Where to get info on the PA Application process?

[Bopper]

Where can i go to get information about the whole PA Application process?

Like when are applications generally due?

What tests (GRE?) do you need?

What amount of work in the medical field is needed?

What else is generally needed to apply sucessfullly (e.g. volunteering etc)

What else do I not know I don't know?

[ohiovolffemtp]

Your best source of information is to look at the web sites of a variety of PA schools.  Many offer in-person and/or virtual information sessions.

[cboatz]

I have found some great resources online! First, find out which schools you want to apply for and go to their website. you will find pre-recs as well as supplemental materials they want such as exams. After finding out everything you need to apply to that school, make a list of things you need to do. CASPA can be very overwhelming and it's easy to push things off. My advice, find out everything you need to do in sections. Supplemental exams, transcripts/pre-recs, experience, personal statement, program materials, letters of recommendation. It is easier to focus on only one of these things at a time, but make sure you prioritize things that take longer. For example, the PA-CAT takes 8 weeks to grade and get your score back, so it is important that you take that early in the application process if your program requires it. Write down each test you need to take (PA-CAT, CASPER, GRE, ect.), and look into how long it will take to get test scores back. Also, don't forget to give whoever is writing your letter of recommendation plenty of time, I wrote to mine about a month before I wanted them to submit their letter. There are so many resources available, including this forum! It's worth it to have somebody edit your personal statement. This is your first introduction to the schools you are applying to and is one of the most important parts of your application. There are paid editing platforms such as MyPAResource or PAPlatform. For me, I used MyPAResource and signed up for their free personal statement workshop which helped me get started on my personal statement and gave me some direction. They also have great virtual shadowing videos that really helped me learn about what it's like being a PA in different specialties. This was all free to me, but I paid them to edit it as well which is an option but not required. They also had great tips and tricks for my CASPA application. I highly recommend it. One thing I have found is that the PA community is excited for us and wants us to get into PA school. If you know a PA who has recently graduated, or you can connect with PAs online, everyone is so willing to help, so use your resources and ask questions! One thing I can't stress enough is to start early. The earlier you start, the less overwhelming this process is.