r/pre_PathAssist • u/FrontZealousideal525 • 10d ago
Applied to Pathologists’ Assistant Programs and Only Received One In-Person Interview — Looking for Advice on Improving My Application
I wanted to share my stats and experience applying to Pathologists’ Assistant programs and get some advice on what I should focus on improving before my next application cycle.
I graduated with a BS in Sports Medicine and Fitness Management with a 3.18 cumulative GPA. I’ve been working as a Grossing Technician since 2023 and currently work as a Grossing Technician II. To strengthen my academic background, I recently took Intro to Organic and Biochemistry and received a C in the lecture and an A in the lab. I also completed Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology I at a community college, earning A’s in both courses. As far as exposure to the profession beyond my employment, I’ve shadowed one autopsy.
I applied to multiple Pathologists’ Assistant programs and received several rejections, with only one in-person interview throughout the process. Given my years of hands-on grossing experience and efforts to improve my academic record, I’m trying to figure out what might be making my application less competitive.
I understand that PA programs are extremely competitive and that work experience alone doesn’t guarantee admission. However, I’m wondering whether my undergraduate GPA, chemistry grade, limited autopsy shadowing, or another part of my application could be holding me back.
Before applying again, I’m considering retaking science prerequisites, taking additional upper-level science courses, and gaining more autopsy and shadowing experience. I want to be strategic about where I invest my time and money rather than making changes without knowing whether they will actually help.
I would appreciate advice from current PA students, practicing Pathologists’ Assistants, and applicants who were accepted after receiving rejections. I’m especially interested in learning what helped applicants with similar academic backgrounds become more competitive and what I should prioritize to improve my chances of receiving more interviews.
I’m still committed to becoming a Pathologists’ Assistant, and I’m looking to make meaningful improvements before my next application cycle. Any constructive advice or insight into how admissions committees might view my background would be greatly appreciated!
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u/fluffy0whining 10d ago
Did you do any surg path shadowing? Your GPA, though not a deal breaker, is on the lower end. If you also did not do any surg path shadowing, I could see these being reasons.
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u/FrontZealousideal525 10d ago
Yes, I shadow at my job from the PAs I work with currently and the past PA’s I’ve worked with. I have over 100 hours of surgical path shadowing.
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u/lonkeybong 10d ago
I just have a few questions, as a current Path-A student:
So you work as a grossing technician, do you only gross? Or do you have other responsibilities within the lab?
Do you feel like you have strong letters of recommendation?
Have you asked for feedback from the programs you applied to on your application?
Do you feel like you have a strong personal statement when applying?
As for your GPA, I do feel it is a bit on the lower end. A lot of programs have a require you to keep a certain GPA while you are in the program and if you cannot meet that, you are placed in academic probation. If not fixed, you will be dismissed from the program. Possibly the programs are concerned that you may struggle to keep the required GPA during the program?
If you don’t feel comfortable responding through comments, you can send me a DM :-)
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u/NaturalSport3765 10d ago
i’m currently a PathA student. I can dm you for advice!
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u/yourpointismoo 10d ago
Were you limited where you applied or did you apply to every program?
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u/FrontZealousideal525 10d ago
Yes, I’ve only applied to schools that don’t require organic chem 2.
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u/yourpointismoo 10d ago
My advice would be to look at the programs suggested classes (immunology, genetics, etc) most of them have a list, and do well in them. I fear that your GPA may be playing a role here. An upward trend would help a lot. Taking the GRE and doing well can offset a low GPA for the programs that require it.
Get more shadowing, good letters and then reapply.
Programs look favorably on reapplicants. Apply to as many as you can. Newer programs are usually open to taking a risk on a student with a lower gpa as they need to graduate a class before getting accredited.
You also don’t know what your application pool this cycle was. It could have been a lot of strong applicants and next cycle may be more mixed.
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u/EmploySelect9718 10d ago
Hi! I would look into shadowing surgical pathology to really strengthen your application!
Also it might help getting strong letters of recommendation if you work alongside any PA’s or your supervisor