<p>I am currently a Freshman majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I was originally planning on becoming a doctor, but now I do not think I have the capability of going to medical school, so my new goal is to go to PA school.
Unfortunately for me, I have 3 D's to start off my first semester. My other grades consist of two A's, and 1 C. My D's are all in my science classes, so if I still have a D by the end of the semester I have to retake it again next semester. So is my GPA completely screwed to get into PA school if this is the case? (Because I know that it can be really competitive and that it requires a high GPA) I study really hard so I don't know how my grades ended up like this. I'm just assuming I am just really not that good in science since in high school I didn't too well either, but never as bad as this. I am also busy pledging for a sorority but I'm not sure if that would really affect my grades so much since i know that some people still get good grades during this process. </p>
<p>I'm also stuck between changing majors or not.
I have a huge interest in languages and culture. So I always also thinking of changing majors to International Studies. I would enter either the commerce or government track. And then maybe take the prerequisites of PA school as a back up. I'm just not sure if it would be worth it? I know my grades would definitely be improve because that's what I'm good at. But I feel like if I change majors I'll be giving up in my original major. If I do change my major to do this, I was thinking of dropping one of the class's with a D because it's a science elective for my major. </p>
<p>I'm just asking for opinions, advice, and suggestions.
I am very confused on what to do...
I just also really want to know if I can still save my GPA after this semester with my three D's.
Thank you very much <3</p>
<p>Do NOT think that PA courses are any easier than med school courses, or that it is a back-up for people who can’t get into medical school.</p>
<p>The obligations of a sorority may make it very difficult to fulfill the requirements for qualifying for a PA program. My daughter and her friends did not have a whole lot of time for a social life. </p>
<p>This is pretty standard for PA program applicant requirements:</p>
<p>The successful completion of the Pre-Professional Phase or a Bachelor’s degree from another college or university.
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0
A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in the following required science courses:
2 semesters of General Chemistry with lab (Science Major Level)
2 semesters of organic chemistry with lab (for class entering May 2014)
2 semesters of General Biology with lab (Science Major Level)
1 semester of Microbiology with lab (Science Major Level)
2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with lab (Science Major Level)
In most cases these courses must have been completed within the last seven years.
Successful completion of a Medical Terminology Course from an accredited institution within the last two years prior to matriculation.
Three letters of recommendation
A minimum of 500 documented direct patient care hours.
Completion of Technical Standards (upon acceptance to the program)</p>
<p>Successful interview by the Physician Assistant Selection Committee. Final acceptance to the Professional phase is ultimately based not only on performance in the prerequisite sciences and overall academic performance but also on the student’s desire for and understanding of the profession, demonstration of maturity, self-confidence and good interpersonal skills.</p>
<p>GRE scores are required at the time of the interview.</p>
<p>So you took 6 classes, 3 of which were science? It might not be that you’re not good at science, you might have just overworked yourself and were unable to put-in the required time. </p>
<p>Even if you’re able to get your D’s up to a C, that still won’t look good for PA school. Like @KKmama said, PA school isn’t any easier than med school, and many programs are just as selective. You should have no less than a B in any class that’s required for the program (the list above is a great reference). </p>
<p>If you you think your poor grades are a result of overworking yourself (are you taking about 20 credits?!) then you might still be able to recover and pursue PA. If not, you should reassess what you want and pursue that. International studies might be worth it if you have an interest there. You should at least take an intro course in the spring and see how it feels. You’ll really have to learn how to market yourself, though, because a degree in International Studies doesn’t exactly guarantee you a job after school.</p>
<p>It’s important to not only choose a major that you enjoy but that you can be successful in. GPA is important for any kind of professional school and if the sciences are proving to be difficult for you, you may want to consider looking into other majors. Go to your career or advising center. They have interest inventories and can provide you with assistance in choosing a major that will make you happy and where you will excel.</p>