Let’s talk about something that’s crucial for your PA school application but often gets overlooked—the letter of recommendation (LOR). We know it might feel awkward to ask someone to vouch for you, but trust us, the right LORs can make a world of difference and you want to nail this part of your CASPA.

What Makes a Great Letter of Recommendation?

You need letters from people who actually know you—people who can speak about your strengths, work ethic, and character. While it might seem tempting to ask someone with a fancy title, like a well-known provider, it’s way more important to get a letter from someone who truly knows your abilities and can tell PA schools why you would be a great PA.

Here are the top people you should ask for letters:

1. A PA You’ve Shadowed or Worked With Closely If you’ve shadowed a PA or worked under a physician assistant, they’re prime candidates for an LOR. They’ve seen you in action and can comment on your clinical abilities, teamwork, and how you handle patient care. It’s one thing to say you know what the PA role is like—it’s another to have a PA say, “Yep, they’ve got what it takes!”
2. Your Healthcare Experience Supervisor If you’ve been working as a medical assistant, EMT, or in any other patient care role, ask your supervisor to write you a letter. They can vouch for your work ethic, patient interaction, and how you handle stress in a healthcare setting. PA programs love seeing that you can handle the fast-paced, challenging nature of healthcare.
3. A Professor Who Knows You Well A lot of pre-PAs go to their science professors for LORs, which is great if you’ve actually connected with them. Make sure it’s someone who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities, not just your grade in their class. If you built a good relationship, they can write about your passion for learning, curiosity, and readiness for PA school.
4. A Volunteer Coordinator or Leadership Mentor Don’t forget about any volunteer work or leadership roles you’ve held. If you’ve been committed to a cause or led a team, a letter from someone in charge can really highlight your dedication, leadership skills, and passion for helping others. PA schools want students who are well-rounded and committed to service, and this type of letter shows just that.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Without Feeling Awkward)

It can be intimidating to ask someone for a favor like this, but you can totally do it! Here’s how:

• Give Them Plenty of Time – Reach out well in advance of the deadline you have for yourself to submit your application to PA schools. Give them at least two weeks. No one wants to write a rushed letter!
• Explain Why You’re Asking Them – Let them know why you think they’d be a great person to write the letter. Highlight what you’ve learned from them and why their perspective matters.
• Provide the Details – Make it as easy as possible. Give them a quick summary of your experiences, achievements, and future goals. You can even include bullet points of key things you’d love them to mention!
• Follow Up (Politely) – People are busy. A gentle reminder a week before the deadline can help ensure your letter is in on time.
• Thank Them – Don’t forget to give them a thank you card a few days after they submit your letter! Show your gratitude!

What Makes a Letter Stand Out?

A great LOR doesn’t just list the things you’ve done—it tells a story about you. It should highlight specific examples of your hard work, compassion, and why you’ll succeed as a PA. A strong letter will give insight into your personality and work ethic, making the admissions committee want to meet you in person.

The Bottom Line

Getting great letters of recommendation for PA school doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead and ask the right people. Focus on finding individuals who truly know you and can speak to your strengths. And remember, the quality of the letter matters way more than how prestigious the person writing it is. With strong LORs in hand, you’ll be one step closer to getting that PA school acceptance!