Preparation for PA school involves engaging in experiences that develop and demonstrate skills in communication, leadership, community service, research, and familiarity with the profession. What you do with your time helps define who you are on your application. PA schools will learn what you care about and who you are through experiences that align with your interests and goals. Keep in mind that activities complement your coursework, but will not compensate for low grades. Both are important!

• Keep a detailed record of all hours and experiences — document contact information and reflections on each activity. Most students track hours and experiences on an Excel spreadsheet.
• All activities should be completed during your undergraduate study.
• Try to complete activities consistently throughout the school year.
• Be intentional and deliberate in planning your experience, so you are prepared to apply when the time comes.

Shadowing Hours

Shadowing hours should be one of your first experiences as a pre-PA student. Observing physician assistants in action will help you gather the information you need to commit to the profession fully. Shadowing requires professional dress and conduct.

Competitive applicants shadow at least 2-3 different PAs and accumulate 100 hours of shadowing.

Community Service

Because you are preparing for a humanitarian profession, it is important to have volunteer experiences that demonstrate a consistent and long-term commitment to serving others in your community. Look for service opportunities with an underserved population, in your community, on campus, or in a humanitarian setting. Volunteer activities need not be medically related but should be meaningful to you. Quality of the experience is more important than quantity.

Competitive applicants complete at least 3 different experiences and gain 200-300 hours of volunteer experience during their undergraduate study—this is in addition to any church service.

Leadership Experience

As a physician assistant, you will be a leader in many ways. Professional schools admit students who have experience making and recognizing the consequences of their decisions. Leadership involves teamwork and builds solid communication skills. Examples of leadership could be mentoring, tutoring, society presidencies, student government, in a job, coaching, or church callings.

Competitive applicants complete 2-3 different experiences and gain 100-200 hours. At least half of you hours need to be non-church related.

Research Experience

PA schools desire applicants who understand scientific literature, know how research is performed and can distinguish credible research. Any research, as long as it is hypothesis-based and utilizes the scientific method can build your experience. As you do research, make sure you understand the hypothesis, the procedure, and your responsibility in the project. You can participate in research on campus through faculty-directed work, Idaho INBRE, the UC-Davis internship, or other research internships nationwide.

Although not required for PA school, research experience makes you a more competitive applicant.

Clinical Experience/Direct Patient Care

Interacting well with patients is one of the key indicators of a successful future provider. PA programs vary widely on their requirements for clinical experience hours. Some PA programs require up to 2,000 hours of direct patent care. Paid work as a scribe, CNA, medical assistant, EMT, respiratory therapist, or another setting where you are assisting patients can be counted as clinical experience. Although you can gain some clinical experience as a volunteer, paid clinical experience makes you more competitive. It is highly recommended that you check individual school requirements.

Competitive applicants will have 1,000-2,000+ of clinical experience.

Hobbies

While PA schools do not have requirements for hobbies, they are interested in well-rounded students who know how to balance work with recreation. Hobbies and interests can make you application unique to you.

"Double-Dipping"

To be competitive, you should strive to meet the requirements in each individual are. One activity should not be counted in two areas. This is called "double-dipping," and makes it appear you are not taking the time to develop yourself fully. While an activity may be both volunteer and leadership, or volunteer and patient exposure, you will list the experience as a single experience on your application—recognizing there may be overlap in some experience.

Helpful Websites and Resources

• Tips for Getting into PA School

Some schools require you to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before you can apply. Check individual program websites to determine if they require the GRE.

What content does the GRE contain?

The GRE is broken down into three sections:

1. Analytical Writing
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Quantitative Reasoning

How is the GRE scored?

Verbal Reasoning
130-170, in 1 point increments

Quantitative Reasoning

130-170, in 1 point increments

Analytical Writing

0-6, in half-point increments

What Classes Should I Complete Before Taking the GRE?

ENG 150, ENG 301, MATH 110x or MATH 109, and MATH 221 are all foundational courses to prepare you for the GRE.

What are the costs associated with taking the GRE?

The GRE costs $205. There may be other fees for extra score reports or rescheduling fees.

The costs for study materials, travel, and the exam can be between $205-$1500, depending on if you choose to self-study or purchase programs and materials.

The GRE Program offers a limited number of GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers on a first-come, first served basis to U.S. citizens or resident aliens who are college seniors or unenrolled college graduates who meet eligibility requirements.

To apply for a GRE Fee Reduction Voucher, students should complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request form (PDF) and follow the instructions on the form regarding submission of materials to ETS. Students should allow up to three weeks for processing and mail delivery.

How do I register for the GRE?

The GRE General Test is available at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. It is offered as a computer-delivered test year-round at most locations around the world. To register for the test, view your scores, and access other services, you'll need an ETS account.

The computer-delivered test is offered year round, and you can register online or by phone. How you register may vary depending on where you will test. Register for the computer-delivered test.

Where do I take the GRE?

View test centers and dates for the GRE General test. For the computer-delivered test, you can also view seat availability, though you won't be able to register without signing into your GRE Account.

How do I Prepare for the GRE?

Give yourself one to three months to study for the GRE. Many sources recommend 100-200 hours of test preparation.

Additional ideas to help:

• Take two or three real-time simulated practice tests—this is the best way to most accurately replicate the conditions you will experience on test day.
• Study efficiently by creating a study calendar and focusing extra time on subjects you find difficult.
• Study one subject at a time. By focusing on one subject, you will be able to digest the material quickly and effectively.
• Get into a routine and ensure you continue to sleep and eat well.

There are multiple test prep courses available. When deciding between the courses, consider the following:

• Cost: compare what resources will be available through each test prep course for the expense.
• Location: some test preps are only available online while other test preps will have in-person classes or tutoring available.
• Teaching Style and Structure: Compare the length of the programs, the teaching style, and how the programs are structured. 

Helpful Resources and Websites

• FAQs about the GRE
• Prepare for the GRE
• GRE Test Content and Structure

PA schools admit students once a year in the fall, but applications are submitted 12-15 months before the desired enrollment date. Applications open each year in April for the following year admission.

When you apply depends on when you will complete your degree, complete necessary prerequisites coursework, and successfully take required tests (GRE). Timing is sensitive so you will want to plan well.

Apply early in the cycle, but make sure you application is the best it can be. PA school requirements vary from school to school — research schools early for specific information on their requirements.

Before submitting your application, have people with an unbiased eye for over the entire application to catch any errors.

How to Choose the Right Program

Establishing some criteria is an essential first step in finding the best physician assistant school for you. We recommend you start to research schools early and consider what is most important to you. Some criteria you may consider:

1. Geographic location—Keep in mind that some regions or states have fewer schools than others and have a higher volume of applications that others. Also, consider how willing you are to relocate and the cost of living near the school.
2. Cost—Physician Assistant programs are expensive. Generally, state schools have lower tuition rates than private schools. Consider how much money you will need to borrow and your debt comfort level.
3. How established is the program? Newer programs may still be working on getting clinical sites and preceptors.
4. Length—Program lengths can vary from 24 to 36 months.
5. Your fit of prerequisites—Make sure you have completed all prerequisites, clinical hours, and tests required for the program.
6. Curriculum "style"—do they use problem-bases learning or more a traditional lecture format? Consider how you learn best when looking at how programs are designed.
7. The first-time PANCE passage rate—take into consideration not only their pass rate but also how many students they retain in each class. If they have a high retention AND pass rate, that is a good indicator.

PA School Application included five main components:

1. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications (not all schools will require Secondary Applications)
5. Interviews

The Admissions Test

Check school websites to determine if you will need to take the GRE to apply for admission. Most PA schools do require the GRE so plan to take it early.

Primary Application

Primary Applications are processed through a central processing service and are sent to every school affiliated with that service. The application service for PA school is called CASPA. ** Please note, not every PA program uses CASPA for applications.  Check admissions websites to determine how to apply to specific programs.

CASPA opens online in April and can be submitted as soon as completed. It is important to apply early!

READ ALL INSTRUCTION MANUALS AND DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!

CASPA requires:

• Your GRE score
• A list of all college classes taken, as well as official transcripts from each college where you have earned credit
• A list and descriptions of your activities since graduating from high school
• A Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation

NOTE: To help us advise other students, we would appreciate it if you would release your statistical information from your applications to the Health Professions Advisor when prompted. This information will always be kept confidential.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a very important piece of your application and should be given a high degree of attention in the process. You can begin creating your first draft at any time, but serious work should be done a few months before applying.

Get feedback! Have 3 or 4 people you can trust to be honest with you (professor, parent, advisor, etc.) read your essay and offer feedback. Give yourself plenty of time to make revisions.

A great personal statement will answer the following:

• Motivation - Why PA?  Why PA over another helping profession?
• Capacity - How have you prepared to become a PA? 
• Fit -  What makes you a good fit for the profession?
• Vision - What impact do you wish to make?  

GENERAL PERSONAL STATMENT DOs and DON'Ts

DO answer the question posed by CASPA.

DO concentrate more on actual experiences rather than speculation about future accomplishments.

DO focus more on what you can give rather than on what you can get by becoming a physician assistant.

DO “show” more than “tell.”

DO limit the number of “I” statements you use.

DO share your background if it is appropriate.

DO describe meaningful experiences.

DO pay careful attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

DO pay attention to the character count (5000).

DO NOT use the “I want to help people” theme if possible.

DO NOT devote too much space to writing about other people (family, patients, a PA you know).

DO NOT summarize or merely repeat what is on the activity list on your primary application.

DO NOT use overly flowery language.

DO NOT assume everyone knows what you know.

DO NOT try to make jokes.

DO NOT use a foreign language.

DO NOT begin your essay with a quote.

Letters of Recommendation

CASPA has a service that allows your letter writers to upload your letters directly to the application and have them distributed to all schools to which you have applied.

Requirements for letters vary between schools, so research schools early and know what you need.

If the school you are applying to does not use CASPA, check their admissions webpage about how to submit letters of recommendation.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

• Ask if potential writers feel capable of writing a STRONG letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.
• Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession.
• Always give recommenders ample time — two to three weeks at a minimum.
• Make sure letter writers know their letters must be signed and on letterhead.
•  Follow-up with your letter writers and be sure to send thank you notes.

Secondary Applications

Some PA schools will require a Secondary Application. These are specific to each school, and vary in length and structure, but often require one or more additional essays, or ask you to list certain experiences in a specific format.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.

Some schools send Secondary Applications to every student who submitted a Primary Application. Other schools will screen Primary Applications first and only send Secondary Applications to students who are under consideration for admission.

Secondary Applications usually have a fee attached, so it is a good idea to re-evaluate your list of schools at this point. If you have changed your mind about applying to a school, you do not have to complete their Secondary Application.

Make sure you promptly return your Secondary Applications with well-written, thoughtful, and professional responses.

Interviews

The final stage of the application process is the interview. If you receive an invitation for an interview, that is an indication that a school has decided that you are a qualified applicant and they want to get to know you better. Some PA schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, lunch, school tour, and opportunities to meet students and faculty. Remember,  the entire day is the interview, not just those times when you are in a formal meeting. Be on your best professional behavior all day!

Interviews can take many forms, so it is essential to research your schools and be prepared. A Health Professions Advisor can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One on one interview—Usually one or two 20-30 minutes interviews
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the question.  Additional questions or a role play situation could be part of the interview.
• Group interview—Either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.
• Zoom Interview—More schools are implementing video interviews. Before the interview, applicants are sent a link to a site like Zoom, Teams, HireVue, etc., where they will be asked to provide a timed video or written response to questions.

Helpful Resources and Websites

• Find an Accredited School

• Applications are submitted about 12-15 months before the desired enrollment date.  Applications can be submitted in April for the following year.
• It is helpful to create a timeline for yourself when applying to PA school.  Having an academic plan, a plan to complete extra-curricular activities, and a plan for test preparation all contribute to your timeline.

Preparing to Apply

• Talk to the potential writers of your Letters of Recommendation. Give them plenty of time to write the letters.
• Continue with your volunteer, shadowing, or research activities until you have received an acceptance letter from a PA school.  Do not stop these activities until you have an official offer of admission. It may take more than one application cycle to gain admission, so you need to be continually improving your application until you do.
• Prepare for and take the GRE– Register for and take it by the end of March in the year you submit your application.
• Always confirm school-specific requirements by checking each school’s website directly.
• Continue to save money for the application process.

International students are students who are not green card holders or permanent residents. A permanent resident is generally considered the same as a US resident for application purposes.

International students not holding a green card can be accepted to some US physician assistant schools.

If an international student is accepted, schools have policies that may require a student to show evidence of their capacity to pay tuition above and beyond the INS requirements for an I20. Some schools may expect the student to pre-pay tuition for the entire three years or create an escrow account for these funds. Some institutions will accept loans co-signed by a US citizen.

International students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid, but a few institutions may provide merit scholarships.

For most countries, Physician Assistants are not licensed or recognized outside of the US healthcare system, but a handful of countries have adopted versions of the PA profession. Among them are Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ghana, and South Africa.

If you plan to practice internationally, PA may not be the best choice for you.

Research Schools and Plan Accordingly

Each school is different, and it is imperative that you check individual admissions websites to view policies regarding international applicants, coursework requirements, financial requirements, etc. 

Create a Financial Plan for PA School

PA school is an expensive endeavor. The average cost of attending a 3 year program can range from $50,000 to $200,000.  International non-resident students do not qualify for Federal Financial Aid, so consider alternate options. For instance, some institutions offer school-specific loan programs. Additionally, some major banks offer private student loans to international applicants, but you would need to have a co-signer who is a citizen of the US.

The key is to evaluate the available options and have a plan in place before starting school.

Most Important, Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant

This really is the key to the whole process. When you apply, it is imperative there are no gaps in your application.