You’ve finally hit that submit button on your PA school application. Congrats! Now comes the hard part: waiting. But instead of refreshing your email every five minutes, why not make the most of this time? Here are five things you can do while waiting to hear back from PA schools.
1. Keep Gaining Clinical Experience
Just because you’ve submitted your application doesn’t mean you should stop building your clinical experience. Keep volunteering or working in your current PCE or HCE role. Keep shadowing PAs. Not only does this keep your skills sharp, but it also shows PA schools that you’re continuously committed to the field. Plus, you might gather even more stories to share during your interviews.
2. Prep for Interviews
It’s never too early to start prepping for interviews. Research common PA school interview questions and practice your answers. Get comfortable talking about your experiences, your motivations for becoming a PA, and how you’ve prepared for the role. Mock interviews can be super helpful. Remember, practice makes perfect!
3. Stay Up-to-Date with the PA Profession
While you wait, keep up with the latest news and trends in the PA world. Subscribe to newsletters, follow PA organizations on social media, and read up on current healthcare issues. This not only keeps you informed but can also give you great talking points for interviews and essays.
4. Relax and Recharge
This is a stressful time, no doubt about it. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Do things that help you relax and unwind, whether that’s reading a book, going for a run, or watching your favorite show. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and you’ll want to be in a good place when those interview invitations start rolling in.
5. Plan for the Future
Use this time to plan ahead. Think about logistics like where you’ll live if you get accepted, how you’ll finance your education, and any other big life changes that might come with starting PA school. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected. Consider ways to strengthen your application if you need to reapply.
Bonus Tip: Network, Network, Network
Keep in touch with mentors, colleagues, and other pre-PA students. Join groups on social media to share experiences and advice. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide support from others who know exactly what you’re going through.
Waiting to hear back from PA schools can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be wasted time. Use these tips to stay productive, prepared, and positive. And remember, you’ve already done the hard part by submitting your application—now it’s time to trust the process and take care of yourself.