CASPA retired the COVID-19 essay and replaced it with a new 2,500-character question about technology and the human side of medicine. The exact prompt, where it’s hiding, and how to answer it.
Pre-Physician Assistant
The Perfect PA Program Picker: PA School Search, Sort, Match, and Apply
Choosing where to apply is one of the highest-stakes decisions of your pre-PA journey — and the data you use should never be out of date. The Program Picker below is powered by the live PA School Finder verified directory: every accredited US PA program, continuously re-verified from each program’s official pages, CASPA, and ARC-PA. […]
How Much Does it Cost to go to Physician Assistant (PA) School?
How much does PA school cost in 2026? Average tuition hits $98,075+. See the full program tuition table, Grad PLUS loan changes, and application cost breakdown.
No Experience Required! PA Schools That Don’t Require Healthcare Experience
Are you looking to get into PA School fast? Then skip the healthcare experience! Below is a list of PA programs in the United States that do not require patient care experience for PA school admission. I use “require” lightly because many of these schools, which claim no healthcare experience requirement, do “strongly recommend” or “prefer” PA school candidates with a certain […]
200+ PA Schools That Don’t Require the GRE
Are you like me and looking to dodge the GRE? Does the thought of studying for the GRE exam make your palms sweat and your heart flutter? Wouldn’t it be great if you could find PA schools that don’t require the GRE and simply avoid the GRE exam altogether? Well, you are in luck! Roughly three out […]
130 PA Programs Missing From U.S. News Rankings
The U.S. News PA school rankings include 206 programs—but they are not a complete directory. Explore 130 active accredited PA programs missing as separate entries, with links and current accreditation statuses.
What are the Best PA Schools in 2026? Here are the Latest U.S. News Rankings
Does the PA school you attend really make a difference? When it comes to finding a job, not so much, but when it comes to obtaining superb clinical experience along with solid faculty, excellent academics, and a top-rate student body – then yes, the PA school you attend does matter. Below is a list of […]
PA School Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates
ince 1998, US News has been publishing the only known ranking of PA programs. Their rankings are based on subjective peer assessment surveys of PA program faculty. These peer assessment surveys are sent to deans, other administrators, and faculty at accredited physician assistant programs. Respondents rate the academic quality of physician assistant programs on a […]
What PA Admissions Directors Actually Told Applicants at the 2026 Virtual PA Admissions Fair
I reviewed the 2026 Virtual PA Admissions Fair chats and pulled out the advice admissions teams repeated again and again: complete does not mean submitted, patient-care experience is program-specific, and your application has to sound like a real human being.
31 Direct Entry PA Programs in 2026 (BS/MS Guide)
Updated July 11, 2026: compare 31 direct entry PA programs, BS/MS physician assistant programs, and dual-degree pathways for high school students.
3 Surprising Truths About the New CASPA Life Experiences Essay (And Why You Can’t Ignore It)
Just when you thought you had your CASPA application perfectly mapped out, a curveball appears at the bottom of the “Other Information” section: the new Life Experiences essay. If you are like most pre-PAs, your initial reaction was probably a mix of panic and exhaustion. You have already poured your heart, soul, and countless hours […]
Here are 10 Reasons why PAs remain one of the top-ranked careers in America in 2026 (and beyond)
Have you seen the big news? For the third year in a row, Physician Assistants/Associates are the number two healthcare job in America in 2026 and the number five of the 100 best US jobs overall with an overall score of 7.0 out of 10. While we slipped a couple of spots from #3 to […]
How to Write a Captivating Hook for Your PA School Personal Statement
Ditch the clichés. This guide shows how to start your PA personal statement with a hook that invites, intrigues, and feels authentically you. Ever since middle school 😜, you’ve been taught to include a hook. Let’s be honest 😖—writing the opening line of a personal statement is the hardest sentence to write. Since the dawn […]
The IMG Guide to Becoming a U.S. Physician Assistant Amid Evolving Immigration Policies
Embarking on a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States is a commendable goal for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, as of 2025, evolving immigration policies have introduced new challenges to this journey. This comprehensive guide provides IMGs with essential insights into the PA application process, credential evaluations, prerequisite coursework, English proficiency requirements, healthcare experience acquisition, visa considerations, and strategies to craft a competitive application amidst the current immigration landscape.
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) Strategies for PA School: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for PA school interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when facing the unique challenges of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Unlike traditional interviews, MMIs involve a series of short, focused interactions at various stations, each designed to assess different aspects of your abilities. Whether it’s handling ethical dilemmas, behavioral questions, demonstrating communication skills, or thinking critically […]
Elevate Your Personal Statement: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy for Impactful Writing
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 […]
How to Answer Behavioral Questions in Your PA School Interview
In this post, we share expert strategies and real-life examples to help you master these tricky questions. You’ll learn how to use the STAR method to structure your answers, tailor your responses to the specific program, and showcase your unique skills and empathy.
From Mock Interviews to PA Practice: Tolu Fannon Shares Her Journey
Gain valuable insights from Tolu Fannin, a practicing PA who shares her journey from being a pre-PA student to a mock interviewer. Learn tips for gaining experience, selecting a program, excelling in school, and thriving in your PA career.
Can You Use AI on Your PA School Personal Statement? CASPA’s 2026–2027 Rules
CASPA lifted its blanket ban on generative AI for the 2026–2027 cycle. Here is where the line actually falls: what is allowed, what is not, and how to stay on the right side of it.
How to Change PA Specialties: Pain Management, Family Practice, Dermatology
Watch the Virtual Shadowing REPLAY featuring Cassie McGee, PA-C, as she shares her journey from Pain Management and Family Practice to Dermatology. Gain valuable insights into the life of a practicing PA and explore the reasons behind her specialty switch. Don’t miss this engaging Live Q&A session, full of personal experiences and professional wisdom, perfect for aspiring PAs and healthcare enthusiasts.
Everything You Need to Know About Being a PA (and then some)
The ultimate guide to the PA profession – Navigate every aspect from certifying bodies like NCCPA and PAEA to data on applicants, programs, rotations, certification, salary, and the growth of PAs. Learn critical stats on PA schools, the PA job market, and new developments shaping the role of physician associates globally.
Who Gets Into PA School in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know
Leslie Mean is a 23-year-old single white female who presents to the PA school admissions committee on her second attempt to get into PA school. She has a 3.68 overall GPA and a 3.61 science GPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She never sat for the GRE, because most PA programs […]
Crafting the Perfect Letter of Recommendation for Your PA School Applicants
The Importance of Prioritizing Character Over Credentials As a preceptor and mentor for PA school applicants, I am frequently asked to write CASPA letters of recommendation. For years, when writing letters of recommendation, I had a specific process that I followed. First and foremost, I only agree to write letters for individuals whom I know […]
What is a PA? How to Nail This Not-So-Easy Interview Question
“Can you tell me what a PA is?” This is a simple question with a complex answer – It is one of the most common questions posed during a PA school interview. We will teach you how to navigate this question by deep-diving into the essence of a PA and offering guidance on how to answer this question in a personally meaningful and authentic way during an interview.
The Ultimate June Checklist for PA School Applicant Success
In June, PA school applicants can focus on finalizing their applications, preparing for interviews, and networking with PAs. This checklist outlines the most important tasks to complete in June for a successful PA school application.
Why Our Program? How to Answer This Common Supplemental Essay and Interview Question
Why our program? As you begin your PA school application process, one of the most common supplemental essay and interview questions you may encounter is, “Why our program?” This is an opportunity for you to explain why you are specifically interested in attending that particular college or university and why it is a good fit […]
50 PA School Supplemental Essay Prompts You Need to Know
If you are applying to PA school, you know that writing a strong personal statement is not enough. You also need to craft compelling supplemental essays that showcase your fit for each program and highlight your unique strengths and experiences. Supplemental essays are extra questions asked by individual PA programs to find out more about […]
How to Become a PA for IMGs and International Students
Tips for International Students & International Medical Graduates on Becoming a Physician Assistant in the USA The number of International Medical Graduates (IMG) and International Students (IS) pursuing a career as a physician assistant in the US is on the rise. For PA programs, in general, the requirements and rules are the same for everyone. […]
International Pre-PA Applicant Consultation Service
Update — this service is temporarily paused. Our international admissions consultant has moved on to a new chapter (we’re cheering her on!), and we won’t offer one-on-one international consultations again until we’ve found the right person to take her place. Holding that bar matters more to us than keeping a booking button live. What you […]
ChatGPT Answers the Top 46 PA School Applicant Interview Questions
Just be yourself! This is the one piece of interview advice we have all heard a gazillion times. Maybe you heeded this advice but failed to get into PA school. Or, maybe, like many, advice to “just be oneself” while examining one’s greatest weaknesses doesn’t’ bode well for confidence? Be myself? But who’s that exactly? […]
