Applying to physician assistant (PA) school can be a stressful and overwhelming process. With so many applicants vying for limited spots, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of being accepted. In this post, we’ll discuss four of the most common mistakes to avoid when applying to PA school.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute: One of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying to PA school is waiting until the last minute to submit your application. Many PA programs have rolling admissions, which means that they review applications as they are received. This means that the earlier you apply, the better your chances of being accepted. Don’t wait until the deadline to submit your application, as this can hurt your chances of being accepted.

2. Not Doing Your Research: Another common mistake is not researching the PA programs thoroughly before applying. Each program has its own unique requirements, and it’s important to make sure you meet those requirements before applying. Additionally, you should research the program’s curriculum, mission, and clinical opportunities to make sure it’s a good fit for your goals and interests.

3. Focusing Solely on Grades: While grades are important when applying to PA school, they’re not the only factor that programs consider. Many programs also look at your patient care experience, shadowing, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Don’t neglect these other important components of your application in favor of just focusing on your grades. Applying to PA school is a holistic admission process and you need to be a well-rounded student!

4. Neglecting Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is an important part of your PA school application. It’s your chance to showcase your personality, experiences, and motivations for pursuing a career as a PA. Make sure to take the time to write a well-crafted personal statement that highlights your strengths and tells your story. Avoid cliches, grammatical errors, and “telling them what you think they want to hear”. A passionate personal statement is a great way to stand out from the crowd. 

Applying to PA school is a competitive process, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of being accepted. Take the time to research the programs thoroughly, focus on more than just your grades, write a well-crafted personal statement, and follow up on your application. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful physician assistant.

If you need help making your PA school application stand out, look into our CASPA App Editing and Zoom Feedback session, which includes a complete edit of your CASPA application – including personal statement editing – then a Zoom feedback session. Find it here!