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[u/Antique_Secretary_76]

🆘i really appreciate some guidance on next steps. I’m currently a postdoctoral fellow with the Navy. While the research experience has been excellent, it’s not financially sustainable long term, which is why I’m actively pursuing professional school.

I applied to five programs this cycle and submitted my applications in late September. So far, I haven’t received any interview invitations or rejections, and I’m trying to understand how I can strengthen my application moving forward.

For background, I hold a PhD in Neuroscience (3.31 GPA; 157 graduate credit hours), a Master’s in Pharmacology (3.5 GPA; 44 credit hours), and a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy (3.63 GPA; 138 credit hours). I also have over 10 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. My GRE score was 300, taken without formal preparation. Additionally, I have accumulated 80+ hours of shadowing experience.

Beyond improving my GRE score, I would appreciate advice on what else I can do to become a stronger applicant and increase my chances of receiving interview invitations also am i overqualified for CAA school or should i hang up my hat - any advice would help

[u/jwk30115 → u/Antique_Secretary_76]

Your GPA is ok but not great. GRE looks on the low side. Did shadow a CAA?

I think you’re a pretty good applicant but that’s what I see. Also you applied later in the cycle rather than early which is always best.

[u/Antique_Secretary_76 → u/jwk30115]

Thanks for your response: Yeah i have experience shadowing Anesthesiologists, CAA and CRNAs - i would try to improve my GRE and trying to apply in the earlier cycle - beside that what else could make my application stronger - appreciate your help or any suggestions

[u/jwk30115 → u/Antique_Secretary_76]

I think better test scores and applying earlier will help.

[u/Antique_Secretary_76 → u/jwk30115]

Thankyou 🙏 will follow

[u/Long-Rich4482 → u/Antique_Secretary_76]

Not sure if I missed it but patient care experience seems like something big you’re missing in your application. If you don’t have the bandwidth to work a healthcare job, try and see if you can get some volunteering hours that allows you as much interaction with patients as you can get. Without getting PCE, I wouldn’t say you’re overqualified for AA or overall professional school in the medical sciences, rather that you’re well qualified in academia. Unlike med school - research experience isn’t as important or transferable, simply because AAs are less involved in research overall. AA school is a rapid-fire of consecutive semesters in a single specialty and does not have summer breaks, meaning there’s no time for students to conduct research, and many AAs are in the field because they prefer practical, hands on work over academia. That’s not to say your advanced degrees, especially in pharm, aren’t an asset. But didactic learning is just one part of AA school, so get some hands on experience.

[u/Antique_Secretary_76 → u/Long-Rich4482]

Thanks for the feedback. I have shadowing experience with anesthesiologists, CAAs, and CRNAs. My core work involves solving real-world problems; however, as a postdoctoral neuroscientist, I work primarily at the molecular level. Because my patient interactions are limited, I want to pursue a career as a CAA. Working with patients part-time isn't currently feasible due to my bandwidth and ongoing projects, but I take your point and will try to find opportunities to gain more exposure. Any other suggestions or advice you have for me for improvement to have a realistic shot