Applications
There are 3 general steps to the medical school application process. See the tabs below to view these steps and more information on financial aid resources.
3 general steps: primary application, secondary application, and interview.
- Application Timeline Process Sample
- Health Professional School Application Overview Presentation Recording
- Physician Assistant Program Information: We compiled some information on the PA programs in the US. Please note that we still recommend you do your own research alongside this guide.
1. Primary applications:
- Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for most schools
- Opens in late April, but many schools have an application submission deadline in the early fall of that cycle
- Includes a personal statement (5000 characters)
- Prompt: "Why do you want to be a PA?"
- Application fees: $184 for the first program and $61 for each additional program designation
As all schools have different requirements and deadlines, we have compiled some information on the various Physician Assistant Programs in the United States, please click here to view it. Please note that we still recommend you to do your own research alongside using this guide.
2. Secondary applications or supplementary forms are specific to individual physician assistant programs. Schools may include these applications in the CASPA application. Other schools may send these applications after they have received the CASPA application. Both frequently request résumés, essays, letters of recommendation, additional information, and/or fees. Some schools may even screen applicants before the applications or forms are sent out.
Some schools may also require you to take CASPer.
CASPer (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an online situational judgment test that assesses collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem-solving, and professionalism.
Test Breakdown:
- 90 minutes long, including an optional 15-minute break halfway through
- 12 scenarios: 8 video-based and 4 text-based, each followed by 3 open-ended questions.
Scoring: Each scenario will be scored by a unique scorer. Schools will receive a cumulative score based on the scores of the 12 unique scorers. Applicants will not see their scores.
Cost: $10 as a base fee, additional $10 per school.
3. Interviews: After reviewing the primary and secondary applications (or supplementary forms), programs invite promising applicants to interview. Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred while interviewing, including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, professional attire, and meals.
- Interview Information
- Sample Interview Questions
- Health Professional School Interview Room Reservation Request: Many health professional schools conducted online interviews. Applicants can submit a reservation request for a private space with Wi-Fi access on campus.
CASPA’s Admissions Code of Cooperation: Although the application process varies from school to school, CASPA has established “traffic rules” to ensure fairness for all concerned. The rules are available online and stipulate both schools’ and applicants’ rights and responsibilities in the application process. All applicants should be familiar with these rules before applying.
Background Check: Before official acceptance, schools usually conduct a background check on accepted students. Thus, please ensure that you conduct yourself professionally at all times. A record of misconduct may result in the residence of acceptance by schools.
Re-applicants: Many applicants may not be admitted to the professional school they desire on their first try. However, if and when you choose to re-apply, there are many things to consider before re-submitting another application the following cycle.
Tips:
- The more you know about a school, the better your chances of acceptance.
- Most application questions can be answered by reading the PA Programs Directory.
- Contact individual schools’ admissions offices to find out how they handle:
- Advanced Placement (AP) credits
- International Baccalaureate (IB) credits
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits
- Military credits
- Courses taken at a community college
- Non-U.S. coursework
- Courses taken for credit/no credit instead of a grade
- Residency issues
- Time limits on prerequisite science courses
Please note that if you retake courses because PA schools may not accept Advanced Placement (AP), online, or community college credit, your financial aid and/or scholarship status may be affected.