Rejection: 6 Things To Do If You Didn’t Get In

Posted By: Kubin   |   Become a PA

pa school rejectionIf you applied to PA programs and didn’t get in, you face a tough question: “What do I do now?”  Maybe you were really counting on being in a program this fall.  Instead, your future course is now totally uncertain.  It can feel a little like you’re hanging from a bunch of helium balloons, wondering where the wind will take you.

What To Do If  You Didn’t Get In

First, take some time.

Rejection hurts.  Your big dream has not come true, and a little discouragement is totally understandable.  Before you make any rash decisions to “scrap the dream,” or to reapply yourself to it by taking new classes or getting a new health care job, give yourself time to rest, accept it, and adjust.  Let the emotions settle so that you can think clearly.  Give yourself permission to take a few weeks to decompress.  Be patient with yourself.  You would do the same for a good friend in the same situation, wouldn’t you?

Reassess your motivation.

When you’ve had time to clear your head, it’ll be time to ask yourself an important question: is this still what I really want?  Before you again launch yourself headlong at PA school, take the opportunity that you have been given to make sure this is still what you really want.  Maybe since taking all those classes or working in a hospital or clinic your thinking has changed.  If so, THAT’S OKAY.  Sometimes we don’t get things that we want because we don’t really want them, or because we don’t want them enough.  If that’s you, be honest with yourself and admit it now.  Realize that you’ll save yourself a lot of time, work, and money by moving on to whatever might suits you better.  You don’t need to know what that is now — you will figure it out in time.

Reassess your application.

If PA school is still what you want, then it’s time to figure out where you fell short.  Take an honest, unflinching look at your PA school application and decide where you think you are weakest.  Is your essay clunky or boring?  Have trusted friends and family members read it and give you their opinion.  Request a meeting with an admissions officer at one or more of the schools where you were rejected and ask them for their feedback.  Some schools will tell you exactly how far you are from acceptance and what you can do to get the rest of the way (of course, many won’t — they’re busy people — but try!)  Listen, take notes, and thank them.  They have given you priceless “intelligence.”

Resist the urge to personalize it.

It’s fine to ask yourself “What might not getting in this cycle say about my application?” but too often applicants end up asking some variation of “What does this say about me?”

Some people think that a rejection means you’re a reject — it doesn’t.Not being admitted to a program says exactly nothing about your worth as a person.  It just means that someone who doesn’t even know you decided that you weren’t as good a fit for their program as someone else (that they don’t even know).  Heck, they might have even made the wrong call.  If you really want this, realize that nobody ever got to the movies by blaming their driver for running out of gas on the way.  If you run out of gas, get hiking.

Make a plan.

It’s usually best to concentrate on improving your application in its weakest area (two areas at most).  This will allow you to focus.  Need to repeat some classes or retake the GRE?  Write out the steps you’ll need to take to get it done.  If you’re overwhelmed, put more steps in your plan, but make each a little smaller and easier to complete.  Give each step an intended deadline and stick to it.  If your application needs more time than one season, plan for it — think tortoise and hare here — because the tortoise always wins.

Get help.

Sometimes seeking the assistance of a professional can make all the difference. A trusted advisor, PA mentor, or experienced PA admissions coach can help you:

  • Understand how your application may be perceived by admissions committees
  • Identify the areas that need the most attention
  • Do damage control on weak areas
  • and decide if you are applying to the right schools

In the end, the worst failures are the ones that we don’t take the time to learn from.

What can you learn from this one?

 

 

24 comments

  1. I’m one of those who did not get in this past cycle, I was extremely disappointed and dejected. I am on the older end of the applicant continuum, have switched careers in order to become a PA. It was my first time applying and it won’t be the last but my window to apply is closing, eventually my approaching familial obligations will make it necessary to settle on a career regardless of my personal wants and goals. The worst part for me is the possibility that the time and financial commitment to complete my prerequisites post-bac will all be for naught. Thanks for posting this, it gave me much to think about.

    1. I’ve been a PA for 20 years. I applied and got accepted one year, then found out I was pregnant for my fourth child! (Surprise). The director at the time said I could take a pass on the year and start the following year. Unfortunately, he left. The new director refused to honor that agreement the next year, made me reapply, and then I didn’t get accepted. She said there were problems with the women with kids not wanting to be sent away from home for clinical rotations the year before so she didn’t think it would work with me having so many kids (4) even though my hubby was a teacher and three of them were in school already. I felt just like you. I decided to beg my way into a nursing program, and thought that would be it. About a week into the school year I heard that not all of the people who had agreed to accept positions in the pa class actually started the program. I faxed a letter begging they reconsider taking me, and they called me that night and told me I was in! Now I’m tired and burned out, but it’s been totally worth it. My advice is, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!” Good luck. Us old farts try harder, you’ll make it work.

      1. BRAVO! A great example of how the efforts we make — even when contrary to school policies — can make a difference.

  2. Paul,

    Let me start by saying thanks for putting together such a great and informative website. I’m at the beginning of my journey to becoming a PA and this will be a great resource. I’m following my passion and making a complete career change so I have some work ahead in regards to prerequisites and health care experience. Hopefully I’ll be able to post a “Thank You” in a few years.

    As far as being turned down for a program, do you think that has a negative impact on a person when reapplying in the future to the program? Thinking ahead, I’m concerned I may be in a situation where I complete my prerequisites but my HCE hours may be on the lower end due to my career change. If faced with a situation like that, would you recommend applying for programs (assuming I still meet the program requirements) or waiting since the rejection can hurt future chances?

    Thanks,
    Mark

    1. Thanks for your compliment, Mark.

      I can’t see how it would. The main thing is for you to be able to show what you’ve done since you were turned down last time. More HCE? New coursework? It could really only hurt you if your application looks the same as it did a year ago.

      I say keep applying. It shows that you’re not giving up. And each time you apply is a new opportunity to be accepted.

  3. Thanks for the reply Susanne. I guess I’m just really frustrated I didn’t get in. I switched careers 3 years ago to one that paid a lot less than what I was able to make previously (I became an EMT in order to collect the contact hours). At the time I decided that I wanted to be a PA I already held a BS and MS, even with that I had go back to school to take biology I & II, A&P I & II, cellular biology, general chemistry I & II, microbiology, organic chemistry I & II, and biochemistry I to assure that I had the prerequisites for the widest range of schools, enabling me to “cast the widest net” so to say. I worked really hard and earned a 3.9 GPA in those courses all while working way too much overtime to make ends meet. I took a large financial gamble paying for those courses out-of-pocket since completing them did not guarantee getting into a PA program, a degree, or even certificate. I had hopes all of that work and my circumstances would show my dedication and motivation to the admission committees, alas it didn’t seem to. I even purchased Paul’s excellent essay writing ebook to assure that my essay stands out. Maybe I was naive that I would get in on the first try but I’m just afraid all that work will go to waste and, as time goes on, the prerequisite courses begin expiring, my window to apply will slowly close, not by my choice.

    I don’t know how I feel about doing what you did in order to get in. Maybe 20 years ago that was a good approach, but these days it seems all of the schools discourage any applicant from doing such things.

  4. Tom, I feel the same way. I quit my job about 8 months ago to cram all my prerequisites in so I could apply this cycle. I have exhausted savings and spent retirement to pay for classes, GRE, mock interviews, essay reviews, etc. I prepared as much as I possibly could. I have 11 years in the healthcare profession, and hospital supervisory experience. I have worked with PAs for years, not just shadowed them. I am certain this is how I want to serve others in medicine.

    I was so excited to interview at my top choice. However, they informed me that it was a “rite of passage” for students to not be accepted the first time. They even asked me to look at my competitors and understand that most students were 21 with 3.8-4.0 and about to finish their undergrad. I might would understand if that if I was 21 or so. As an older, mature applicant I felt that might be appreciated as well. While I don’t have a 3.8-4.0, I do have a 3.5. Instead, they have hurriedly accepted 21 and 22 year olds with minimal healthcare experience, most of which isn’t even hands on. It seems this PA school prefers younger, less experienced students with a 4.0. As a healthcare professional, this is so discouraging. Grades alone will not necessarily make a great clinician. I have seen MDs and PAs who were at the top of their class that were mediocre providers at best.

    Needless to say, I feel your discouragement. However, I am going to push on and someone will see my value. I’m a firm believer God knows best, and I am waiting on my spot where He feels is best for me. It is hard…even somewhat embarrassing to have put my whole life (as well as my family’s) on the line for this, only to tell people, “No, I wasn’t accepted this year” but I am still hopeful. Initially after my rejection, I doubted if ANY program would accept me, but I know I have something to offer. You do too! Your Post-graduate GPA is impressive and you will find your program I’m sure. Keep your head up! Hopefully, we will receive good news soon!

  5. Beth,

    I am wondering where you applied that they prioritized grades over HCE? I fit the profile of high GPA (4.0) with below average HCE. I have worked 3 years in healthcare - 1 year as a scribe, and 2 years as a clinical business analyst. I’ve been interviewed at 1 school, and rejected or waitlisted by everyone else, and I strongly suspect it’s due to my HCE. I have since quit my decent-paying job so I can rack up direct patient care hours. I have also wised up and on this next cycle, I am applying to schools that prioritize GPA and overall HCE over thousands upon thousands of direct patient contact.

    1. It’s a gross generalization, but we crunched the numbers a while back and found that IN GENERAL, east coast schools place more value on higher grades, and west coast schools place more value on higher numbers of HCE. I hope that info gives you a start at thinking about where you might go.

      1. tom numrych says:

        I will echo Paul on this. From my, albeit limited, experience the school’s I am applying to (New England, and primarily Boston area) seem to be geared more towards GPA than HCE. My combined undergraduate and graduate GPA is a 3.0 (post-grad prerequisite 3.9), but my HCE consists of 3 years of full-time EMT work and 6 months of full-time CNA work. I am approaching the end of my second application cycle and I have been offered only one interview in those two cycles and I’ve been wait-listed twice, in the meantime the younger applicants with better undergraduate GPAs seem to be all getting in readily. Unfortunately I’m unable to commit to such a large geography change, so west coast schools are not an option for me.

  6. As someone currently in my first application cycle, I really appreciate posts like this one that are encouraging and realistic. I think the point that has really resonated with me has been to “resist the urge to personalize it.” I’m only 25, so I know I fall under the average 27-28 year old PA student statistic that seems to be floating around out there.

    I actually was accepted into three BS+MS five year programs right out of high school. For me, at the age of 17 I wasn’t ready to commit so completely to one career field. You hear about these people who have “wanted to do this their whole lives,” so I thought it meant something that I was uncertain. I was still a kid. I majored in art history instead, and it took me six months after my college graduation to realize that PA had been the right choice for me all along.

    Fast forward three years later as I apply to CASPA for the current cycle. I applied to seven schools and was only offered one interview. My interview was a bit odd (for lack of a better word). I felt afterwards like I had been a candidate they invited just to meet their interview quota. Several faculty were conducting interviews that day, and it almost seemed like the man interviewing me wrote me off before I even stepped in the room. It does no one any good to hold a grudge or foster bitterness, so I’ve cut my losses from that interview and moved on.

    Another thing I worry about is the direct, hands-on PCE. It seems like younger applicants (21-22) are favored because many have the ability to continue living with (and being funded by) their parents or significant others while they take remaining prerequisites and work a not-so-great paying job as a CNA or an EMT. Frankly, I don’t have someone to pay for my schooling or to support me while I try to pay rent, bills, tuition, etc. while only on a CNA salary. I truly envy those who do… it’s a good deal. I’ve been working in medical billing because it pays a livable wage, but most programs file this into the “other” category of HCE.

    The first cycle rejections cut the deepest. Despite reassessing how to strengthen my application (HCE that is more direct and more hours of shadowing), I still have the nagging question in the back of my mind: “How many years can I be rejected before I say enough?”

    Anyway, I just wanted to take some time and talk with those who are having similar feelings. This is certainly a wonderful profession, and I am more and more excited to one day be able to be a part of it.

    1. I definitely understand those concerns. That said, this is your first application cycle. I’m not sure “how many years you can be rejected before you say enough,” but I’m damned sure it’s more than one. Not getting in once is kind of typical. Don’t fortune-tell this into “years of rejections.” You just need to keep at it, if it’s what you want.
      CNA is good starter HCE. See if you can improve on that by making your next job something more involved with patients. medical billing is not HCE, and though it pays the bills, it’s keeping you afloat at the cost of ever getting you to shore. You have to risk for what you want. Have you looked into EKG tech, medical assistant, or somethings else that will have you helping patients more directly, and learning higher level skills? EMT isn’t a great living, but plenty of people do it for a year or two (yes, living on the cheap) in the service of getting where they want to go. I do teleconsults, if that would be helpful…

    2. Claire, let me offer my experience. I’m almost 33, so I am on the other side of that 27-28 average applicant age (although from what I’ve seen its probably more like a range of 23-28), I’m also in the process of trying to start a family, my prerequisites will start expiring in two years, and I’ve applied during two consecutive cycles without getting in. I’m terrified that all the hard work and money I put in after graduating into my prereqs will be for naught. But I know this is what I want, so I will keep applying until my prerequisites are no longer valid, all I have to lose is a couple hundred dollars of application fees, a minor concern looking at the big picture. At 25 I suggest you keep going at it, and as Paul alluded, you should look into a job with more hands-on HCE, like an EMT. I went that route and got my EMT license in 2012, and honestly, I love it. They pay leaves something to be desired, but at least here in Mass, you have an opportunity to work as much as you want. I’ve worked 100 hour weeks and I’ve averaged about 60/week. All that overtime adds up. Plus the schedule flexibility is enormous, you have shift lengths ranging from 8 to 24 hours if you want, leaving the option of a second job (this is my current approach).

      I also had a similar interview experience. I actually know for a fact that I was just invited to fill the quota. The school actually called me to tell me that one of their interview candidates was accepted at another school, and invited me for an interview, the next day! Obviously, I wish I had more time but I had to take the opportunity. I had no idea what I was walking into but at least, for next time, I have some interview experience that will surely help.

      1. Paul, thank you for your advice. I do intend to hit the ground running with my application this cycle. There is a two month CNA certification course in my area beginning 3/1, and I’ve enrolled in that. There seems to be a good number of part-time and full-time CNA positions in this area, while I have yet to find a single opening for an EMT. Medical assisting would be ideal, but the programs here are $14,000 and no one seems willing to train on the job. Last year I applied late (end of September), which I know hurt me. Although I don’t think I’ll be ready for an April submission this year, finishing the CNA class before May and filling my free time with lots of shadowing, I am aiming for early July. I’ve set my sights on schools that have low PCE requirements (500 hrs. or less) OR recommend some experience. That way, I know I’m not being completely unrealistic.

        Tom, I definitely understand where you’re coming from in regards to the pre-req limits. Because I began as a biology major in 2009, I have 2-3 cycles left depending on the school. My general science courses are from my undergrad years, while all of my upper levels have been within the past 2 years. I understand programs want applicants’ knowledge to be current, but as someone who has been taking A&P, micro, genetics, and biochem recently and doing very well, I wish they would be more lax about some of those introductory gen bio & gen chem 10 year rules.
        It’s terrific you’ve been able to do so well as an EMT. With no limit on your hours, I’m sure you’ve acquired some very nice HCE.

        I’ve been having some motivational pep talks with myself over the last week, and I actually found a quote note too long ago that made perfect sense for this situation. It may have even been on one of the few PA blogs out there…

        “If I fail more often than you, I win.”

        Not getting in on the first attempt has been a blessing in disguise. It’s forced me to reevaluate my motivation and my experience, and I’ve definitely gained more respect for the process.

  7. Paul (and other reapplicants),
    I wondered what you might suggest for the personal statement when applying the second (or third, or fourth) time around? Should an applicant rewrite the whole thing? Does it depend on whether one is reapplying to the same schools? And my biggest question is: How does one incorporate what they’ve done to improve their application since the last cycle? I don’t see how this flows and I don’t see how there’s room if everything that needs to be included (especially when one usually is asked this specific question in supplemental applications). And is it relevant to mention this if you are not reapplying to the same schools?

    Kind regards

    1. Hi, Ashley — the answer to this depends on if the essay is where you fell short. If so, you MUST rewrite it. If you aren’t sure, then I suggest you rewrite it. If you know it wasn’t and your essay is amazing, then you might decide to use the same one again, but I personally would never do this — the last thing I want to do if I have not been admitted is to remind them of that the next time I apply!

      I would suggest you get the help of a coach, who can help you get clear on where your application needs improvement. We do offer coaching — you can read about that service here if you’re interested. Sometimes making sure of exactly where you stand is the best way to make sure your next step is true.

  8. what are the chances getting into a school you reapply to a year later when all you needed to do was brush up your interview skills & your one page essay at the interview? Also is a school on probation when you matriculate too risky to attend? thanks for your help.

    1. That’s hard to say. Not sure how you know that all you needed to do was brush up on your interview and essay. Did they tell you that?

      Attending a school on probation is a risk. They all represent themselves as great programs, but the fact is, some aren’t, and are keeping very quiet about the fact that they’re one accreditation review away from being shut down. To be fair, that doesn’t happen very often; most schools whip their act into shape quickly when they realize they may be closed if they don’t. ARC-PA usually tells them exactly what they need to do to pass when their program is reviewed again. So I would say go to a program that is probational only if it’s the only one you get into. Then hope they get things figured out. Otherwise, go somewhere else.

  9. Hi Paul, Thank you for writing this. As helpful as this post is, reading the comments has me terrified and doubting my chances of getting into a program again. This will be my third time applying to PA programs. Like many on here I chose to go back last year and retake some of my undergrad sciences courses to bring up my GPA, hoping that this time they will see that I can do this and have been thankfully getting A’s in my courses. I am on the older side, 29 and am exhausted with working full time and being in school part time but am trying to pull through. It just scares me that I won’t be good enough to whoever see my application, and I honestly don’t know what to do. I’ve re written my personal statement, have 6 years as a medical assistant experience under my belt, working currenlty at the state public health lab in the micro department, retaking classes..I just dont know what else to do to stand out. Hoping someone will notice my efforts. Thanks again for reminding us to continue pushing forward and to not give up on our dreams. 8 more weeks until CASPA opens up good luck to everyone applying!

    1. In cases like yours, I strongly suggest you get the advice of a coach. I don’t say that to generate business, but a little time with someone who can look at your application and supporting information and tell you where you might be falling short is well worth the money if it makes the difference between getting in, and being passed over a third time. You can read about our coaching services here (click).

  10. Hi Paul,
    I just wanted to say thank you for your advice and support to all of us. I just got my acceptance today, and it was my first try. I did all my prerequisites (GPA 3.7) in a little bit over a year and i got involved in several things while in school: I co-founded the first science club in my college, so i am its current president; im also a student government representative and the student veteran liaison; i did some student tutorial in A&P during summer; i even took 7 classes last semester to show them that i can handle the stress and pressure. I am just finishing the process of creating a SVA chapter in my school. All of this while working 30 to 40 hours per week. I made sure that everyone at the school knew who i am. At the end, it paid off, since i will start my PA program in August. Thank you Paul. And to those who feel discouraged for not getting in, please don’t, and keep trying even harder. Remember that the sky is the limit.

    1. Wow, Carlos! I’m so pleased for you. Thanks for your kind words, and WELCOME TO THE PROFESSION.

      Paul

  11. Was just turned down on my first attempt and am very depressed. If I fail I fail but if I’m not even given a chance, that is hard to take. Not even an interview. The really hard part is that I am 50, have 20+ years of HCE, am a veteran, a cancer survivor, and in addition to a 3.89 gpa in grad school my current science courses gpa is about the same-3.8. I had multiple health care professionals read my letters, including a PA, and they gave it the thumbs up after a few adjustments and my references were 2 therapy department heads and 1 clergy. So short of donating a body part to science to prove my sincerity, I am not sure what to do. Anyone feeling generous with advice?

    1. You sound like you could use the help of a coach. We do offer teleconsults for just this type of problem. I will say that letters of reference from clergy is not likely to be very powerful. I’m not sure what kind of therapy your other two letters were from, but if they weren’t from a PA or an MD, then this part of your application needs work. Sure, you’re among the older candidates, but they do take people your age. One of my PA school pals was 53.

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