The most common advice writers often give pre-PAs is to “show, don’t tell” in your essays. (Though we like to encourage showing AND telling – just like kindergarten!) One form of showing is telling a story in a narrative form, like a scene in a book. Or it could use specific and descriptive anecdotal examples […]
About Deanna Matzen (PA School Admissions)
Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
Not sure what to include in your personal statement? Start at the End! The conclusion should summarize your entire essay. Consider the structure of an elevator pitch to write the conclusion of your PA school essay and guide the content of your personal statement! Hi, I’m Deanna Matzen, an editor at the PA life […]
Webinar Replay: The Ultimate Guide to PA School Supplemental Essays
In this webinar replay, you will discover how to write PA school supplemental essays that will make you stand out from the crowd. Learn what topics to avoid, how to research each program, and how to tailor your answers to their mission and goals.
Mind Mapping: A Tool for Personal Statements, Supplemental Essays, and Interviews
Are you struggling to come up with ideas for your PA school personal statement or supplemental essays? Are you finding it hard to keep your message consistent as you prepare for your PA school interview? Try mind mapping! Mind mapping is a great way to organize your thoughts and produce new ideas. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! I’ll show you how it works.
How to Write Your CASPA COVID-19 Optional Essay
Are you applying to PA school but struggling with your CASPA COVID-19 essay? Here are 4 tips on writing your CASPA Covid-19 essay, including editing resources for you and additional writing help from the PA Life team!
Ratatouille: A Pixar Recipe for PA School Personal Statement Success
Today we continue to explore Pixar’s rules for storytelling and learn how you can apply these rules to draft a winning PA school personal statement. If you’re like most PA hopefuls, you’ve been working on your personal statement for months. But do you know what makes a great PA school personal statement? According to the […]
Inside Out: How to use Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling to Improve your PA Personal Statement
Want a better PA personal statement? Inside Out can help! We explore Pixar’s rules for storytelling and how you can apply them to a strong personal statement. Riley is an 11-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. Riley’s emotions try to guide her through this […]
5 Best Ways to Give a Memorable PA School Interview
Congratulations! You’ve been invited to interview for a PA school. That email sprang into your inbox, and you responded faster than lightning. You saved the date, updated your Zoom video settings, placed a copy of When Breath Becomes Air in your visible background, or (if you are reading this post-pandemic) purchased your plane tickets. Now you […]
How to Write the Perfect PA School Supplemental Essay
When you’re faced with a barrage of PA school supplemental essay prompts, it can feel overwhelming. Here are five essential tips to ensure your essays stand out and align with each program’s specific goals and values.
