QUESTIONS CONCERNING PA SCHOOL APPLICATION

[66611]

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I am planning to send out my PA school applications within the next 2-3 months to PA schools. I have a few questions regarding the application process.

1. Can we send in our rec letters later on after we submit our application or do we need to submit everything at once?
2. I noticed that there is a central website for PA school application. Is there one specific question for the personal statement or are there multiple prompts to complete?
3. Can you leave your application and go back to it to finish it later or do you need to complete it all in one go?
4. What if you don't take Microbiology or Biochem? Does it decrease your chances of getting accepted?
5. Is it okay if yo complete only 20-30 shadowing hours?

I'd appreciate any advice! Thank you

 

[MyNameWasUsed]

Great decision in pursuing the PA profession!

1. It depends on the program. There are 3 different kinds of deadlines that different programs can require. There is e-submitted in which you just have to submit the CASPA and pay for it. E submit does not require rec letters to be submitted or transcripts. There is complete submitted which requires you to submit at least 2 rec letters and transcripts (i think), and lastly theres verified submitted in which you are required to have everything submitted to CASPA (GRE, transcripts, rec letters) and verified. Verification of your CASPA can take 4-6 weeks after your submitted your CASPA. So basically you'll have to look up the program's deadline and see what kind of deadline they have.

2. this is the prompt: Please explain why you are interested in being a Physician Assistant.

3. Yes you can save your app and finish it at a later time.

4. I think microbiology is a requirement for like 90% of the PA schools in the nation. I don't recall biochem being a requirement for that many schools but i recall many schools recommending biochem if not requiring it.

5. I don't recall most schools to require shadowing. It is preferred of course.

In my opinion, GPA and health care experience/patient care experience are the two most important factors.

 

[BnjoGrl]

Hello! I think that your questions were already answered perfectly, but I just wanted to add a few things to the previous responder.

I would suggest getting your central application (CASPA) out as soon as possible because most programs are on "rolling admissions" which means that they accept students as they receive applications. Submitting your application early is one of the best things you can do to boost your chances.

For your letters of recommendation, some programs allow you to send in additional letters beyond what you submit with your CASPA. I believe CASPA has room for 3 letters (which is the requirement for most programs) but if your program allows you to send in additional letters you can do so after you have submitted your CAPSA. Also keep in mind that PA programs have different requirements for letters, i.e. must be from an MD/PA, science professor, etc.

There is only one personal statement on the CAPSA, however most programs require a supplemental application after you have submitted CASPA. Most of the time this application has several more essay questions for you to fill out and send in. So although there is your initial personal statement, you will have to complete multiple prompts later if you apply to programs that have a supplemental application.

Be careful about what prerequisites/shadowing hours your programs require. Some are simply "recommended" and some are absolutely required. Do not apply to programs that you do not have all the prerequisites completed or required shadowing hours completed.

Hope that helps!