Feeling burnt out from the PA school application process? You’re not alone.

Between trying to get your CASPA submitted, writing (and rewriting) your personal statement, figuring out which schools to apply to, keeping up with PCE hours, and maybe still being in school or working full-time… it’s a LOT.

And at some point, you might find yourself wondering:
“Is this even worth it?”
“What if I don’t get in?”
“Why does this feel so hard?”

Let’s talk about it.

1. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed — but don’t let that stop you

First things first: this process is challenging because you’re doing something big. Life-changing. You’re not just filling out a form — you’re chasing a career in medicine. That takes courage.

So yes, it feels overwhelming at times. That doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for it. It just means you’re human. Take a deep breath, normalize the chaos, and remind yourself: You don’t have to be perfect to get in. You just have to keep going.

2. Reconnect with your “why”

When the motivation dips, go back to your reason for doing this in the first place.

Why PA?
Why not something else?
What kind of provider do you want to be?
Who do you want to serve?

Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see often. Your “why” is your anchor when everything feels wobbly.

3. Create small wins every week

Motivation isn’t magic — it comes from momentum.

Instead of telling yourself you need to “work on your app,” break it down:

• Write one Experience paragraph today
• Look up 3 more PA programs this week
• Ask that professor for a letter of recommendation
• Do 1 virtual shadowing session this weekend

Small wins add up — and they feel good. (And hey, if you need structure, our Application to Acceptance Course gives you step-by-step support so you’re never lost.)

4. Take breaks (without guilt)

Pushing through when you’re mentally tapped out? Not helpful.
Feeling like you “should” be working on your app 24/7? Also not helpful.

Your brain needs rest. You’ll think more clearly, write more confidently, and make better decisions when you give yourself actual downtime.

So go for that walk. Watch an episode of something hilarious. Take a Saturday off. Rest is productive.

5. Stop doom-scrolling Reddit and comparing your stats

You know what kills motivation the fastest?
Reading 26 different Reddit threads of people who submitted their apps in May, got interviews in June, and already have 3 acceptances by July.

That’s their journey. And it’s probably not the whole story anyway.

PA school applications aren’t a race. And comparing your stats to someone else’s is like comparing apples to oranges — it just doesn’t help.

Your application will stand out for reasons they can’t replicate — because it’s yours.

6. Get support from people who get it

This might be the most important tip of all. You need community. You need people who understand what it’s like to cry over CASPA, stress about HCE hours, or wonder if they’ll ever hear back from a school.

That’s exactly why we created Application to Acceptance Course — to surround you with real support, tools that actually help, and people who will remind you that you’re not doing this alone.

Final pep talk:

If no one’s told you lately — you’re doing amazing.

Even if it doesn’t feel like it. Even if you’re still waiting for interview invites. Even if your confidence is a little shaky right now.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to keep going.

And if you ever need someone in your corner who knows how this process works (and can help you actually get through it), we’re here.

You’ve got this, future PA. ✨