10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer

There’s no one right way to craft your PA personal statement.

In fact, it should be as individual as you are. However, there are basic things to include, that together, answer the question: “Why do you want to be a PA?”

Here are 10 questions every PA personal statement needs to answer

1. What brings you to health care?
2. How and when did you learn about the PA profession?
3. When did you decide to pursue the PA profession?
4. What kind of contact do you have/or have you had with PAs?
5. If you’re a newly minted college grad, why did you decide to choose the PA profession above other health care professions?
6. If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, why have you decided to pursue the PA profession instead of remaining in your current health care role or job?
7. What is specific to PAs that impresses you?
8. How will becoming a PA satisfy your values and career aspirations, and enhance the lives of your future patients and community?
9. Do you work or have you worked in health care? If so, tell a bit about it.
10. If there are deficiencies in your application such as a lower GPA, why have they happened and what steps have you taken to ensure you’ll be a great candidate for PA school?

Best Practices

When answering number 5 why did you decide to choose the PA profession above other health care professions?

• Please don’t say it’s for life balance — competition is fierce and Admissions folks are looking for applicants who are dedicated to their career as a PA.

When answering number 6 why have you decided to pursue the PA profession instead of remaining in your current health care role or job?

• If you’ve had an entirely separate career, it’s crucial to explain the timing and reasons for this decision.

When answering number 7 what is specific to PAs that impresses you?

• One way to answer this is by showing a PA in action during a case you witnessed while shadowing or in which you participated.

When answering number 10 if there are deficiencies in your application such as a lower GPA, why have they happened and what steps have you taken to ensure you’ll be a great candidate for PA school?

• Do not place your deficiencies in the spotlight. You don’t want to start your essay by discussing the worst part of your application. Show how great you are first, and then, near the end of the essay, bring up the grades. Quickly recover with a powerful conclusion that reasserts your skills, talent, experience, and passion for the profession. Read these 7 tips for addressing shortcomings in your PA school personal statement.

You should use this list as a checklist while writing your PA essay.

Not only is it important that the admissions committee know your answer to these questions, but the answers you provide to these questions are also at the core of your decision to become a PA.

They are also all on the list of the top 46 physician assistant applicant interview questions.

Remember, your goal is to tell an engaging and compelling story, so when answering these questions, weave them into the narrative of your journey to the PA profession.

Additional Reads

Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?

Stephen Pasquini PA-C Physician Assistant

Stephen has been a family practice PA since 2004 and is the creator of The PA Life, Smarty PANCE Board Review, and PASchoolfinder websites. A National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (Rutgers) PA Program and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Stephen's goal is to provide one-of-a-kind online resources for those interested in or practicing in the PA profession, to promote better access to healthcare for all, and to foster universal recognition/awareness of the PA profession. Read more about Stephen.

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Physician Assistant Physician Associate CASPA Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) PA School Interviews PA School Admissions PA School Personal Statements

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Webinar: Crafting Your Best PA School Personal Statement

Hosted by Stephen Pasquini PA-C, Deanna Matzen

About this webinar Are you applying to PA school but worried about writing a compelling personal statement that will grab the admissions committee’s attention? Do you want to learn the secrets of crafting a PA school essay that stands out from the crowd and showcases your personality, motivation, and fit for PA school? ​ If so, then you don’t want to miss our webinar on Crafting Your Best PA School Personal Statement. ​ In this webinar, you will learn the following: What a personal statement is and how schools use them. You will understand the purpose and expectations of writing a personal statement and how schools use this information during the admission process. What to do before you start writing. You will learn how to prepare and organize your thoughts, research, and brainstorm your strengths and achievements. A successful structure for your personal statement. You will learn how to craft a clear, coherent, and compelling narrative that showcases your personality, motivation, and fit for their program. Common mistakes to avoid. You will learn how to polish your personal statement and avoid errors that could undermine your credibility or impact. By joining this webinar, you will gain valuable insights and tips on how to write a personal statement that increases your chances of admission to your desired PA school. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from our experienced PA school coaches. ​ Don’t miss this chance to learn how to write your best PA school personal statement. Register now and secure your spot for this webinar. You won’t regret it! ​

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