Yes, I agree that the GRE quantitative score must be weighed more heavily than any other numerical component of the application (unless my GPA was also considered low, although I was under the impression that a ~3.6 was considered relatively competitive). If a lower than average quant score was actually the reason for me getting rejected, then I think it will be more efficient to take a prep course specifically for the quant section and improve my score on that rather than prepare for a completely new test (the MCAT).
Unfortunately, it is too late to apply to Tampa, or else I definitely would. That was just sheer stupidity and a complete lack of foresight on my part.
To answer your question about how badly I want to become an AA, I really can't think of any other profession that offers the same combination of winning factors. I really want to work in a field that involves physiology and a mode of thinking that involves concepts like receptors, ligands, etc., but I wanted to do something that utilizes those concepts in an applied manner focusing on patients, as opposed to working as a lab scientist or whatever.
If I had to pick a "back-up" career, I would probably go for something in neuroscience. There is always being a neurosurgery PA, but since I don't have any healthcare experience (yet), it would be at least a year or so before I could even apply to PA programs. Also, from talking to someone who is signing on as a new neurosurgery PA at a local hospital, they tend to work at least 60-70 hours a week... eek. One of the attractive elements of becoming an AA is the prospect of actually having a life outside of the hospital.
It seems like every time I do a comparison of careers in healthcare, being an AA is always resting at the top of the list.
Of course, it sounds like everyone else has figured this out as well. :-)
I guess I have some serious considerations to make over the next few days. It will really suck if I simply won't be able to become an AA and there's nothing more to it than that, but at the same time, it definitely makes more sense to start pursuing a career that I actually have the "brains" for.
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