The Ultimate PA School Applicant Cheat Sheet With 7 Quick Tips for Getting into PA School

Here is my ultimate PA school applicant cheat sheet with 7 quick tips for getting into PA school.

Do these seven things for the best chance of getting into PA school and becoming a physician assistant!

1. Shadowing: Get one hundred hours of shadowing experience across various specialties.

2. GRE: Aim for a score of 300 + (150 + 150) overall, 3.5 in writing, and > 50% in each section.

3. GPA: Most schools require a 2.7 - 3.2 overall GPA. The average GPA for PA school acceptance is around 3.5. The focus is on science and overall GPA. Choose the right undergraduate major to achieve this goal.

4. Create an account on CASPA regardless of when you plan to apply to PA school. If you haven't already done so, do this right now. The sooner, the better!

5. Patient care experience: Try to have at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience before applying to PA school

Healthcare experience versus patient care experience:

Patient Care Experience (PCE): Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, dental hygienist, etc.

Healthcare Experience (HCE): Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and/or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record-keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA (depending on the job description), medical assistant, etc.

6. Letters of recommendation: Try to obtain one academic letter, one letter from a PA, a second medical provider from another discipline, or a supervisor in a medical setting (can be another PA). Make sure to get these requested early.

Before meeting with the recommender have these ready:
1. Updated resume
2. List of schools you’re applying to and when you plan to apply
3. A paper stating what you may want specifically mentioned in the letter

7. When to submit your application: I recommend you try to submit by June, the earlier, the better.

Bonus tip: Don't imitate and don't copy!

Write a personal statement that lets the admissions committee see your applicant journey through your eyes. On interview day escape competition with authenticity because nobody can compete with you on being you.

Keep your head up and your eyes on the prize. You will experience difficulties and setbacks along the way. Recognize that this is part of the process. Dust yourself off and live to fight another day.

Success does not require genius or extraordinary ability. You do not need a 4.0 GPA to 10,000 hours of patient care experience to get into PA school.

Successful PA school applicants are just ordinary people who have developed a belief in themselves and what they can do. They have a clear vision, confidence in their actions, and strong values. And so do you!

Have a fantastic day!

- Stephen Pasquini PA-C

Recommended reading:

The Ultimate PA School Application Timeline

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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!