PA School Supplemental Essay Strategies | Webinar Replay

If you're applying to PA school in 2023-2024, then the time will come when you need to write an engaging supplemental essay(s).

But what should you write about? And how can you make sure your supplemental essay stands out from the rest?

Earlier this year, Deanna Matzen (editor extraordinaire at the PA Life and newly minted PA program admissions director) hosted this fantastic online seminar discussing strategies for writing a successful supplemental essay for PA school.

PA School Supplemental Essay Strategies (Webinar Replay)

Topics included in this webinar:

Purpose
Common supplemental essay questions
Before you begin strategies
Examples
- Why Our Program?
- How do your background, experiences, and identities match or support our mission (and other variations)?
- Weaknesses/Deficiencies
- Significant life experiences
- Tell us anything you want us to know
- Motivation to work with the underserved
- What do you bring to the cohort/DE&I?
- Creative autobiography

Three points from this brief webinar intro - Start with an outline before you get started, write a thesis statement (a.k.a super-topic/summary), and conclude with your purpose (root it in your vision for your PA career and why that school will help you achieve your goals).

And remember, be succinct! Limit paragraphs to < 250 words or < 1000 characters and spaces, don't repeat the prompt, and follow the "rule of 3."

If you need help getting started or want someone to review your work before submitting it, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our supplemental editing service.

We wish you the best of luck as you apply to PA school and look forward to hearing about your success!

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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 […]

Deanna Matzen (PA School Admissions)

Deanna Matzen is a gifted interviewer, editor, coach, and listener. Her passion for the PA profession has drawn her to The PA Life with years of experience as a university professor, Pre-PA advisor, scientist, and professional writer. She has helped hundreds of pre-PAs find their unique story and tell it with confidence and heart. Deanna strives to be a voice that helps others articulate what they want in life while also challenging them to grow into who they are meant to be.

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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!