Applying
Applying to PA school takes time and attention! Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint. It is important to create a timeline and allow for flexibility (because we all know things can change). Be sure to utilize Tufts Pre-Health Professions advising as your professional resource.
Below is a hypothetical timeline of common application requirements. Each school is a bit different, so make sure to check each individual PA program’s website!
For more information, visit the PAEA website: https://paeaonline.org
Before applying:
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Fulfill pre-requisite course requirements
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Start to develop relationships with professors, supervisors, volunteer coordinators, etc. so that you can ask for letters of recommendation down the road
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Accumulate your DPC hours (i.e. medical assistant, CNA, paramedic)
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Extracurriculars will make you stand out, don’t forget about them!
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Volunteer in the community. Tufts has an abundance of volunteer options. A few places you can check are the Health Professions advising website for health-specific volunteer opportunities as well as the LCS website.
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Reach out and shadow a PA to really understand a "day in the life"
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Begin researching PA schools you wish to apply to (pay attention to their application cycle dates and deadline requirements, application fees, minimum patient-care requirements, prerequisites, standardized testing). As you narrow down your top schools, think about program length, price, proximity to clinical sites, etc.
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Prepare for and take the GRE (there is also the new PA-CAT which has not yet gone into effect)
- Begin drafting your personal statement
- This section is where you write a brief statement expressing why you are interested in being a Physician Assistant.
- Keep your essay very general as this prompt will be sent to all schools you apply to.
- Be sure to utilize the Tufts Writing Center for help as you draft your essay.
Applying:
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Go to the Health Professions advising website for information on applying and make an appointment with an advisor
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Gather your letters of recommendation
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Order and collect all transcripts from the colleges you have attended
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Fill out CASPA! See below for more details.
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Continue to work, volunteer, etc.
After applying:
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Prepare for an interview
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Have a “mock interview” with the Tufts Career Center
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Wait patiently and know you got this!
How to Navigate CASPA 101:
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At least 3-4 months before CASPA deadline (4/4/21) do the following:
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Create your CASPA account
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Complete the ‘Colleges Attended’ and ‘Evaluations’ sections
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After a week or two, check in with your 3 evaluators to confirm they have received the evaluation request in their emails
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Ask your university to send an official transcript directly to CASPA
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Begin entering your coursework and work experience into CASPA
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2 months before CASPA deadline:
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Continue adding information, finalize and review your application
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Check the status of the evaluations and transcripts, in case follow-ups need to be completed
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Submit!
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Continue monitoring your application until a ‘Verified’ status appears. Then download a copy of your application for your records.
FAQ about CASPA applications:
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An application is “In progress” from the start until it is e-submitted by the applicant.
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You can fill out certain sections on CASPA, like transcript information and demographics, at any point in any application cycle and it will carry over to the next cycle. This will save you time!!
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A CASPA application can only be submitted once all sections are complete.
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You can submit your application before CASPA receives your transcripts or references, but you’ll have to add contact information for your references before submission.
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Early application submission is encouraged as interview invites arrive on a rolling basis.
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You are unable to edit most of the application after submission.
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You can ADD new data, like additional courses, test scores, etc.
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You can DELETE references that are incomplete.
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If CASPA is awaiting evaluations or transcripts your application will say: Received > Awaiting Materials
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If CASPA obtains at least 2 evaluations or transcripts your application will say: Received Materials > Verifying
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Meaning your application is complete and is placed in the verifying que.
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An application is “Submitted” after:
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The application is e-submitted with payment.
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An application is “Completed” after:
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48 hours once all materials (transcripts and at least two references) are received.
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Applicants will be emailed to review and approve the application once completed.
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An application is “Verified” after:
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CASPA receives all required documents.
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Applications are labeled as verified chronologically based on their “complete” date.
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Verification statuses average a turnaround time of two weeks for an application. However, during the busiest periods, this can take up to four weeks.
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CASPA maintains a list of what is required by the program specific deadlines using the following color codes:
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Blue - Application must be submitted.
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Orange - Application must be completed.
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Green - Application must be verified.
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White - PA program has not specified to CASPA. Assume it must be verified to be safe if you cannot confirm with the program.
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You must understand your target program deadlines as this will help you to plan when you must submit your application as this differs by school.
For more information, see:
https://beaphysicianassistant.com/blog/caspa-application-tips & https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_CASPA_Application/Getting_Started_with_Your_CASPA_Application/00_CASPA_Quick_Start_Guide