We have a really exciting and awesome webinar ahead for you all about PA school admissions. So hopefully we will learn a lot. I just want to go ahead and just touch on what we're going to be talking about. We'll be talking about basically the essentials that you need for your application, building a competitive capstone profile and mastering the interview process.
My name is Anusha Jawalla. I am an admissions counselor with Inspira and I'm also a second year PA student at George Washington University's physician assistant program. So, I have applied to PA school pretty recently. I have a lot of tips to share with you guys and also just things that I wish that I had known when I was applying that could be really helpful.
So, like I said, I'm part of the GW's PA program. Before that, in college, I was a public health science major. I also did a Spanish minor, which, by the way, I thought was really helpful in my time working with patients on my rotations. I feel like that's come in pretty handy. So if you're looking for a minor, that could be helpful.
During some of my school breaks, I did a couple of things, like physical therapy aid. I was a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I was also a medical assistant in a primary care office. Then, when I took my gap year, I got the majority of my hours by working as a medical assistant in pediatrics. In terms of extracurriculars, the crisis text counselor is a good opportunity for something that you can do virtually if you're interested in mental health. I thought that was a really cool experience. You can essentially text callers when they're going through mental health crises, which really helps with communication skills and talking to patients.
For the top three components for success, I would say, number one is academic performance. Schools want to see that you're performing well in all of the subjects at school. Your science GPA will be especially important. Also, clinical and non-clinical experience is going to be really important. We'll get into more of the specifics of what falls under each of those buckets, but that's going to be a big part of the application and also a requirement of most programs to have a certain number of those hours.
You also want to draft a really compelling personal statement. That's your one place to demonstrate your own story of why you want to be a PA and what brought you here. So overall admissions committees are going to look for people with that hands-on healthcare experience, a really strong GPA, and also just well-rounded recommendations where other people can vouch for you as well. Each piece of your application should reflect your commitment and readiness for the rigors of PA school. It is tough, but building that foundation will get you through it.
I’ve compiled some general tips for the application process—things I wish someone had told me beforehand. First, start early. Don’t overwhelm yourself by feeling like you need to do everything at once, but starting early will save you stress and time. I recommend completing your personal statement and writing descriptions for each experience you plan to enter into CASPA.
It’s also really helpful to research programs thoroughly and make sure you meet each program’s requirements before applying. For instance, if a school requires a specific class you haven’t taken, applying there would be a waste of time and money. On the flip side, if you’re set on a program, make sure you’ve met all of their prerequisites.
Something else that’s helpful is preparing a professional resume and headshot. When I was applying, I found myself scrambling last minute to update my resume and take a professional photo. Many schools will request these items if you’re invited to an interview.
In addition to the personal statement, many schools have their own short supplemental essays. CASPA will only have you write the personal statement initially, but once you submit the application, many schools will request additional essays. Be prepared to spend time on these, even if it’s only a few sentences for each.
It’s also important not to compare your stats with others. Everyone has a unique path, so try not to get bogged down by online forums where people share their numbers. Instead, focus on submitting early—two weeks to a month after the application cycle opens is a good benchmark.
Be prepared for interview requests to come quickly after you submit. Some schools sent me invites within a month or two of applying, so I had to start interview prep right away. I’d suggest staying flexible with your schedule in case interviews come up on short notice.
PA school can be expensive, so be sure to review tuition costs and plan for budgeting. Loans are common, so it’s helpful to understand your financial options and prioritize affordable programs if that’s a concern.
Resources like webinars (like this one!), essay editing services, and mock interviews are valuable. Working with admissions counselors can also boost your confidence throughout the process.
Typically, the CASPA cycle opens in late April, usually the last Thursday of April. Before that time, you’ll want to have your CASPA account set up and organized. I suggest getting started in January to ensure you have ample time to plan your application without feeling rushed. In January, set up your CASPA account and begin creating a master plan for your application timeline. Using a spreadsheet or calendar to organize each school’s requirements and deadlines is especially helpful, so you can stay on top of things.
One of the first steps is creating your school list. Research the programs you’re interested in, taking note of any specific prerequisites or requirements they may have. This will allow you to target your application to meet each school’s expectations. Around February, start brainstorming and drafting your personal statement if you haven’t already. Writing about yourself can sometimes lead to writer’s block, so starting early will give you time to revisit your ideas and refine your statement. Working on it over several weeks can help alleviate the pressure of having to perfect it all at once.
March and April are when things start picking up as CASPA’s opening date approaches. At this stage, you’ll want to ensure that all your materials are organized and ready for submission. Ideally, you should aim to submit your application by June. Submitting early—ideally within the first two weeks to a month of the cycle opening—gives you an advantage, especially for schools with rolling admissions.
While you wait for interview requests, continue working, volunteering, or gaining experience to further strengthen your application. Some programs allow you to add additional hours or updated achievements in CASPA after submission, which can be especially helpful if you accumulate more clinical experience or have notable accomplishments to report. This flexibility means you can continue to enhance your application even after it’s been submitted.
If you haven’t heard back by February of the following year, it may be a good time to consider reapplying. But don’t lose hope—some students are accepted off waitlists as late as a month before classes begin. Everyone’s journey is unique, and patience is essential.
Choose your recommenders carefully and aim for a mix of healthcare professionals and academic references. When reaching out to recommenders, provide them with context on key points you’d like them to mention. This helps them write a comprehensive letter that presents a full picture of your qualifications.
This is one of the most critical parts of your PA school application. The personal statement is your chance to showcase your journey toward becoming a PA, to explain why this profession is right for you, and to reflect on the personal experiences that have influenced your decision. Unlike other parts of your application, the personal statement is entirely your voice.
Starting with a hook or a personal anecdote is a powerful way to engage the reader immediately. Since admissions committees read hundreds of statements, an interesting opening will set your essay apart from others. This hook could be a meaningful story, a compelling quote, or a moment that first sparked your interest in healthcare. The goal is to draw the reader in and give them a glimpse of who you are.
In the body of your statement, aim to convey your motivation for becoming a PA. Instead of just stating that you’re passionate about the profession, go deeper into the 'why.' Describe specific experiences that helped shape your interest. As you describe these experiences, focus on showing, not telling.
Another essential aspect of the body is to highlight the skills and attributes that make you a strong candidate for PA school. This could include qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, or cultural sensitivity. Be intentional about how you frame these examples, reflecting on what each experience taught you and how it prepared you for the challenges of PA school and a career as a PA.
In your conclusion, summarize your commitment to the PA profession and express your enthusiasm for the journey ahead. This is also a good place to mention your long-term goals as a PA, such as advocating for underserved populations or specializing in a particular area of medicine. A strong conclusion should leave the admissions committee with a clear understanding of your motivation, goals, and readiness for the next step in your career.
Overall, be authentic and genuine. Admissions committees can tell when an essay is heartfelt versus when it feels overly polished or impersonal. Keep your writing focused, concise, and within the character limit—typically around 5,000 characters, including spaces. Proofread multiple times for grammar and clarity, and consider asking someone you trust to review it as well.
Practicing your responses will help you communicate with confidence, and preparation can help you stay calm and collected on interview day.
A few core questions are nearly universal across PA program interviews. You’ll almost always be asked, 'Why do you want to be a PA?' This question is crucial, as it’s your chance to share your genuine motivation for choosing this profession over others in healthcare. Think about what truly drives your interest in the PA role and how your experiences have led you to this decision.
Another common question is 'Tell me about yourself.' This one is deceptively simple, but it’s important to have a concise and clear answer. Focus on your background, key experiences that prepared you for PA school, and a little about your personal interests or values that align with your goals.
You’ll likely encounter ethical questions too, which can feel intimidating if you’re unprepared. These could include scenarios like, 'What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating on an exam?' or 'How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a colleague’s treatment decision?' The purpose of these questions is to see how you think through difficult situations, weighing your responsibilities as a healthcare provider, a team member, and an ethical professional.
To structure your responses to these types of questions, I highly recommend using the STAR Method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Other frequent questions include those about handling stress, teamwork, and communication skills—areas highly relevant to a PA’s role. For these, prepare real examples from your experiences that highlight your strengths in each area. Avoid memorizing answers verbatim; rather, focus on understanding the main points you want to convey so you can speak naturally and authentically.
Interview etiquette is also essential. Dress professionally, use positive body language, and show active listening by maintaining eye contact and responding thoughtfully. A warm, genuine smile goes a long way in showing that you’re personable and approachable—qualities that PA programs value.
Finally, don’t forget to research each program and tailor your responses to reflect your interest in that specific school. Mention unique aspects of the program or clubs and resources that align with your goals. This shows that you’re not just applying broadly but genuinely interested in their program’s unique offerings
Handling rejections can be tough, but they provide an opportunity for growth. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement, whether it’s clinical experience, GPA, or another aspect of your profile.
Remember that a well-rounded application not only highlights your achievements but also tells a cohesive story about who you are and why you’re pursuing this path. Every part of your application—from academic records to personal statements and extracurriculars—should work together to present a clear picture of your journey and commitment to becoming a PA.
First, focus on connecting each component of your application. Your transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and experience entries should all support your overarching narrative. Think about the qualities you want to emphasize.
Academic excellence is a big part of the application, but don’t underestimate the value of your clinical and non-clinical experiences. Schools look for applicants with not only the grades but also the soft skills needed to excel in a PA program and, eventually, in the profession. So, if you have leadership roles, volunteer work, or other unique experiences that shaped your perspective, make sure these are thoughtfully presented to show your growth and learning.
Accuracy is key, so double-check every detail. Small errors like typos, inconsistencies, or incomplete sections can detract from an otherwise strong application.
Finally, submitting early gives you an advantage, particularly for schools with rolling admissions. An early submission shows that you’re organized and proactive, and it positions you at the front of the review process.
In summary, think of your application as more than just a collection of credentials. It’s your opportunity to convey your story, your strengths, and your readiness for PA school. A thorough, polished, and cohesive application submitted early is your best strategy for success.
I started planning about a year in advance, as I knew I wanted to go to PA school. In January of my application year, I began organizing my school list and working on my personal statement. Although I kept editing my personal statement until submission, I wouldn’t recommend waiting that long—start early! January is a great time to start because it gives you the entire semester to finalize everything before CASPA opens.
My program at GWU is very fast-paced, as it’s a 24-month program divided into three semesters each year. During the first year, we had classes from 8 to 5 every day, Monday to Friday. The first semester covers foundational sciences, and every Monday, we had an exam—sometimes two. The second and third semesters covered clinical topics, moving through systems like the heart, lungs, and GI. Then we had a short break before starting our clinical rotations, where every six weeks, we’re at a new site around DC. It’s intense, but you learn so much quickly.
I wish I’d developed better study habits. In undergrad, I would cram two days before exams, but in PA school, it’s crucial to study a little every day. Everything comes at you quickly, so daily studying helps prevent burnout from trying to catch up over the weekend.
I always enjoyed service and wanted to work in healthcare, but what drew me specifically to the PA profession was the flexibility. Unlike doctors, PAs don’t have to go through a residency to switch specialties, so we can explore different interests throughout our careers.
If you don’t want to take a gap year, you’ll need to submit in April of your junior year, similar to how you applied for undergrad. I applied at the end of my senior year because I took a gap year, so it depends on your personal timeline. Remember, if it feels like too much, there’s no harm in taking a gap year.
We use an online software called ExamSoft for exams, which allows us to flag and highlight questions as needed. Most things are done online. If you’re planning for PA school, I recommend getting an iPad for organizing lectures and notes—it’s been a lifesaver!
Absolutely. We’re each assigned an advisor who is there for guidance, and our professors are also approachable and helpful. However, PA school is very independent because of the fast pace, so we rely a lot on each other too. The class above us, for instance, shared their notes with us, which was a huge help.
I haven’t fully decided yet. Clinical year is a great time to explore different specialties, but I’m interested in dermatology. It’s competitive in the DC area, so I may apply to various fields and see what offers come my way.
In my program, we have final exams at the end of each semester and a big final exam at the end of the first year. Then, at the end of the second year, there’s another exam that serves as a checkpoint before we take the licensing exam (the PANCE) a couple of weeks after graduation.
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