December - February
Phase 1: The Foundation
☑️ Start to make list of PA schools to apply to (figure out what matters to you - location, clinicals, GPA, pre-reqs, etc)
☑️ Get organized: resume, experiences, patient care experience
☑️ Brainstorm personal statement ideas and start rough draft
☑️ Take GRE/CASPER/etc all tests needed to apply
February - April
Phase 2: The Preparation
☑️ Ask for letters of recommendation from faculty, PAs, MDs, etc
☑️ Finalize personal statement
☑️ Start to fill out experiences in CASPA format
☑️ Finalize schools you are applying to and decide plan of action for application submission timeline
April - May
Phase 3: The Implementation
☑️ Create CASPA account
☑️ Start to fill in all application items
☑️ Submit transcripts via CASPA
☑️ Work on supplementals from each program you apply to
June - July
The Waiting Period
☑️ Continue to submit applications
☑️ Fingers crossed for interview invites!
July - End of Cycle
Phase 4: The Interview
☑️ Interview interview interview
☑️ Update schools you have not heard from yet on your updated volunteering, hours, grades, et
Phase 5: The Acceptance, woohoo!
☑️ Accept the invite to the program
☑️ Submit deposit $$