Hey there! Thank you for taking the time to read my story and welcome!
A little bit about me…
My name is Kaung Sett, but you can call me ‘K’. Here, I want to share my story, and my tips regarding my Physician Assistant (PA) journey with you all.
I am currently attending Campbell University, majoring in their dual degree Public Health and Physician Assistant program. I applied in 2020 and that was my very first application cycle. I am a low GPA applicant (my undergraduate GPA was below 3.0).
I am an avid book reader, and during my application cycle, I immersed myself in ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins, to find that motivation to keep on going. I’m very big on skincare (who doesn’t like popping pimples) and weightlifting. These were my escape from stress.
I was born and raised in the Golden Land of Southeast Asia, which is also known as Myanmar. I moved to San Francisco, California, when I was in my early teens and attended the University of California, Davis, and finished my Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Back then, like many of you, I was starting out in my professional career and was totally lost on what I wanted to pursue in this vast field of healthcare.
The application cycle & my story
I started my PA school application in 2020 after taking three gap years. I went into the application cycle with the mindset that I would end up reapplying the next year. However, I am fortunate enough to say that I had a very good mentor and fellow friends that helped me throughout my application cycle.
They pushed me to take that next step, that next big leap. Never in my dreams that I thought I would be able to land an interview, much less an acceptance, with my first cycle. However, with the help of my mentor and friends, after strategically choosing the PA programs and working my a** off with a ton of caffeine and all-nighters, my dream became a reality and I want to pay it forward to my fellow low GPA applicants that are in the same situation that I was some time ago.
I created this blog so that this will serve as that push you need to get into that application cycle, to take that step, and ultimately, to be accepted into the program of your dreams.
My Journey
I worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for interfacility transfers and the 911 system of Alameda County in California. After that, I started teaching EMT classes and started working as a medical assistant (MA) at an urgent care. That is when I started learning about the PA profession.
The more I learned about PAs, the more I became fascinated by them. The one greatest unique feature of the profession, the ability to move between specialties whenever one’s interest evolved, drew me into the profession as I consider myself a lifelong learner.
After that, I started applying to PA schools while working as a MA in dermatology. I spent three years building and improving my application and stats and after what seemed like a very long time, I finally took the leap and applied.
After taking many classes to bring my GPA up, many nights of talking to myself in the mirror, and 10,000 mg of caffeine (probably more), I was accepted into Campbell University’s dual degree Public Health and Physician Assistant program, which I’ll am currently attending.
Applying to PA schools was one of the greatest challenges of my life. Let me tell you why. I did not have the best stats when it came to GPA, and with many class withdrawals and not enough patient care hours, applying to PA schools seemed like a daunting task. And for those who are curious, I will share my CASPA stats at the end of this post.
So, where am I going with this? I started this blog because I wanted to share my story and tips with my fellow low-GPA applicants. I want to tell you guys that it is possible for us to achieve greatness. You don’t have to let the mistakes that were made during undergrad define your future.
Back then, because I was so unsure of myself, I kept putting off my application until one day a friend said, “You’ll never know if you don’t hit that “Submit” button on the application. Who cares about what happens? All that matters is that at the end, you know you gave it your all and if you don’t succeed, you get your a** up and try again.” I’m grateful for that speech to this day and I’m here to do the same thing for you all.
Many of you who are reading this may feel like you’re lacking in some aspect of your application, whether it be patient care hours, GPA, shadowing hours, etc. You might be comparing yourself to other applicants and beating yourself up for the lack of better stats. I’m here to tell you that it’s ok and that it’s normal. What matters most is that you pick yourself back up and start setting small goals that will ultimately lead you to become the best version of an applicant that you can be.
People used to tell me that my GPA was too low or it was too late to catch up and to be realistic with my goals. And initially, I listened to them. I thought to myself, “Man, maybe this path is not for me. Maybe they’re right. I’m probably not smart enough.” But another part of me wondered if there is a small chance of getting in and achieving my dreams, why not give it a shot? So, I did it. I decided I wouldn’t settle for anything less and I went for it.
Like me, I’m sure you have seen other people’s stats on social media, whether it be Facebook, Instagram, or another blog. It’s difficult to stay motivated when you see other applicants with perfect stats; 4.0 GPAs, 10,000+ PCE hours, and 320+ GRE scores. I’m here to tell you that what other applicants have does not matter to you. Keep your head down and work your butt off. You WILL make it.
If I was able to do it, so can you.
And as promised, you can click here to view my stats. I am sharing my story, as well as my personal statement that got me six interviews as a low GPA applicant, in hopes that you can use this as a source of reference or motivation on your journey. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Because passion and obsession, even talent, are only useful tools if you have the work ethic to back them up.
– David Goggins, Can’t Hurt Me.