So you hit submit on CASPA, and now you’re sitting in that weird in-between limbo.
You refreshed your email 47 times today.
You keep wondering if your letters of rec made it through.
And you’re thinking… “Now what?”
First of all—CONGRATS. Submitting your application is no small feat. (Seriously, treat yourself to a cookie or a 3-hour nap.) But we’re here to give you a little tough love:
Just because you submitted CASPA doesn’t mean your job is done.
In fact, some of the most strategic moves happen after you click submit. And if you forget these? You could be missing out on interview invites—or even getting silently passed over.
So let’s talk about the top 5 things pre-PAs forget to do after submitting CASPA (and how to fix it):
1. Update Schools with New Experience Hours + Achievements
Your application should never feel “stuck in time.” If you’re still gaining hours, shadowing, volunteering, or earning certifications—you should absolutely send updates to schools (as long as their policy allows).
Whether it’s:
- Hitting a milestone number of PCE hours
- Starting a new volunteer position
- Gaining new shadowing exposure
- Earning a phlebotomy or EMT cert
These all count as meaningful updates.
📩 How to do it:
Send a short, professional email every 4–6 weeks with your new experiences, expressing your continued interest in their program. Don’t overthink it—just show them you’re staying committed and growing.
✅ Pro tip: We’ve got a template for this inside our Application to Acceptance Course if you want it done right.
2. Keep Interview Prep Front and Center
Many pre-PAs wait until they get an interview to start prepping. Big mistake.
Some schools give just a few days’ notice—and trust me, there’s nothing worse than cramming for the most important interview of your life. (Cue the sweaty palms and blank stares.)
Start practicing now. Even 15–20 minutes a week can give you a huge advantage.
Here’s how:
- Record yourself answering common traditional + MMI questions
- Practice out loud (yes, out loud)
- Book a mock interview to get feedback that’s honest and helpful (we offer them!)
🎧 Want a confidence boost? Listen to our podcast episode on what to wear and bring to your interview
3. Watch for “Received” vs. “Verified” Status
This one’s easy to miss—but critical.
CASPA marks your application as “received” as soon as you submit. But your app isn’t truly processed until it’s “verified.” That means they’ve matched your transcripts to what you entered and made it official.
⚠️ Why it matters:
Schools won’t even look at your application until it’s verified.
This means:
- Double-check your transcripts were received
- Make sure all letters of rec are in (and not expired—yes, that’s been a glitch this cycle!)
- Follow up with CASPA support if verification seems delayed
Stay proactive so your application isn’t sitting in limbo longer than it needs to.
4. Reflect and Regroup (Not Spiral)
After months of writing, rewriting, and stressing over every character in your personal statement, it’s tempting to spiral while waiting.
But here’s the truth: This is the perfect time to regroup and recharge—while still staying productive.
🧘♀️ Journal what you’ve learned so far.
🔍 Review schools you applied to and how they match your goals.
📝 Make a list of schools you might add if you don’t hear back soon.
You’ve already done so much. Let this season be one of preparation, not panic.
5. Strategically Expand Your School List (If Needed)
Not hearing back from programs? You’re not alone.
It doesn’t mean your app is weak—it might mean your list wasn’t the best match for your stats or background. This is super common (and fixable!).
Ask yourself:
- Were most of your schools ultra-competitive?
- Did you apply to programs that average stats much higher than yours?
- Are you open to programs that offer rolling admissions later in the cycle?
There are still programs accepting apps—even late in the cycle. But your school list has to work for you, not against you.
🎯 Not sure how to pick the right schools for your stats? Watch our free masterclass on “How to Choose the Right PA Schools for You” here.
Final Thoughts
Submitting CASPA is huge. But it’s not the end—it’s a turning point.
This is your time to stay intentional, follow up smartly, and prep like the interview invite is already on its way. (Because for many of our students—it is.)
And if you want personalized support, edits, or help with strategy—we’re here for you.