Let’s be honest – the cost of applying for PA school is no joke. Some expenses may seem obvious, but there are also some costs that may not be intuitive to include. Overall, be sure to budget and prepare however you need to for the cost of applications. This may also influence the number of …
After the Interview
Take a deep breath; you did it! Once the interview is over, it may be helpful to jot down any notes that you might want to look at later, from pieces of information to the general feeling you got from the interview. Some people may send thank you notes or emails to the programs. I …
The Interview
Attire It is important to make a good first impression, and interview attire is a quick way to do that. Attire for PA school interviews is business professional – Savanna Perry recommends suits for everyone. I got one at Old Navy and paired it with a blouse to complete my interview day outfit. With my …
Before the Interview
Notification of Interviews Programs will send the invitation to the email you provided on your application. They will include instructions on what next steps look like, which can vary. Some programs gave me the option of multiple interview days and times, others only gave me one option. Generally, they will ask you to confirm your …
Supplemental Applications
Not all programs require a supplemental application; the information will be on their website, and most will email you with a reminder that there is a supplemental component after receiving your CASPA. Most supplemental applications include additional essay questions specific to the program. A few that I applied to also required a headshot. Each of …
CASPA
The main component of actually applying to PA school is the CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). Almost everything is encompassed in the CASPA. Create an account, and fill out each section of the application. You will select programs and pay for the applications from the CASPA website. CASPA opens at the end of …
Personal Statement
The personal statement might be the most important essay you ever write. That can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Start by creating a list of anything that comes to mind when you think about important parts of your pre-PA journey. It could be patient stories, shadowing experiences, or classes you took. It could …
Letters of Recommendation
The CASPA accepts up to 5 letters of recommendation. Some programs have specific requirements for who needs to write letters, so once you know which programs you are applying to be sure to check. It can be intimidating when asking for letters of recommendation; plan ahead and be prepared to make the process as easy …
Choosing a Program
After deciding to become a physician assistant and taking steps toward that goal, the next big decision is to choose which PA programs to apply to. If you have just started working toward your goal, it will be helpful to narrow down your options to a few schools to focus your efforts on meeting or …
Volunteering and Involvements
Why? Physician assistant programs want applicants who are well-rounded. While they do take quantitative measures like GPA, hours of experience, and test scores into consideration, they will also review applications holistically. Getting involved in volunteer activities and other extracurriculars speak to who you are as a person, what you care about, and show that you …