You’ve just crushed your PA school interview, you thought you did amazing, you thought it went well…But instead of the coveted acceptance letter, you get a “waitlist” email. We know that can be so discouraging, because you’ve worked so hard to get to this point. To the point where you finally got an interview and the chance to shine, and instead of a “Yes, definitely accepted”, you received a “waitlist”. In today’s post, we want to present a different way of thinking about being waitlisted, and why you should absolutely not give up hope. Beth and I have worked at PA schools that utilize the waitlist and before we even go into detail about how to approach being waitlisted and what to do with it, we first want to tell you that programs pull from their waitlist all the time! In fact, one year at one of the PA schools we worked for, over half of the class was pulled from the waitlist!! And it was a huge class of PA students. Also, every year, we had to pull from the waitlist at the last second…like THE day PA school started because someone dropped out or got pregnant or decided to wait to attend PA school or a million other reasons….so being waitlisted doesn’t mean your dream is over. In fact, it’s just a pit stop on your journey to getting accepted to PA school, and again PA schools pull from the waitlist all the time because literally anything can happen in a cycle. 

First, what is the waitlist? It’s important to understand what this even is in the context of PA admissions.  Being put on the waitlist is not a rejection, but rather a reflection of the competitive nature of PA school admissions. Schools often have a limited number of spots and must carefully select their candidates. Being on the waitlist means that you are considered a strong candidate, but the school needs to evaluate other applicants before making a final decision.

Consider it this way ….it’s not a “No”, It’s a “Not Yet”

Getting waitlisted is NOT a rejection. It’s a way for schools to say, “Hey, we like you, but we have a lot of applicants this year and we want to see how everyone else stacks up.” It’s like being second in line for your favorite roller coaster – you’re still in the game and schools are wanting to keep their options open, but it does not mean a definite no! You are still in the running.

The next thing to consider is there’s plenty of time left this cycle. Remember, the PA school admissions process is like a marathon, and can sometimes feel never ending. It’s absolutely NOT a sprint. Just because you’re on the waitlist doesn’t mean you’ve missed the bus. Schools often admit students from their waitlist as they finalize their class roster, and just like we mentioned a few moments ago, students drop out or decide to go somewhere else, or they have a huge life event happen and are unable attend, all of which bumps you up the waitlist, and hopefully off of it into the “accepted” category.

Now, until you have been officially accepted to PA school, it is crucial that you continue strengthening yourself as an applicant…do NOT stop making yourself a better candidate…and this is for several reasons…1) You can continue to update your schools  – including the one that waitlisted you – with your new hours and experiences, and 2) Jussssttt in case you don’t get removed from the waitlist and end up having to apply again next cycle, you aren’t just remaining the same applicant, but continuing to grow and become more competitive. 

So while you’re waiting, use this time to become an even stronger candidate. Take more courses or retake prerequisites that you didn’t do so well in, gain additional patient care and PA shadowing experience, or volunteer in your community. Show those admissions committees that you’re committed to the PA profession. When you go to update schools on all the awesome things you have been up to while eagerly waiting to come off the waitlist, make sure your email is professional and to the point. Write something brief saying how much you loved interviewing and that you wanted to provide an update on what you have been doing since being placed on the waitlist, then include specifics, such as “I’ve accrued 200 more hours of patient care in my EMT position and have learned how to splint forearm fractures, as well as 20 more hours of PA shadowing, both in person and virtually…” or whatever it is that you have been doing to make yourself more competitive. Mention your eagerness to contribute to and be a part of their program.

This demonstrates your perseverance and dedication, as well as keeps you on the mind of the PA admissions. On the flip side of that, be strategic with your emails…don’t wear them out or be the applicant that emails constantly. Also, make sure that the school does not specifically state “do not email us” on their website. As long as that is not stated on their website, then don’t be a stranger – update PA schools and stay in touch with the schools you’re waitlisted at with updates about your progress, new grades, experiences, or achievements. Let them know you’re still interested and dedicated… but remember, it’s about quality over quantity when it comes to updating your schools. 

The next thing we want you to think about while your waiting is to go back to your “deeper why”. Reflect on why you wanted to become a PA in the first place. It’s not just about getting into a particular school, it’s about making a real impact in healthcare and in the lives of others. The road might be winding, but don’t give up on your dreams or let a setback trip you up or send you down a rabbit hole. Be persistent, and you’ll reach your destination. Look at how far you have come to even get to this point – to even getting on a waitlist. Many candidates don’t make it even this far, so give yourself some grace and TRULY congratulate yourself on how far you have come, how resilient you are, and how much grit you have shown just to get here! You should be crazy proud of yourself!! Being put on a waitlist is a BIG DEAL!!! 

Finally, use this as motivation. Being on a waitlist can be emotionally challenging, but it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset.  Let being waitlisted fuel your determination. Use this to keep pushing forward. Remember that every “maybe” or “not yet” you encounter is just a stepping stone to your ultimate “yes.” Everything happens for a reason, and 99% of the time that reason is because there is something better and more magical and more amazing for you up ahead. And when you are sitting in YOUR seat on your first day of PA school at the program that chose you, this will all make sense and be totally worth it.

Remember that PA programs want to admit the best candidates. Being waitlisted means you’re among the best. Trust the process and stay committed to your journey. Keep working on your goals, stay connected with the schools, and keep your dream alive. The journey might have a few detours, but the destination is so worth it. Your white coat is coming for you!!