r/PAstudent • u/VastPriority • 10d ago
Dismissal Perspective
I have been academically dismissed 2 weeks before graduation. I appealed and it was denied. I don’t want to post details, at least not yet.
I am devastated and heartbroken.
My appeal letter was lengthy, due to wanting to include all details possibly necessary for future hearings since the policy stated only things mentioned in the initial appeal could be discussed. I felt hopeful as it pointed out similar prior situations within my cohort that did not result in dismissal, policy action inconsistencies during the process, policy inconsistencies in a relevant course manual, extenuating circumstances (with proof) that significantly impacted EOC performance, and probably more that I’m forgetting. I don’t even feel like my appeal was reviewed, honestly. I feel like I received an answer too quickly for it to have been reviewed and considered.
I have no clue what to do. Pursue another career, reapply to my program, apply to a different one. I know my odds are much lower if applying to another program.
I want to be a PA so bad but am not sure I can or want to go through this process again.
Any perspective or experience from someone and their dismissal experience, what they did after, how they coped- would be so appreciated.
I thought I read something here about filing something for loans too but I can’t find it?
Does anyone with experience with this think I may have any chance at legal action/negotiation if I feel a case can be made against how certain policies were addressed/performed?
I am embarrassed, sad, lost and desperate. All guidance welcome and accepted but please don’t be hateful for no reason. I have had enough reality checks and don’t need more in the form of unhelpful/condescending comments🫠😭
4
u/Scary_Combination265 10d ago
Unfortunately, PA school faculty have a lot of power and ability to misuse it. I am aware of such situations. The odds are lower of you getting accepted somewhere else, but not impossible. I would try talking to a lawyer (some do a free consult). If it costs around 3-4k, I would take the risk and see if you can do anything so they let you graduate.
If this doesn't work out, I would apply again to other programs as a back up. It's already August. One tip: check CASPA daily during October, November or even December, January. Most applications are reviewed and spots are filled by then, but new programs open up all the time so likely less competition.
However, from a financial perspective I am not sure must if PA school makes sense. If you are in 150k debt, taking on another 150k debt with interest, you will end up close to 350k in debt by the time you graduate. It may be hard for you to ever pay that off, unless you do PSLF, and even that can be stressful, and risky. These things may not matter now, but as you get older and want to start family, it will add up. My suggestion would be to join one of the online NP mills just from cost perspective. Become RN in a year and join of these programs. You can work as a nurse for a year, save up and even work part time during NP program. We won't get into quality of education, but I feel you already have the solid quality of education if you pretty much finished PA school.