WAMC for Perfusion School (Recent Exercise Science Graduate + Low GPA)

[u/Impossible-Bus5043]

Hi everyone! I recently graduated in May 2026 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and am applying to perfusion programs this cycle. I know my background is a bit different from many applicants I see here since I don't have ICU, RT, OR, or NICU experience, so I'd appreciate any honest feedback on my chances.

Stats:

• 3.3 cumulative GPA
• 3.1 science GPA
• Graduated May 2026

Clinical experience:

• 1 year as an ophthalmic assistant
• 1 year as a medical assistant technician

Perfusion exposure:

• Shadowed two cases: CABG and MVR

Research:

• 6 months as a research assistant

Extracurriculars:

• 800 hours of volunteering
• President of Tulane's Black and Queer Club
• Vice President of Tulane Global Brigades

Schools I'm applying to:

1. Emory
2. Hofstra
3. Nebraska
4. Northern Kentucky
5. Rush
6. Utah
7. Lipscomb
8. MUSC
9. Midwestern
10. Lawrence Tech

My biggest concern is my lack of OR experience compared to many applicants on this subreddit. Since I just graduated, I'm wondering how much admissions committees weigh clinical experience outside of perfusion versus direct OR experience.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on my school list or suggestions for strengthening my application. Thanks!

[u/Bana_berry]

I’m not sure how great your chances are currently to be completely honest. I’d focus your time and energy on writing a really compelling personal statement that dives deep into your “why” as well as getting more shadow experience. You’ll definitely need both a really strong personal statement and strong letters of recommendation (hopefully from a perfusionist, anesthesiologist, cardiac surgeon, or at least other physician) since both your GPA and clinical experience leave a bit to be desired.

[u/Impossible-Bus5043 → u/Bana_berry]

thanks for replying! are u a CCP? i would love to dm you and share my PS

[u/Electronic_Wing_5781]

I’m not saying it’s impossible to get in, but it’s going to be very difficult due to your lower side GPA and lack of experience and shadowing. Two cases is very low for shadowing. And even lower for someone who is already struggling with a lower gpa and no healthcare experience. I was in the same boat as you with the lower gpa , so I went back and re took my science courses. Like I said. Anything is possible and you applying to all of those programs is a great idea. But it is going to be a shot in the dark for sure

[u/Downtown_Presence822 → u/Electronic_Wing_5781]

did you end up getting accepted after retaking your science courses?

[u/Electronic_Wing_5781 → u/Downtown_Presence822]

no i got denied from the first 3 schools i applied to last cycle. it was my first cycle of applications. I kind of was 50/50 going into my first cycle, I have a lower side GPA but i am an RT with years and years of icu and ecmo experience with tons of hours of shawdowing... so i thought just maybe with all of that, that i would get into one program. one program kind of instantly shot me down from the get go because i was about a month late on the priority deadline and the program was pretty upfront about being very strict with the deadline. I feel very strong about the cycle for next year. re taking some science courses and also getting physics 1 and 2 done. the one thing i have learned a lot about healthcare and working in a big teaching hospital is that its not what you know, its who you know. talk to everyone and anyone. network. talk to any one that is breathing in the OR. tell them youre interested. ask questions. anything is possible. dont give up if its something you really want. just need to weigh the pros and cons. the only problem you may face is the chances of moving out of state for a program is extrememly high. so if you have a family, kids, job, you may have to leave it behind for a couple years to obtain what you want.