Webinar Replay: The Ultimate Guide to PA School Supplemental Essays

If you're applying to PA school, there will come a time 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 PA Life and newly minted PA program admissions director) hosted a fantastic online seminar on 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 align with or support our mission (and any 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, including 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!

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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