I first want to thank GOD for laying it on your heart and mind to post this blog and secondly I want to thank you for being obedient and posting this blog. I prayed about my career to GOD in 2008 and I’ve been on the road in the medical field ever since. I have experienced a lot of trial and error and still am. I went through a bad advising, I attended three different schools in the process (I am currently at my third school and plan to finish up here) and by the time I graduate in December 2016 I will have obtained over the credits I need to obtain a bachelors degree. I just changed my major from biology to applied exercise science. I am excited to start my new major in the spring of 2016 as I am one who finds great interest in health and fitness. In 2008-2009 my grades in a few classes of mine, my grades were dropped from Bs to Ds when I missed 8 days for being in the hospital for my diabetes. My grades were not suppose to be affected but I had no help with this correction from the Dean as he was no where around to correct this issue. So I’ve been redoing classes just to bring my overall gpa up. I’ve been even thrown in classes such as physics 1 & 2, Zoology organic 1 & 2 Chem after taking a 2 year break without refreshers or even taking my chem 1 and chem 2 courses over as these classes where effected by my hospital stay. I’m currently redoing chem 1 now and doing well. I made good grades in physics except the class for physics 1. I made a D but to go back and take it over will push back longer to graduate with my bachelors. My gpa right now is an overall 2.3 and I have this fall, spring 2016, summer and fall semesters left to bring it up before attempting to apply. There are times I want to cry and that I do cry as this road is not easy. I’ve been through so much and I know GOD has a plan I just have to keep going. Your post has given me motivation to keep going. Is there any suggestions or advice you can give me towards P.A. School? I have t taken my GRE yet. I won’t take it until next year. Thank you in advance and may GOD CONTINOUSLY AND FOREVER BLESS YOU STEPHEN! =)
Sincerely,
Kiva
Hi Stephen!
Thank you so much for posting your failure and your success! I appreciate it! I am currently a sophomore attending WSU in Pullman,WA and is working toward PA. I am hoping to apply to UW PA school however I found myself struggling to get a decent grade. What is your suggestion?
I wish you all the best in your work!
I will always read this article when I feel like I will never succeed.
Tiffany
The UW Medex program is very hard to get into without a lot of prior healthcare experience. My suggestion is to throw a wide net and make sure to look at some East Coast schools which often require less healthcare experience hours. You will probably be able to start PA school sooner. Also, make sure you enjoy your major. I switched to Zoology my junior year after receiving some advice from a guidance counselor. When he said “Zoology” I thought he had lost his marbles. Until I realized this major allowed me to take anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sociobiology, microbiology and advanced cellular biology. Also as a Zooology major I had to take a course in vertebrate Zoology which was wonderful prep for medical physiology and anatomy. I was pre-med prior to this, and struggling under the weight of courses I hated such as advanced O-Chem and P-Chem. So check your major and make sure it aligns with your passions to some degree.
I wish you the very best.
– Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for this post. My dream is to become a PA someday. Unfortunately, my undergrad GPA is HORRIBLE. I haven’t started any application yet because of my fear of rejection. I plan to take some more classes to boost my GPA. So far, I only have Gen chem 1 and 2 and organic chem. what other classes would you recommend.
thanks
Hi Sarah, here is the path that I took and my recommendations regarding prerequisite coursework. Take a look and let me know if you have any other questions.
– Stephen