Courtneydawn Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 I have quite a few Science prereqs to complete before applying to PA school, but I'm having trouble finding information on timelines for application/acceptance/program start and how pending coursework can affect this. From what I can find, CASPA opens up applications in April for programs the following year, that usually begin in the fall (August/September). Most of the schools I'm looking to apply allow only 2 prereq classes to be outstanding at the time of application and some say all classes must be complete before applying. So that means if I apply in April, I would have already had to complete my classes the previous fall or be finishing up my last 2 classes that Spring of application? If one applies to school their last spring semester, based on the application timeline and the stringent requirements for having prerequisites already completed, then one wouldn't get to start PA school until over a year later in the fall. For example, if I will be taking prereqs part-time Fall 2020-Spring 2022, it appears I can only apply to PA programs Spring 2022, while finishing up my 2 last prerequisites? If I applied in April 2021, I would still have Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 left to complete 4 prereqs. Meaning I wouldn't meet the prereq requirements and I couldn't simply have a short summer break before going to PA school in the fall, correct? What do people do with that entire year between applying and having their program start besides additional patient/health care experience since you apply a year prior to PA school, but have to be already finished with undergrad? Thanks for any clarification on this subject! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLM8867 Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 6 hours ago, Courtneydawn said: I'm having trouble finding information on timelines for application/acceptance/program start and how pending coursework can affect this. The PA programs you apply to will have explicit deadlines on their website . Yes, CASPA does open up in April but you have to take into account the specific institution's application deadline. Every institute will vary. I'll use my programs application deadline as an example for your scenario. CASPA opens in April. My University requires applications to be submitted by NOV 1, 2020. Any "in progress" classes currently in session during time of application is okay but must be complete prior to the cohort start date in May. Acceptance is on an institutional basis as well. Some programs are on a rolling admissions while others will be regular decision. Keep in mind PA programs across the country don't start at the same time. Some start in the Summer and some start in the Fall. For programs that accept applications with pending coursework, the deadlines and start times will not change. It will only change (that change being not eligible to apply) for YOU if YOU do not meet the deadline for finishing the courses on time or maintaining the minimum GPA. 6 hours ago, Courtneydawn said: if I will be taking prereqs part-time Fall 2020-Spring 2022, it appears I can only apply to PA programs Spring 2022, while finishing up my 2 last prerequisites? Correct. 6 hours ago, Courtneydawn said: If I applied in April 2021, I would still have Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 left to complete 4 prereqs. Meaning I wouldn't meet the prereq requirements and I couldn't simply have a short summer break before going to PA school in the fall, correct? The number of "in progess" courses you can take during the application/admission process is dependent on the school you choose to apply to. I can't remember researching a program that allows more than 2. So to answer your question: Correct. You did not meet the minimum requirements. You are not eligible to apply. 7 hours ago, Courtneydawn said: What do people do with that entire year between applying and having their program start besides additional patient/health care experience since you apply a year prior to PA school, but have to be already finished with undergrad? Applying doesn't mean you get in. Applying is the first step. The next step is getting/preparing/executing a good interview. Depending on the interview, you'll then receive an acceptance/rejection letter. I've met some applicants, when I was applying, that had at least 6 interviews all in different states. So between all the interviews they were either: working, preparing for the next interview, brushing up and their A&P and Med Term, relaxing, and traveling. One year goes by fast. Hope this helped. I don't know the intricate details of your current academic situation so I had to be broad. Best of luck to ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.