Because your “gap year” can be the power-up that gets you in.

You’ve decided: Next cycle, I’m applying to PA school.
Cue the happy dance… and then the moment of panic.

Because now you’ve got a full year ahead of you—and you’re wondering:

“What should I be doing right now so I don’t waste this year?”
“How do I make my application stand out?”
“Do I need more hours? More shadowing? Another panic attack?”

Take a breath. You’re in exactly the right place. 🙌

Whether you’re wrapping up undergrad or taking a full-on “gap year,” this time can be your biggest advantage—if you use it right. Let’s map out the moves that will make next year’s application irresistible.

🧠 1. Get Clear on the Big Picture

Before you dive into checklists and course catalogs, take 30 minutes to sit down with your favorite beverage and ask:

• Why do I really want to be a PA?
• What do I want my future in medicine to look like?
• What parts of healthcare am I most curious about?
• Do my stats line up with what PA schools are looking for?

✨ When you’re clear on your “why,” every decision you make this year becomes way easier.

👩‍⚕️ 2. Get Patient Care Experience That Counts

This is the year to rack up meaningful, hands-on hours.

• CNA, MA, EMT, scribe, phlebotomist, PT aide—pick what fits your schedule and career goals
• Aim for consistent, direct patient care, not just “healthcare-adjacent” roles
• Keep track of your hours now (hello, CASPA headache prevention!)
• Don’t just do the work—reflect on how it’s shaping your desire to be a PA

✨ Bonus points if you can work with underserved populations or in multiple settings—it shows depth and commitment.

👀 3. Shadow Multiple PAs (and Actually Learn From It)

You need shadowing hours—but what you learn from them matters even more.

• Try to observe in different specialties (think family med, surgery, peds, psych)
• Ask questions. Take notes. Pay attention to what the PA actually does in the day-to-day
• Reflect on what you’d want your future as a PA to look like
• Can’t find local opportunities?

✨ That’s where PA-Cers comes in—our virtual PA shadowing membership with weekly sessions, replays, and even a professional membership to list on your CASPA. We’ve got your hours covered.

📚 4. Tackle Any Missing Prereqs Now

Waiting until right before CASPA opens = stress, regret, and caffeine overdoses.

Check your top schools’ prereqs and start planning:

• Do you need to retake anything?
• Are you missing classes like biochem, genetics, or medical terminology?
• Are you taking labs online—and do your schools accept them?

✨ Knock these out now so you’re not scrambling next spring (and so they’re reflected in your transcripts before you apply).

✍️ 5. Start Drafting Your Personal Statement (Way Earlier Than You Think)

You’ll thank yourself later.

Even if your CASPA application won’t be submitted for months, this is the perfect time to start brainstorming:

• What experiences have shaped your desire to be a PA?
• What makes your path unique?
• What stories or moments do you want to include?
• What do you want the reader to feel when they finish reading?

✨ We have editing packages for your personal statement and full app when you’re ready—but start capturing your ideas now while they’re fresh.

❤️ 6. Volunteer in Something You Actually Care About

No, it doesn’t have to be medical.
Yes, it should be something that fills your cup and shows your commitment to service.

Whether it’s food banks, tutoring, crisis hotlines, or community health—schools want to see you care about helping others before you get the white coat.

✨ Plus, this is an easy way to keep your mental health in check during a super goal-driven year.

🧠 7. Learn the Application Process Inside and Out

No one talks about how complicated CASPA is—until they’re deep in it and panicking.

Take time this year to:

• Learn the ins and outs of CASPA (transcripts, verifiers, experience categories, etc.)
• Watch our free tutorials + masterclasses
• Join our Pre-PA Clinic workshops so you’re never behind
• Plan out when you’ll request letters of rec, take any tests, and write your essays

✨ The more you know now, the smoother your app season will be next year. No surprises, no spirals.

💥 Final Thoughts

Your gap year isn’t just “time off.” It’s your opportunity to grow into the version of yourself that PA schools are waiting to say YES to.

Use this year to build confidence, get experience, and step into your future with intention.

And if you want help doing it? We’ve got you. 👇

👉 Join PA-Cers for weekly virtual shadowing hours, diverse specialties, replays, and a professional membership you can list on your application.

You’re not behind. You’re building something big.
And we’re here for every step.