*So, you hit submit on your CASPA app.
The waiting game is ON.
And now you’re wondering… should I send an update? Should I email the program again? What if they ghost me forever?!

Let’s talk about the art (yes, art) of sending thoughtful, effective update and continued interest emails to PA schools—and how not to get your email quietly dragged to the trash.

First: Should You Even Email?

Not all programs want to hear from you.
Rude? Maybe.
But if their website or portal specifically says “Please do not contact us with updates” or “We do not accept updates,” then guess what? You don’t.

👉 DO NOT email them. Even with the most dazzling update in the world.
They’ll see it, roll their eyes, and wonder if you can follow instructions. (Spoiler: that’s a red flag.)

For Schools That Do Accept Updates…

Now we’re talkin’. If your programs allow updates or don’t say otherwise, here’s how to show your continued interest without becoming that applicant:

When to Send an Update

Think quality over quantity. We’re not spamming inboxes with every shadowing hour like it’s breaking news.

💌 Send an update email every 4–6 weeks MAX.
Any more than that and it gets excessive (unless the program directly asks for more frequent updates—which is rare).

What to Include in an Update Email

Updates should be meaningful.
Here’s what’s worth emailing about (**a combination of the following**)”

• ✨ New shadowing or patient care experience that adds significant hours or new skills
• ✨ New leadership role or responsibility
• ✨ Volunteer work or community involvement with substance
• ✨ New certifications (like BLS, EMT, CNA)
• ✨ Recent awards, recognitions, or GPA improvements
• ✨ A new letter of recommendation (only if the program accepts them post-submission!)

What’s NOT meaningful?

❌ “I shadowed for 2 more hours last week.”
❌ “I added 6 hours of scribing at the same place.”
❌ “Just wanted to say I’m still interested :)”

(We love your enthusiasm, but save it for when there’s actually quality and bulk news to share!)

How to Write It: Short, Sweet, Professional

You don’t need to write a novel. You’re not trying to re-pitch your entire application—just give them the highlights.

Here’s a quick structure to follow:

Subject Line:

Update & Continued Interest – [Your Full Name], CASPA ID [Your CASPA ID]

Body:

Hi [Program Name] Admissions Team,

My name is [Your Name], and I submitted my CASPA application for the [year] cycle. I’m writing to share a brief update and express my continued strong interest in your program.

Since my application submission, I have [brief 1-2 sentence summary of meaningful update].

I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to join your program and continue to grow as a future PA. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Warmly,
[Your Name]
[CASPA ID]
[Phone number + Email]

Pro Tips

🧠 Proofread. One typo can make an admissions committee flinch.
🧠 Use your CASPA ID. It helps them pull your file quickly.
🧠 Be polite and professional. Even if you’re dying to know your status.
🧠 Don’t overdo it. If your email feels like you’re digging for a reason to send it—wait.

Final Thoughts

Sending thoughtful updates is a great way to show your ongoing effort and enthusiasm—but only when done strategically.
If the update is meaningful and your email is respectful and brief, it can keep you on the committee’s radar (in a good way!).

But if you email every 10 days with “I volunteered one more hour,” you might land in the do not admit pile.