Let us guess—if you’re reading this, you’ve stared at your CASPA application more times than you can count, questioning whether you should even hit “submit.” Maybe you’ve Googled stats from your dream school and thought, I’m not good enough. Or maybe the voice in your head whispers things like, What if I’m not smart enough for PA school? What if they don’t pick me?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome are like unwelcome roommates on this pre-PA journey. But let me tell you something powerful: you are more capable than you think.
This blog post is here to walk you through why those doubts don’t define you, how to push through the fear, and how to embrace the truth that you belong in the PA profession.
Why Doubts Are Normal (and Not a Sign to Quit)
First, let’s normalize this: doubting yourself is part of the process. Applying to PA school is a huge, life-changing goal, and big goals always come with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown—it’s all tied to stepping out of your comfort zone.
But here’s the thing: doubt is not a stop sign. It’s a signal that you care deeply about this dream, and caring is a great thing. PA schools want you to deeply care about this! In fact, the most successful pre-PAs we’ve worked with have all questioned whether they were good enough at some point. You’re in good company.
Imposter Syndrome: The Uninvited Guest
Imposter syndrome is that pesky feeling that you’re not as smart, talented, or qualified as everyone else. It makes you compare yourself to others and assume you’re the weakest link in the applicant pool.
Here’s the truth: the version of people you’re comparing yourself to is their highlight reel. You’re seeing their polished GPA, perfect patient care hours, and maybe even their interview acceptance stories. But you’re not seeing their late-night tears over Organic Chemistry, their rejected applications, the multiple prerequisite retakes, or the hard work it took to get there.
Everyone starts somewhere. The person you think is “perfect” probably doubted themselves, too.
Reframe Your Doubts
Instead of thinking, I’m not good enough, try reframing it into something empowering:
• Doubt: “My stats aren’t competitive enough.”
• Reframe: “I’ve worked hard to improve my GPA, and I’m going to highlight that growth in my application.”
• Doubt: “I don’t have as much shadowing experience as other applicants.”
• Reframe: “I’m taking every opportunity to learn from the experiences I do have and will keep gaining more.”
• Doubt: “What if I’m rejected?”
• Reframe: “Every ‘no’ is one step closer to a ‘yes.’ I will keep going until I get there.”
Your doubts don’t define your ability to succeed—they only define how much you believe in them.
Actionable Steps to Overcome Fear and Build Confidence
1. Reflect on Your “Why”
Why do you want to become a PA? Write it down. Put it somewhere you can see every day. Whether it’s your passion for helping underserved communities or your dream of working in pediatrics, your “why” is what keeps you grounded when doubt creeps in.
2. Break the Goal Into Smaller Steps
Feeling overwhelmed by the process? Focus on just one step at a time. Maybe it’s finishing your personal statement, gaining a few more shadowing hours, or researching schools. Celebrate every win along the way, no matter how small.
3. Lean on Your Support System
Find people who believe in you, whether it’s us (cheering for you every single day), a friend, family member, or online pre-PA community. Surround yourself with positivity, and don’t be afraid to ask for encouragement when you need it.
4. Remind Yourself of What You’ve Already Accomplished
Make a list of all the things you’ve done to get to this point—prereqs, patient care hours, volunteering, shadowing. You’ve already worked hard to be here, and that counts for something.
5. Visualize Your Success
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in your white coat. Picture the day you get that acceptance email. Visualization is a powerful tool for keeping your eyes on the prize.
Stories of Pre-PAs Who Pushed Through Doubt
Sometimes, hearing someone else’s story is all the inspiration you need. If you need extra inspiration, head over to our Instagram highlights and check out the hundreds of pre-PAs who used to be where you are now, and see what’s coming your way!
The Most Important Thing to Remember
When you’re doubting yourself, I want you to remember this: PA schools are looking for more than perfect stats. They’re looking for compassionate, hard-working, and resilient people who will make incredible providers.
Your worth is not tied to your GPA. It’s not tied to the number of hours you have. It’s tied to your ability to grow, adapt, and show up for the patients who need you.
If this is your dream, don’t give up on it. Even if it takes longer than you planned, even if you get a few rejections along the way, you can do this.
Final Words of Encouragement
The pre-PA journey is tough, but so are you. Every step you take—no matter how small—is getting you closer to your goal. Trust the process, trust your growth, and most importantly, trust yourself.
And remember: the PA profession needs people like you. People who care deeply about making a difference. People who push through doubt to show up for their future patients.
You belong here. Keep going.