First GEN/APPLICANT, ACCPETED + QUESTIONS
It still doesn’t feel real! I only decided to apply a couple of weeks before CASPA obased on my advisors suggestion since I had the necessary hours and courses for at least seven schools, but I thought it’d be more of a practice round than anything.
After applying, it took a while to hear back, but when I got an interview invite from my top choice, I was over the moon! I felt like things were falling into place and could really see myself there. My interview was scheduled for late August, and it went pretty well. Of course, afterward, I thought of things I could’ve answered better, but hindsight is 20/20. The week of waiting for a response was torture—every call felt like heartbreak, thanks to election season.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a call but instead received an email saying I was waitlisted. I was devastated. To me, it felt like the program saw I had what it takes to be a PA but didn’t quite want me as a first pick. Since I applied at the last minute, it was hard to be so close and yet in limbo for months (the program starts in January).
After my interview, several other schools sent secondary invites, but most ended in rejection emails. As you know from the title, though, the waitlist spot came through! From my understanding, the program had another interview round, and afterward, they reevaluated the waitlist, turning it into an acceptance. I got the call while visiting that state for a concert and was even close to the school when it happened! My mom and I drove to campus to take some pictures to remember the day. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful.
I’m beyond excited and have already started planning, as I’ll be an out-of-state student and need to find housing. I’ve submitted my deposit and received my login info, with more school updates expected in a few days. They recommended I 1) schedule a physical and 2) sort out healthcare insurance before the program starts. This is where my questions come in—I would *immensely* appreciate any insight:
- My family is large and lower-income, so I’m currently covered under Medicaid. From what I’ve heard, I might need to cancel my Michigan Medicaid to apply for coverage in Illinois during open enrollment. Is that correct? Or will my current insurance cover me out of state while I’m a student in Illinois?
- 2. If I do need to apply for Illinois Medicaid, is it possible to get coverage before I move? The program starts in January, so I’m planning to move by mid-December, but I’m unsure if that leaves enough time to apply for coverage (I believe I’ll qualify as I won’t have income during school). I don’t have an Illinois address yet, which I think is necessary for insurance. Is there any way around this, or should I prioritize finding an apartment quickly so I can apply for coverage too?
- 3. Lastly, my program requires a physical exam due later this fall, but my regular clinic can’t fit me in by the due date. A clinic I called suggested I get it done at an urgent care. Has anyone had experience with this? It seems a little odd, but maybe it’s actually a good option.
Thank you so much for your help and support. Although I’ve mostly been a silent member, I’ve read hundreds of posts from others going through similar things, and as a first-generation student, the insight has been invaluable. I *can’t believe it*—I’m going to be a PA! That’s something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying.
For anyone else going through this, trust your timeline. I’d begun to accept I’d need to reapply next cycle when suddenly, I got the call. It only takes one. :)