Applying to PA school is highly competitive, and while having a strong GPA and solid patient care experience is important, red flags in your application can hurt your chances—sometimes without you even realizing it.
PA schools want students who are academically prepared, professional, and reliable. If you’re submitting your CASPA application, be sure to watch out for these common red flags and learn how to fix them before it’s too late.
1. Too Many Withdrawals or Repeated Courses
Why It’s a Red Flag
A few withdrawals here and there aren’t necessarily a problem, but if you have multiple withdrawals, retakes, or failed courses, PA schools might see it as a sign that you struggle academically. Since PA school is fast-paced and rigorous, programs want students who can handle the workload.
How to Fix It
- If you have withdrawals due to personal or medical reasons, try to explain them briefly in an essay.
- Show an upward trend in your grades—if you had a rough start in undergrad, prove that you’ve improved.
- Perform well in your prerequisite courses to show you can handle difficult science classes.
2. Lack of Patient Care Hours or Weak Healthcare Experience
Why It’s a Red Flag
Some applicants try to apply to PA school with little or no hands-on patient care experience, which is a major mistake. PA programs heavily weigh experience, and a weak healthcare background can make you seem unprepared.
How to Fix It
- Get hands-on patient care experience in roles like CNA, EMT, medical assistant, phlebotomist, or physical care technician.
- Don’t assume shadowing is enough—most schools require direct patient care experience, not just observation.
- If your hours are low, target schools that accept less PCE and highlight your other strengths in your personal statement.
3. Marking “No” for Permission to Contact Supervisors
Why It’s a Red Flag
CASPA asks if schools can contact your experience supervisors, and marking “no” can raise suspicion. Schools may wonder if you’re hiding something or exaggerating your experience.
How to Fix It
- Always mark “yes” unless there’s a valid reason, such as leaving a job on bad terms.
- If you must mark “no,” be ready to explain why in your interview.
4. No PA Letter of Recommendation
Why It’s a Red Flag
Many schools require or strongly prefer a letter from a PA. If you don’t include one, it could suggest:
- You didn’t shadow a PA.
- You didn’t make a strong impression while shadowing.
- You don’t have strong PA mentorship.
How to Fix It
- Shadow a PA and build a relationship—ask thoughtful questions and follow up with a thank-you note.
- If your current PA letter is generic or weak, consider finding another PA who can vouch for your passion and potential.
5. A Conviction of a Misdemeanor
Why It’s a Red Flag
PA programs require a clean background check. A misdemeanor can be an immediate rejection, especially if it’s related to dishonesty, substance use, or violence. Schools worry about future licensing issues, the ability to place you at clinical rotations which typically require a scotch-free background check, and whether you’ll be a responsible healthcare provider.
How to Fix It
- Be honest—PA schools will find out during background checks, so never try to hide it.
- Explain the situation professionally in your application or interview, showing personal growth and responsibility.
- Start working on getting this expunged from your record. You will have to have this removed before starting clinical rotations.
6. A Generic or Bad Letter of Recommendation
Why It’s a Red Flag
A vague, generic, or negative LOR can signal:
- You didn’t leave a strong impression.
- Your work ethic or professionalism is lacking.
- You asked someone who barely knows you.
How to Fix It
- Choose supervisors, professors, or PAs who know you well and can write a personalized, strong letter.
- Ask in person or over a call, not just via email.
- Provide them with your resume, experiences, and why you want to be a PA so they can write a detailed, compelling letter.
7. A Weak or Unoriginal Personal Statement
Why It’s a Red Flag
Your personal statement is your chance to stand out. If it’s generic, cliché, or poorly written, PA schools might assume you’re not serious about the profession.
How to Fix It
- Tell a compelling, personal story that explains why you want to be a PA.
- Avoid overused phrases like “I want to help people” and instead focus on what specifically draws you to the PA profession.
- Get professional editing help to ensure your statement is polished and strong.
8. Choosing the Wrong Schools for Your Stats
Why It’s a Red Flag
Applying randomly to PA schools without checking whether your GPA, patient care hours, or other stats align with their requirements is a major mistake.
How to Fix It
- Research schools carefully—look at GPA and PCE averages to apply where you’re competitive.
- If your stats are low, target schools that look at applications holistically and emphasize your strengths.
- Need help picking the right schools? Watch our free masterclass on how to choose the best PA schools for your stats.
Final Thoughts: Fix These Red Flags Before You Apply
Most red flags can be fixed or explained—you just have to know how. The key is being proactive, honest, and strategic about your application.
Want to make sure your CASPA application is free of red flags? Our CASPA Application Editing Service helps pre-PAs avoid these mistakes and submit a polished, competitive application.