Are you heading into your Senior year? Did you just complete your undergrad education?
You are ready to start the application process – now what? Five years ago when I was applying to PA schools I did not know anyone in my personal life who was a PA. I had no idea where to start! If you are feeling the same then this post is for you!
Are you an undergrad student? Check out my post on prepping for PA school in undergrad here:
About the Application Process
PA school applications for almost all schools are done on an online program called the “Central Application” aka CASPA. Applications open annually in late spring (around April) and each school has its own deadline. It is in your best interest to apply to schools EARLY. This means you should start gathering materials in the months prior to when the application opens. For the least stress during this process I would recommend starting a year before you intend to submit your applications!
A Word About the Stress…
Remember: This is a marathon not a sprint. Applying to PA school is a stressful and expensive process. Having a plan of how you are going to reach this goal will help you avoid stress and keep you on track.
Many students take multiple cycles of applying to get into a program. This isn’t because they are not smart enough. Statistically there are thousands of students who want to get in and a limited number of programs. Last year almost 30,000 students applied to 304 accredited programs. Being a PA is a sought after career and accepting that it may take you multiple cycles to apply will allow you to take off some of the pressure and self doubt that comes with this process! Read more about my personal experience here.
Your Application Checklist
1) Obtain Patient Care Hours
There are many ways to obtain patient care hours, whether paid or volunteer.
I was a CNA at a level I trauma center and public hospital during my senior year and for a year afterward. I learned a lot but the work was stressful and exhausting!
Personally, I would recommend these instead for the best learning opportunities and probably a more enjoyable experience than my own:
- Scribe – great way to learn medical terminology
- EMT – great hands-on experience
- Medical assistant
- Phlebotomist or Lab tech
2) Create your Resume or CV
Create your resume now and continue adding to it throughout the year!
- Use a template specific to medicine
- Use key words – “physician assistant, healthcare, provider, patient care”
- Keep it simple and limit length
- Have your resume reviewed by at least two people! Ideally a graduate-health studies guidance counselor, a PA or Doctor you are shadowing or work with, or even a medical resume review service
Click Here for my post all about resume building!
3) Ask for Letters of Recommendation
If you are planning to apply the same year you are graduating, plan to ask for letters as early as possible. The letters will need to be requested via the CASPA portal and will need to be uploaded by your professor. You will NOT have access to read their letter. Professors are busy and WILL need reminders over the year. Set expectations for when the letter is due. It sucks to have your application finished and have to wait on letters.
See my tips about Letters of Recommendation Here!
4) Research Schools
Time to find some schools you are interested in!
Start your research here: https://paeaonline.org/our-programs
I found it helpful to explore by location with the map tool. You can view specific requirements for each school and links to their program website.
5) Make a List of Schools You’d Like to Apply To
- I recommend applying to 8-12 programs to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Make sure you: (1) Meet their GPA requirement – no exceptions will be made! and (2) Meet their prerequisite class requirements
- I recommend making a list that includes: School name and location, cost of tuition, application deadline, and any addition application requirements (ex. supplemental essays or an extra course you need to take)
6) Create a CASPA Account
Start Here: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
The account is valid for one year. You can begin adding your personal information, adding schools, and request letters of recommendation early on.
7) Write Personal Statement
Some Ideas to get you started:
- Why do you want to be a PA? Did a medical experience you or a family member had influence you?
- Did you grow up in a medical family? Was your mom a physician and you love medicine but want a different work-life balance?
- Was there a challenge you overcame that changed who you are as a person? How did it lead you to this path?
- How did past challenges prepare you for PA school?
- What does your ideal life look like and how does being a PA fit into that?
After writing your personal statement it is important to have it reviewed! Ask a PA you know, a guidance counselor, a professor, friends, family, or hire an editing service!
See my post on Personal Statements Here!
8) Shadow a PA (or Several)
Who can I ask?
- Your own doctors/providers – ask if they will let you shadow or know anyone who will!
- Providers at your campus wellness center
- Professors
- Members of your pre-PA club
Send THIS email!
9) Take the GRE or PACAT
This is required by some schools but not all.
Take the test early – that way if you are unhappy with your score you can study and take it again. I felt the GRE was similar to the SAT. I’m not sure how much studying truly helped me. PA schools seem to be phasing out the GRE but some still require it.
10) Request Your Electronic Transcripts Via CASPA
I recommend submitting what you have completed (example fall semester of senior year) then uploading updated transcripts once your spring coursework is completed if you are applying while in undergrad.
11) Upload your Materials to CASPA
12) Write Supplemental Essays
Some schools require extra essays (just what you wanted). They are typically shorter but require some research into the school’s program and why you want to attend their program specifically.
13) Submit Your Application!
And breathe a sigh of relief knowing your time and effort will pay off!