What to Look for When Selecting a Physician Assistant (PA) Program

One of the keys to choosing the right physician assistant (PA) program for you is program data,including information on the programs’ matriculants. Unfortunately that’s more difficult to come by for PA applicants since the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) does not provide data on applicants or matriculants for individual PA programs, but rather only collective averages for all applicants. For program-specific information, you’ll have to visit the individual program websites. And regrettably, not all PA programs share class profiles and incoming matriculant data.

8 Criteria to consider when choosing a PA program

While acknowledging these challenges, I recommend that you compare the schools in the following areas so that you can successfully apply and get admitted to PA programs:

1. Location

   Location matters. Apply to all the public programs in your state. You receive a reduced fee as an in-state applicant and often your chance of acceptance is higher at the schools in the state where you’re considered a resident.

2. Deadlines

   Double and triple check deadlines to make sure that you apply as early as possible. PA schools use rolling admissions. The sooner you apply, the better your chances. You can submit your application to PA schools one at a time, if you don’t want to submit to all the schools on your list all at once. For example, if you have an MCAT score and would like to submit to the schools that require the MCAT, you can do so. After you have taken the GRE, at a later date, you can submit your application to additional schools.

3. Start Dates

   Make sure the program start date does not conflict with any of your current commitments. If so, consider applying the next cycle if you are completing a different degree, certificate program, research project, or any other time-sensitive activity.

4. Secondary Applications

   Some programs require secondary applications. You’ll have to visit the individual websites to determine whether the school does or does not have this requirement. If possible, get started on these as early as you can. Submitting these secondary applications within two weeks of receiving them – a rather quick response – can help you earn an interview by demonstrating your interest in their program as well as your time management skills.

5. GRE or MCAT Requirements

   While most PA programs require the GRE, some accept the MCAT instead. Double check each school’s exam requirements. You can submit your CASPA application, even if you are waiting for your test scores. Be sure to list any pending exams on your application to avoid confusion and unnecessary delays. [Read: How Does Corona Continue to Impact Testing]

6. Minimum GPA or GRE/MCAT Scores

   Some schools share the averages for applicants and matriculants. Review this data if it’s available. Use it to evaluate your chances. There are programs that have minimum GPA or GRE/MCAT score requirements. Make sure that your scores and grades are above the minimums and preferably closer to or above the average.

7. Specific Course Requirements

   Since there are disparities in the courses required by PA programs, confirm that you have completed all the required coursework for each individual program. Some schools will not accept pending coursework while others may have a limit of two pending required courses. Double check their course requirements to be safe.

8. Expiration Dates for Coursework or Scores

   PA programs all have expiration dates for coursework and scores, but these dates vary from program to program. Again, make sure that your courses and scores all fit within the specific school’s time requirements.

For best results, create an excel spreadsheet that you can use to compare all of the following data side by side for all the PA programs that you are considering. Using this approach can give you a “big picture” perspective on the ways in which these various programs are both similar and different from one another in terms of their programming and requirements. It can also help you stay focused and motivated to have all deadlines and timelines listed so that you don’t miss anything.

Comparing average GPA and MCAT/GRE scores for top PA programs

In addition to understanding the criteria listed above, you’ll also need to analyze where you fit in when it comes to the competitiveness of the different physician assistant programs. Reviewing the data available for the top programs will provide guidelines as to what scores you will need in order to be a competitive applicant to their programs and others.

Below you will find the most recent data available for the top ten PA programs in the U.S (many are tied).

As you can see, not all of these programs make public the average GPA and GRE scores or percentiles. A couple of schools provide a range for the GPAs of students they accepted, such as Duke; others give an average of the applicant GPA, e.g. USC. All programs seem to assume a minimum GPA close to 3.5 upon entering (though the University of Utah mentions among applicants, not admitted students, an average cumulative GPA of 3.31). The numbers vary widely, from 3.42 to a 4.0 cumulative GPA and 3.41 to a 3.8 science GPA. A number of the programs do not require any test scores, and at least one does not require these scores on the condition that the applicant already has an accredited MA. For those requiring test scores, students were accepted with scores anywhere from 154 to 161 in the verbal section, 151 to 161 in the quantitative section, and 4.0 to 4.5 in the analytical writing section. 

Use this information as a guide, but do not use it to rule out your chances unless you are far below both of these averages in GPA as well as GRE. As long as you are within range of one of these numbers, you could still be a competitive applicant, depending on the strength of your activities, essays, and other sections of your applications.

While these top programs shared the data for applicants accepted into their program, other programs do not make this information available. Often, they will share a GPA or GRE/MCAT minimum requirement. Collect as much information as you can.

How to learn more about PA program requirements and expectations

In addition to reviewing program websites, there are other ways to learn more about physician assistant programs. You may be able to schedule a visit to a given program’s campus or attend any information sessions they are hosting. If you cannot find a calendar of events on their website, call to request information. Make sure that you attend any and all premed fairs hosted by your campus or schools you may be interested in attending.  This can be an easy way to collect a lot of information about the types of students PA programs are looking for in the shortest amount of time possible for multiple programs. In addition, network to make connections with current students and admissions professionals to learn more. Start following the schools you are interested in on social media. You can learn a lot about what is important to them by reading what they post. Read any student handbooks available and watch their informational videos.

For more help with choosing the best PA programs for you and preparing your Physician Assistant (PA) CASPA application, contact me or my fellow expert admissions consultants for advice and guidance. We look forward to working with you and helping you get ACCEPTED!

Alicia McNease Nimonkar worked for 5 years as the Student Advisor & Director at the UC Davis School of Medicine's postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and other health professional programs. She has served Accepted's clients since 2012 with roughly a 90% success rate. She has a Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric as well as Literature. Want Alicia to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Fitting In & Standing Out: the Paradox at the Heart of Admissions, a free guide
• How to Get Accepted to Physician Assistant (PA) Programs
• Macy’s Journey Through Yale’s Online PA Program, an interview with a PA student

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