You finally did it.
You hit Submit on your CASPA application.
Cue the celebration…and then the panic. What now?
“What if I get more patient care hours?”
“I just earned an A in Organic Chemistry!”
“I started a new healthcare job.”
“Should I email every school?”
As former PA admissions committee members, we get this question all the time. The answer is:
Yes—sometimes.
But not every update is worth sending, and how you communicate it matters.
Let’s talk about what admissions committees actually want to know.
Updates That Are Worth Sending
✅ New prerequisite grades or completed coursework
If you finished a course that was listed as “In Progress” when you submitted CASPA, this is one of the most important updates to send—especially if it fulfills a prerequisite.
Many schools want to know you’ve successfully completed the course.
Pro tip: Request an updated official transcript be sent to CASPA once your final grade posts. Keep in mind that CASPA does not recalculate your GPA after verification, but schools can still review your updated transcript.
✅ Significant increase in patient care experience
A few additional shifts?
Not worth emailing.
Another 400+ quality patient care hours?
Absolutely.
Especially if those hours strengthen your application or push you over a milestone.
✅ New healthcare position or promotion
Started working as an EMT?
Accepted a full-time MA position in a new specialty?
Promoted to Lead CNA?
Those updates demonstrate continued growth and commitment to patient care.
✅ Major academic or professional achievements
Examples include:
- Dean’s List
- Graduation
- Research publication
- Poster presentation
- National certification
- Significant award
These accomplishments can strengthen your overall application.
✅ New shadowing (if it’s substantial)
Adding 4 more hours?
Probably not.
Completing 40 hours with a new specialty?
That may be worth sharing, particularly if your shadowing experience was limited when you initially applied.
Updates That Usually Don’t Need an Email
Not every accomplishment requires contacting admissions.
Generally, you DON’T need to update schools about:
- One achievement at a time – make sure you combine so you aren’t emailing schools about every little thing
- An extra 100–200 patient care hours
- One additional volunteer event
- A new CPR certification (unless specifically required)
- Minor club involvement
- Small resume changes
Remember…
Admissions committees are reviewing hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applications.
Make your updates meaningful.
How to Update PA Schools Professionally
Before sending anything, check each program’s website.
Some schools have:
- An applicant portal
- A formal update form
- Specific instructions on what they’ll accept
- Policies stating they do not accept updates after submission
Always follow the school’s preferred process.
If they accept updates by email, keep it concise.
Here’s a simple template:
Subject: Application Update – First Name Last Name (CASPA ID)
Dear Admissions Committee,
I hope you’re doing well.
I wanted to provide a brief update to my application. Since submitting my CASPA application, I have:
- Completed Organic Chemistry II with an A
- Accumulated an additional 440 patient care hours as a Medical Assistant
- Begun a new volunteer position in an emergency department as a ED Volunteer
- Completed my CPR certifcation
I remain very interested in your program and appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you,
First Last
CASPA ID
Notice what this email doesn’t do.
It doesn’t:
❌ Explain why you’re a perfect fit.
❌ Repeat your personal statement.
❌ Ask whether you’ve been selected for an interview.
❌ Write a five-paragraph essay.
Short.
Professional.
Relevant.
That’s it.
One Mistake We See Every Year
Some applicants send weekly updates hoping to stay on the admissions committee’s radar.
Unfortunately…
That usually has the opposite effect.
Quality always beats quantity.
One meaningful update is far more impactful than multiple emails with very little new information.
Avoid sending frequent emails. Aim for *quality* emails like the example above every 4-6 weeks (only if you have actual strengths to share).
Our Advice as Former Admissions Committee Members
Ask yourself one question before hitting send:
“Does this new information meaningfully strengthen my application?”
If the answer is yes, update the program.
If not, it’s usually better to let your original application speak for itself.
Professionalism, good judgment, and respecting a program’s process go a long way.
Want an PAs with Admission Committee Experience to Review Your Application Before You Submit?
We’ve reviewed thousands of applications and served on PA admissions committees. We know how to make your app stand out.
Whether you need help with your personal statement, CASPA experiences, interview preparation, or your overall application strategy, we’re here to help you present the strongest application possible.
Get your CASPA Application editing before your application reaches admissions.