Haven't started CASPA, should I take 2 gap years now?

[Ashcash14]

Hi everyone, I just finished my undergrad with a BS in Biology magna cum laude and wish to attend PA school after a gap year. However, I haven't gotten hours yet because COVID hindered my ability to and I didn't start the CASPA as I was discouraged. However, I am starting a full-time job next week to obtain hours. I didn't have many people to help me with the application process and was unaware of the deadlines for the 2023 cycle approaching. I was wondering if anyone has advice on if I should take 2 gap years for more experience or if taking 2 gap years doesn't look good. Also, if I could start the CASPA now and then transfer my information for the next cycle if I were to take 2 gap years. Thank you!

[UGoLong]

Get some experience first. I see no advantage to starting CASPA until you have some HCE experience. 

[mitskistan69]

you can get in with low hours and some people have gotten in with basically little to none. my psych is a pa-c and she mentioned to me that she only had about 500 hours before applying. pa schools don't mind if you take a gap year for hours and most people applying end up applying a year or two after graduation from undergrad. many people apply significantly after. the deadlines for the 2022-2023 cycle are usually in the fall, but people recommend trying to apply by late may or mid june for the best chances. i had a friend get in after applying in october, but she had A LOT of hours and a great GPA. just depends on whether or not you want to take a chance with your stats. i recommend looking at the application timelines on the pre-pa reddit. feel free to dm if you have any questions or need specific advice! good luck!!

[Mylan]

Hi there,

I would not apply until you have enough hours. Taking 2 gaps years is pretty normal for the PA field. However, I would recommend opening your CASPA account. You can fill out your demographics and transcripts and they will all transfer into next year's cycle.

[PAPAPA3]

If you have finished all your pre-reqs, have a good GPA/GRE and are only waiting because of direct patient contact hours I would work on them along with my applications now over the Summer and apply at the end of the Summer (August). You still have a chance to get in, just look for schools with rolling admission or later deadlines. It's possible to get multiple interviews and acceptances with a later application as long as it is strong. If you feel weak in any areas then maybe the extra year is needed. They will not let you enter data into CASPA and carry it over to the next cycle. Each cycle you are starting off new. At least that's my understanding.

[PAS1317]

On 5/25/2022 at 9:46 PM, Ashcash14 said:

Hi everyone, I just finished my undergrad with a BS in Biology magna cum laude and wish to attend PA school after a gap year. However, I haven't gotten hours yet because COVID hindered my ability to and I didn't start the CASPA as I was discouraged. However, I am starting a full-time job next week to obtain hours. I didn't have many people to help me with the application process and was unaware of the deadlines for the 2023 cycle approaching. I was wondering if anyone has advice on if I should take 2 gap years for more experience or if taking 2 gap years doesn't look good. Also, if I could start the CASPA now and then transfer my information for the next cycle if I were to take 2 gap years. Thank you!

I was in a similar position last year and decided not to apply. I am so happy that I waited! The whole process is so much work and youll be saving money and raising your chances if you wait. It's not so bad, I promise. I graduated this year and the time has FLOWN. Im so grateful I waited and improved my app.