Click the link for downloadable copy
Use this checklist as a guide to help you become a stronger applicant.
Pre-Application Phase:
☐ Understand what a PA is and their role in the health care system.
☐ Research the PA profession on AAPA.org.
☐ Completed a bachelor’s degree or in the process of completing your degree.
☐ Determine when you plan on applying to PA school. Is it next year or 3 years from now?
☐ Find PAs to Shadow. Contact local PA networks or organizations.
☐ Volunteer to gain valuable life experience and help others.
☐ Get a job to gain hands on medical experience and earn some extra money (MA, EMT, ect).
☐ Research PA programs that you are interested in. Check out PAEA.org for a list of programs.
☐ Need to take the GRE? Sign up to take it and start studying. GRE info
☐ What courses do you still need to take to cover the prerequisites for top choice programs?
☐ Think about who you want to write a letter of recommendation for you, have one be a PA.
☐ Focus on doing something that will better yourself every day. Never stop improving.
Application Phase:
☐ Start filling out the CASPA application. Complete a little bit each day.
☐ Write your personal statement. Have multiple people read it prior to submission.
☐ Ask for your letters of recommendation (Best to have a PA, an employer, and a professor) .
☐ Acquire transcripts from all colleges attended and have them submitted to CASPA.
☐ Enter standardized test scores such as GRE or MCAT.
☐ Follow up and make sure all letters of recommendation have been submitted.
☐ Narrow you program list down the those you plan on applying to (Average number is 7).
☐ Review entire application to review and correct any errors.
☐ Choose the programs you are applying to. The more you apply to the higher the CASPA fee.
☐ Submit application and get ready to start playing the waiting game.
The Waiting Phase (Post-Application & Pre Interview)
☐ Continue to gain hands on medical experience.
☐ Work on getting the highest grades possible, if still taking courses.
☐ Volunteer. It’s always rewarding helping others.
☐ Wait for those supplemental applications to come in and fill them out and return quickly.
☐ Most supplemental applications require a second personal essay, answering open ended questions, and/or another letter of recommendation from a different person.
Interview Phase
☐ Congratulations! Take time to celebrate.
☐ Confirm interview date and location.
☐ Book travel accommodations (Flight, hotel, and transportation).
☐ Think of potential interview questions and your answers to them.
☐ Conduct mock interviews (make one a dress rehearsal).
☐ Determine what professional outfit you plan on wearing (Nothing too flashy).
☐ Confirm travel accommodations.
☐ Leading up to the interview: Make sure you get plenty of rest and have nutritious meal.
☐ Best of luck on your interview! Stay calm and be yourself, you got this.
☐ Write a personalized thank you note to each person you interviewed with.
Congratulations you have made it through the long and grueling process.
The waiting to find out if you are accepted is nerve racking.
Take that time to reflect and be proud of your accomplishments.
Spend time to do what you enjoy; read, travel, and spend time with loved ones.
I can’t wait until the day to call you a fellow PA!
Anthony Gauthier PA-C, ATC
IG @journey_to_pa_school
Email: journeytopaschool@gmail.com