Applying to PA school is one of the most exciting (and stressful) things you’ll ever do. But let’s be real no one wants to look back and think, Wow, I really should have done that differently.

Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of pre-PA students, and certain regrets pop up again and again. The good news? You don’t have to make the same mistakes. Let’s dive into the biggest regrets we’ve heard from PA school applicants and more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Submit Their CASPA Application

We hear this all the time: “I wanted my application to be perfect, so I waited until the last minute to submit it.” Or “I thought rolling admissions wasn’t that big of a deal.”

And then? They get waitlisted or rejected from schools that they could have been accepted to.

Why This Happens:

Many applicants underestimate how competitive PA school is and how much rolling admissions impacts their chances. The longer you wait, the fewer interview spots are available.

How to Avoid It:

Submit early. A solid application in May or June is WAY better than an application in August or September.

Plan ahead. Request letters of recommendation, write your personal statement, and track your experience hours well before CASPA opens.

Bottom line: Early applicants have the best shot at interviews and acceptances. Don’t wait.

2. Applying to the Wrong Schools

Nothing stings more than realizing after submitting your apps that you applied to schools that don’t even align with your stats.

Why This Happens:

They apply to schools based on name recognition instead of requirements.

They don’t check if they meet minimum GPA, patient care hours, or prerequisite coursework.

They apply too broadly or too narrowly (yes, both can be a problem!).

How to Avoid It:

Do your research. Track program requirements and see where you’re actually competitive.

Apply strategically. Aim for 8-12 schools that match your stats, have a mission that fits you, and align with your strengths.

3. Not Getting Enough PA Shadowing Hours

Shadowing hours aren’t just a checkbox on your application. Schools want to see that you actually understand the PA profession before committing to it.

Why This Happens:

They assume their PCE or HCE counts as shadowing (it doesn’t).

They don’t prioritize it until it’s too late.

They struggle to find a PA to shadow and just give up.

How to Avoid It:

Start early. Don’t wait until the last few months before applying to squeeze in shadowing.

Use multiple strategies to find shadowing. Ask your network, email local clinics, check hospital volunteer programs, and join Pre-PA groups on Facebook.

Track and reflect on your experiences. Schools love applicants who can explain what they learned from shadowing.

4. Underestimating the Personal Statement

The personal statement is not just an essay – it’s your chance to show PA schools who you are beyond your stats. But one of the biggest regrets we hear?

“I didn’t get my personal statement edited before submitting, and now I know it could have been so much better.”

Why This Happens:

They rush through it at the last minute.

They focus too much on what they did instead of why they want to be a PA.

They don’t get feedback from someone who understands what PA schools are actually looking for.

How to Avoid It:

Start writing early. Give yourself time to write, edit, and rework your essay.

Tell a compelling story. Admissions committees read thousands of essays make yours stand out with specific experiences that shaped your decision to become a PA.

Get professional edits. A second set of eyes (especially from someone who knows PA school admissions) can make all the difference. Do our CASPA app editing (which includes personal statement editing) to make sure your app is perfect!

5. Ignoring the Importance of supplemental essays & Interviews

Even after submitting CASPA, you’re not done yet. Supplemental essays and interviews can make or break your chances of acceptance.

Why This Happens:

They don’t realize how important supplementals are and rush through them.

They assume they’ll answer in interviews instead of preparing.

They don’t practice MMI or traditional interview formats ahead of time.

How to Avoid It:

Prepare supplementals in advance. Many programs ask similar questions (Why this school? How do you handle conflict? What is your greatest weakness?). Have well-thought-out responses ready.

Do mock interviews. Practicing with real feedback helps you stand out in the actual interview.

Know your story. Be able to articulate why you want to be a PA, why you chose that school, and why you’re a strong candidate.

Final Thoughts

The worst feeling is looking back and thinking, if only I had done that differently. But now that you know the biggest regrets of PA school applicants, you won’t make the same mistakes.

Want expert feedback on your application? Whether it’s picking the right schools, perfecting your personal statement, or prepping for interviews, we’ve got you covered. Get your entire CASPA application edited before you submit!