If you’ve been obsessively Googling “Top PA programs” or checking out every “Best PA Schools” list you can find—hey, we get it.

But here’s the truth: the best PA school isn’t the one with the highest ranking on a Google search. It’s the one that’s the right fit for you, your stats, and your goals.

Let’s walk through how to actually choose the right PA programs to apply to—because strategy matters. And wasting time, money, and mental energy applying to the wrong schools? Yeah… we’re not about that life.

Why “Top-Ranked” Doesn’t Always Mean “Best”

There’s this idea that you have to go to a “top program” to succeed as a PA. Totally false. And those rankings you’re finding – those are subjective, meaning that PA schools self-report this. So they’re not actually accurate.

All accredited PA programs prepare you to take the same board exam (the PANCE) and graduate with the same credential: PA-C.

Here’s what most “rankings” don’t tell you:

• They often weigh research or faculty publications—not clinical training or student support
• They don’t factor in your personal stats or chances of acceptance
• They don’t account for location, cost of living, or how well you’d actually vibe with the program

So let’s ditch the prestige pressure and focus on picking the schools that will say YES to you and set you up for success.

Step 1: Know Your Stats and Compare Them to Accepted Students

Before you even look at programs, get honest about your numbers:

• Cumulative CASPA calculated GPA
• CASPA calculated Science GPA
• Healthcare and patient care experience hours
• PA shadowing hours
• GRE or other test scores (if required)

Then compare your stats to what each school lists on their website. Most schools post:

• Minimum GPA
• Average GPA of accepted students
• Hour requirements

If your stats are close to or above the average—great, that’s a good fit.
If your stats are way below their average… it’s probably not your best bet (yet).

💡 Not sure how your stats stack up? You can find our PA School Directory inside of our Application to Acceptance Course that shows you what schools you match best with quickly and easily!

Step 2: Double-Check Prerequisites

Don’t assume every school wants the same courses.
Some might require:

• Organic Chem II
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Medical Terminology
• Or even things like Sociology or Medical Ethics

Make sure you’ve either already taken the required prereqs—or will definitely have them completed before you apply.

🛑 This is one of the most common reasons applicants get automatically rejected—don’t let it be you.

Step 3: Consider Their Mission and Values

Look at each program’s mission statement. Does it focus on:

• Serving rural communities?
• Underserved populations?
• Primary care?
• Global health or medical missions?

The closer your values and experiences align with theirs, the stronger your application will be. PA schools want to admit people who fit their goals—not just people with great stats.

Step 4: Evaluate the Interview Style

Some schools use traditional panel-style interviews. Others use MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews). A few even skip interviews altogether (wild, but true).

If you know you do better in one format over another, factor that in when choosing where to apply.
And definitely prep accordingly with a Mock Interview!

Step 5: Look at Class Size, Culture, and Support

Do you thrive in a small, tight-knit group—or prefer a bigger program with more resources?
Want a high-pressure academic setting, or something more collaborative and nurturing?

You can usually get a feel for the school’s vibe by checking:

• Student testimonials
• Social media (check their PA class Instagram!)
• Info sessions or open house recordings

This is where you’ll be for the next 2+ years—pick a place where you’ll feel supported.

Step 6: Think About Location and Cost of Living

Would you be excited to live there for the next few years?
Does the area have:

• Reasonable rent?
• Public transportation if you don’t have a car?
• Nearby clinical sites or job opportunities after graduation?
• Family or support system close by?

Also—check tuition. Some private programs cost over $120k. Others are far more affordable. Debt matters. Plan wisely.

Step 7: Check Their PANCE Pass Rates

This is one of those objective numbers you should absolutely care about.

You can find most schools’ first-time PANCE pass rates on their websites. High pass rates = strong curriculum + good support.

⚠️ A few years with very low pass rates? That’s a red flag.

Step 8: Make Sure You’d Actually Want to Attend

Here’s the final (and maybe most important) question:

If this was the only school that accepted you, would you be happy going there?

If the answer is no, you probably shouldn’t apply. Your time and money are too valuable.

Real Talk: Stop Guessing and Start Strategizing

Picking schools shouldn’t be a guessing game. You don’t need to apply to 20+ programs to increase your chances—you need to apply smarter.

That’s exactly what we help you do in our Application to Acceptance Course!

Inside, we walk you through every step of creating your strongest, best CASPA application – from choosing the right schools, to writing an outstanding and compelling personal statement and experience paragraphs, to nailing your interviews – so you can get accepted to PA school! Enroll here and get started instantly!

You don’t need the “best” school. You need the best school for you and your stats!

You’ve got this—and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.