Although reapplying to physician assistant (PA) programs is challenging, it is important to remain motivated and persistent. Many successful PA students apply multiple times before getting accepted. The purpose of this blog is to provide you with actionable tips to enhance your application and increase your chances of success in the next cycle.
Logistics:
When reapplying, certain information can be transferred between cycles, such as background information, coursework, official test scores, and attached transcripts. However, evaluations, essays, payments, and program-specific information will not be transferred. Many PA programs accept students on a rolling basis, so it is important to submit your application early. To avoid delays, transfer relevant information from previous applications as soon as possible. Keep in mind that application data is unavailable after three cycles of inactivity.
How to Start:
Identify areas in your application that need improvement and take actionable steps to strengthen them. Start by researching applicant data available on school admissions websites.
Reach out to an admissions counselor and ask for advice on how to strengthen your application. If they say "no," at least you did not leave anything to chance. If they say "yes," you are that much closer to getting admitted. Do not be afraid to reach out - call the school directly, send an email to administration, and make sure to prepare questions for your meeting.
Examples:
- Where in my application do you see room for improvement?
- If I am unable to improve this part of my application, will my chances of acceptance be significantly impacted?
- Do you have any recommendations for the future cycle?
If your patient care experience (PCE) was lacking, consider finding a job to accumulate more hours. Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of finding a job that counts as direct PCE.
Grade Point Average (GPA):
If your GPA needs improvement, consider completing a formal post-baccalaureate or taking/retaking courses at a local community college to boost your GPA. Retake any prerequisites that you have received a B- or C in. Keep in mind that CASPA will provide you with an average of these grades, and some schools will take the higher grade. If your science GPA needs improvement - log onto the CASPA website under “Course Subjects” and take the classes listed under science. Select classes based on your interests and strengths to ensure you receive the best grade. It is critical to show an upward grade trend and highlight it in your supplemental materials.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR):
LORs will not be transferred, but you can ask your original referrer to resubmit it for the current cycle. It's advisable to provide some guidance on how to write the letter of recommendation (LOR), particularly by suggesting that they highlight your growth and improvement over the past year. Avoid asking someone you have not closely worked with in the past year. This ensures your reviewer knows who you are, knows how well you work, and is willing to write a strong letter. Aim to secure letters from different writers than the prior year, and have greater than or equal to the amount of letters you had previously. Although you may ask prior recommenders, aim to secure a few different writers for the next cycle. Ensure you do not reduce the amount of letters submitted from the year before. The main takeaway is improvement - less letters for the next cycle weakens your application.
Personal Statement:
Your reason for choosing the PA profession may remain the same; therefore, it’s okay to keep some aspects of your previous personal statement. Update it with any meaningful experiences from the past year that have solidified your desire to pursue this career. Highlight your strengths more than your weaknesses. Read examples from other applicants to improve your own statement, but maintain originality. Seek multiple reviews and perspectives on your essay to ensure it's strong and compelling. The overall takeaway is to add significant experiences that have highlighted your growth and solidified your reason for “Why PA?”
Volunteer Experience Based on School Missions:
Research the mission statements of the schools you're interested in. If they value service to underserved communities, focus on gaining more volunteer experience in those areas. Highlight these experiences in your supplemental, interviews, and personal statement. Take away - do your research and adjust your application to meet the schools preferences for a competitive applicant.
Conclusion:
Being a reapplicant may seem daunting, but it's an opportunity to strengthen your application and improve your chances of acceptance. Stay positive, continue gaining experience, and remain focused on your goal of becoming a PA. With determination and the right approach, you can enhance your application and achieve your dream of attending PA school!