Let’s clear something up real quick…
You do NOT need to join 10 random clubs and hope it “looks good” on your application.
PA schools are not impressed by busy.
They’re impressed by:
- intentional involvement
- leadership
- real impact
So if you’re wondering:
“What extracurriculars should I actually be doing as a pre-PA?”
This is your guide.
First: What PA Schools Are Really Looking For
Before we dive into the list, you need to understand this:
Extracurriculars are not about what you do.
They’re about:
- how involved you are
- what you learned
- how you grew
- and how it connects to becoming a PA
Translation?
You can have fewer extracurriculars and still stand out—if you do them well.
1. Pre-PA or Pre-Health Club (A Must If You Have Access)
This is one of the most relevant extracurriculars you can have.
Why?
Because it shows:
- commitment to the PA path
- exposure to the profession
- initiative in learning beyond the classroom
But here’s where most students miss the mark…
They join… and that’s it.
Passive member = minimal impact
Leadership role = standout application
Think:
- President / Vice President
- Event coordinator
- Organizing shadowing or speaker events
The more involved you are, the more you’ll have to talk about in your application and interviews.
2. Collegiate Athlete (Or Competitive Club Sports)
If you’re an athlete—this is gold.
PA schools love this.
Why?
Because it naturally demonstrates:
- discipline
- time management
- resilience
- teamwork
All things that directly translate to PA school and clinical practice.
Don’t downplay this.
Instead, highlight:
- leadership roles (like team captain)
- balancing academics and athletics
- challenges you overcame
3. Organized Clubs, Sorority, or Fraternity
This is where a lot of pre-PAs miss opportunity.
It does NOT have to be healthcare-related.
PA schools care that you can:
- lead
- communicate
- take initiative
- work with others
So if you’re involved in:
- student government
- cultural organizations
- academic clubs
- sorority/fraternity leadership
…that absolutely counts.
4. Professional or Academic Organizations
Think:
- biology club
- healthcare associations
- honor societies
- specialty interest groups
These show:
- academic engagement
- curiosity
- commitment to your field
Again—bonus points for:
- leadership
- involvement beyond just attending meetings
What NOT to Focus On
Let’s keep this real…
Not all extracurriculars carry the same weight.
If it’s:
- inconsistent
- passive
- or has no real involvement
…it’s not going to help you stand out.
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the right things well.
How to Choose the Right Extracurriculars
Ask yourself:
Will this help me grow in leadership, teamwork, or service?
Will I be able to talk about this in my application or interview?
Can I stay consistent with this over time?
If yes—you’re on the right track.
Final Takeaway
The strongest applicants aren’t the busiest.
They’re the most intentional.
They choose extracurriculars that:
- align with the PA role
- build real skills
- and give them strong stories to tell
Want Help Turning Your Experiences Into a Standout Application?
Because here’s the truth…
It’s not just what you did.
It’s how you write about it on your CASPA.
Inside VIP Days, we help you:
- choose the right experiences
- position them strategically
- actually write your personal statement and experience paragraphs (yep, you talk and WE write)
- and turn them into an application that actually gets interviews
If you want your entire application built with PAs who have actual PA admissions experience and know exactly how to make your app stand out, check out our VIP Days here!