pa school essay questions

Write The Perfect PA School Personal Statement [With Examples]

Filling out your PA school application is exciting and overwhelming. You’re beginning the first steps to your career goal, but it includes so much!

You’ll need to complete your application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants ( CASPA application). The application includes letters of recommendation, service hours, and a personal statement.

Your personal statement is one of the most important pieces inside the CASPA application. A PA personal statement is really a personal essay that offers you a time to shine.

The goal is to pique the admissions committee’s interest in you, in hopes they will contact you for a school interview.

Your PA school wants to learn more about you and your past experiences. If you’ve kept a journal of your healthcare experiences, it will make the process a little easier. If not, take a week to think through your past medical experiences, patient interactions, and shadowing experiences.

Your goal is to be accepted into a PA Program, become a PA student, and join the PA profession . To get there, you have to complete your application essay. So, let’s get started!

What Is the Purpose of a Physician Assistant Personal Statement?

Your PA personal statement might be the toughest part of the application process. Ultimately, your application essay is a sales piece about you, and that can be difficult to write. Inside the application, your PA school sees an academic background that talks about what kind of student you are.

Your work history tells them about what you’ve done professionally. Your letters from your PA evaluators show what others have to say about you. This is the only time in your PA school application that you hold the pen.

The American Academy of PAs recommends you pay attention to a few dos and don’ts as you consider what to put in your personal statement. Remember there is a 5,000 character limit. This means you have 5,000 characters, not words, in which to complete your essay. Often, this will come out to be about 800 words.

In your essay, clearly state why you’re pursuing the PA profession while demonstrating your knowledge of it. Communication skills are a necessity in the PA profession, and this is a chance for your communication skills to shine. Use your personal essay to communicate why you’re up to the challenge.

Don’t be vague, don’t use abbreviations, and don’t use informal language like contractions. Instead, write formally and identify the theme that brings the whole essay together.

Be sure to make every word count. Most importantly, do not make your personal statement a reiteration of your application. The admissions committee has already read your application. This is time to make yourself unforgettable.

As you are brainstorming, outlining, and writing your application essay, keep your audience in mind. Admission committee members are physician assistants, and they’re looking for good future PAs.

They’re interested in your desire to be part of a growing profession and your passion for patient care. Communicate this through your application essay.

Your PA School Wants To See You Shine in Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your unique story of why you want to become a physician assistant. To tell your story well, it’s important to do your homework on your audience. Start by investigating the physician assistant school and take note of their mission, ideas, and values. You can find most of this information on their website.

Look for the emphasis the school places on primary care or specialties. Do they encourage out-of-state applicants? What’s their vision for the future of education? As you find these answers of the PA program you hope to attend, ask yourself—How am I a match? Answers to these questions will help you as you write your personal statement.

Each week, skim through the articles that pop up in your news feed to get to know your intended school. The key word here is “skim;” it’s not necessary to read each word. You only need to read enough to find information to include that will help set yourself apart from other candidates.

Unless you’re perfect, you likely have had to overcome some challenges in your education or your personal life. Recount these challenges in your application essay and identify how you’ve overcome them. Above all, be human in your essay so the admissions committee connects with you and is excited about meeting you.

Prepare, Then Write Your PA Personal Statement

Let’s begin at the beginning. Don’t procrastinate! Some prospective PA students put off writing until they feel inspired or they feel the deadline is disturbingly close.

Sadly, this only feeds the anxiety that often accompanies writing a physician assistant personal statement. If you avoid procrastinating and instead use the process below, it becomes easier. The process includes brainstorming, outlining, and finally writing. But first, let’s start with the structure of the personal statement.

Anatomy of a Physician Assistant Personal Statement

The first thing you need to understand is the structure of the document. Once you know that, it’s easier to brainstorm the type of information you’ll need to write it. A PA personal statement includes an opening statement, a body, and a strong conclusion.

Opening Statement

Your opening statement sets the tone for the rest of your essay. It must grab your reader’s attention and make them want to stay along for the ride. This is where your research into the school comes in handy. Some schools prefer a straightforward statement while others are looking for a compelling story that sets the stage for your desire to become a PA student.

Opening statement stories can recount:

When you were cared for by a physician assistant.
What you learned from your personal medical experiences.
What you discovered from a friend or family member in the healthcare field that touched you.
Your volunteer experiences.
What it was like to live in a medically underserved area.

Providing a personal experience helps the admissions committee decide if they want to invite you to a school interview. Be sure to brainstorm multiple personal experiences to use in your opening statement. That way, as you move forward and start writing your first draft, you can change the opening statement to fit the flow of the rest of the essay.

Body of the Essay

This part of your essay tells the admissions committee why you decided to apply to their physician assistant school. Include in the body of your essay how you built an understanding of medicine and what drove you to want to become a physician assistant.

For instance, shadowing other healthcare professionals, reading, healthcare experience, and personal experience are ways of showing your knowledge and passion for the medical field.

It may also help to touch on why you chose to be a physician assistant and not a nurse practitioner or an MD . Remember, you’re speaking to PAs who already know what a PA does . Instead, address what it is about being a physician assistant that speaks to you personally.

Mention specific skills that make you a great PA, such as teamwork, communication, compassion, and your desire to work as a healthcare provider.

If you were faced with challenges and obstacles during your high school or college career, address them and discuss how you’ve grown from the experience. Don’t make excuses; just take ownership of the situation and address it honestly.

Strong Conclusion

You’ve finally finished the body of your PA school essay. This last paragraph of your personal statement should reemphasize your desire to attend physician assistant school, and, specifically, that school’s PA program. In your last paragraph, let your empathy, passion, skills, and dedication shine through.

Make a Personal Statement List, Then Check It Twice

If the process makes you feel overwhelmed, be assured you’re not the only one. However, taking these next two steps can make writing the essay much easier and less intimidating. Let’s start with a personal statement list from which you will later write an outline.

Schedule a date for when you’ll start writing your first draft. Mark this date in your calendar so you won’t forget or procrastinate. Then, on your calendar, mark one week before your “start writing” date. This is your brainstorming date.

On your brainstorming date, make a list of points you want to cover in your application essay. Because this is a brainstorming session, you don’t consider the character limit, it does not need to be in logical order, nor does it all have to follow the same theme.

Your list should include from 3 to 5 experiences that demonstrate the path you’ve taken to become a physician assistant. Patient interaction, academic experience, shadowing, clinical experience, and volunteering all fit the bill. If you have a particular story that you would like to weave throughout the essay, then include that on the list as well.

If you’re considering beginning your application essay, with a story, it’s helpful to brainstorm multiple ideas. A good opening story will build the structure of the document, so add all potential ideas to the list. Again, this is brainstorming, so there’s no need to nail down your opening story right now.

Now, put the list off to the side for at least 4 days. This will give you a chance to mull over your ideas without pressure, so when the time comes, the essay flows naturally.

Create an Outline of Personal Experiences

After 4 days, pull out the list of your personal experiences and begin to structure your essay in the form of an outline. An outline can help you organize your thoughts, so your content flows together.

Remember, there is a 5,000 character limit, so the outline will help you stay on track as you write on the proverbial paper (because you’re writing it on the computer, right?). .

Most pre-PA students write their essays in chronological order. And, truth be told, this is also the best way for the admissions committee to absorb the information. If you do choose to flashback, make it clear so your reader isn’t confused.

Do not try to be perfect—neither in your writing style nor in how you portray yourself.

Your ability to be vulnerable about your challenges makes you more of a real, relatable person. Set aside 2 or 3 days to nail down the outline for your personal statement. Not 2 or 3 full days, but 2 or 3 days to write, mull, and contemplate over the structure, stories, and theme you’ll use.

Start Writing Your Personal Statement: It’s Time to Put Pen to Paper

It’s time to start writing. Set aside quiet time when you won’t be interrupted, and find a space where you can relax. Turn off your phone notifications and shut the door. Take time during the process to do what helps you to calm the butterflies. Simple exercises, music, prayer, and meditation are all popular methods of quieting your mind.

Then start writing using the outline. As you write, remember this is a first draft; you’ll spend time editing, rearranging, and proofing later. Writing your first draft might be one of the fastest steps in writing your personal essay. This is because you’ve already put in the time and effort to develop the ideas. Now is the time to depend on them.

If you feel stuck, many writers find freewriting loosens the creative juices and helps the words flow.

Freewriting is the practice of continuously writing the thoughts that come to you. It was discovered by Peter Elbow in 1973, and it’s been found to help “un-stick” content development. Plus, since you’re using a keyboard, this technique is much easier for you than it was for Mr. Elbow using pen and paper.

After you write your first draft, you’ll need to edit it. One editing technique is to speak your essay out loud as if you were telling it to someone. Use a recorder so you can playback your thoughts—especially those well-worded statements you can’t seem to recreate later.

Seek a Personal Statement Review

Once you’ve polished your personal statement to the best of your ability, it’s time to seek a personal statement review. This is a review process undertaken by an expert, licensed PA who can help improve the flow of your essay and guide you to produce your best possible personal statement for PA school.

Your PA school essay should not be the area of the application process that limits your acceptance.

Potential PA students do well to have a personal statement review, so they don’t get lost in a sea of applicants. The admissions committee is not looking for a cookie-cutter essay, but rather your strongest response to their prompt.

Some PAs that do personal statement reviews also offer services to review CASPA applications. Consider this when choosing a PA to perform your personal statement review. As you weigh your options, costs, and timing, remember the importance of the personal statement to your PA school application and ultimately getting a school interview.

Examples of a PA School Essay

It’s always easier to understand how to write your essay after you’ve read several examples. The PA Life published and analyzed 31 examples for you to read through. At the end of each of these real-world examples are brief comments to help guide the writer to produce a better essay.

The first time you read through a personal essay example, you may miss some points, so be sure to read through examples multiple times.

Here are two short examples using different perspectives to help you determine what the best option is for your personal statement. Neither of these meets the 5,000 character limit since the objective is to offer you different options in the way they could be written and not to develop a full physician assistant program essay.

Personal Statement: Example One

I was seven and my mother was once again giving me cough syrup. I took it standing over the toilet because the cherry flavor made me nauseous, and I was sure I would throw up. This went on for years.

Years of springtime coughing and cherry cough syrup. Years of coughing all night and well into the day. Years and years—until as an adult, I realized I had allergies. In those years, I was cared for by my family physician who was gentle, caring, and took the time to talk with me and my parents.

Over the years I have been treated by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians. Thankfully my lungs have healed well, and I use my inhaler once every two to three years.

But in those years, I grew to have an understanding of the different roles of mid-level providers and physicians. And, from that understanding, I grew to appreciate the flexibility, professionalism, skills, and abilities that a physician assistant brings to their practice each day.

During my hours of healthcare experience as an EMT, I have also had the privilege of working alongside physician assistants who have demonstrated the unique combination of communication skills, teamwork, and compassion that I believe I also hold.

My desire to practice as a physician assistant is driven by my own healthcare experiences as well as those I have witnessed at work.

Over the past five years, I have volunteered at homeless shelters and nursing homes, while working as an EMT. In that time I have come to realize I am driven to help others, and being a physician assistant is the best way for me to fulfill that life mission. [Character count: 1588, Word count: 281]

Personal Statement: Example Two

In the past three years, I have held the hands of children as they died, comforted their parents, and watched their siblings mourn. For three years I have watched the doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in our hospital work to save lives, and I have seen the difference they make.

As a nurse, I had always assumed I would go on to become a nurse practitioner, so I could see my own patients. But, in the past three years, I have had the chance to see these professions in action, and I have come to realize my goal is to become a physician assistant.

Growing up I lived in a medically underserved area of our large metropolitan city. I saw first-hand the injustices that led to the loss of life or permanent disability. Today I am a nurse in a large city hospital serving those same people, the people from my neighborhood.

In these years I have developed strong communication skills that have served me well as I teach my patients how to care for themselves at home. My experience has been that positive patient outcomes rely on patient understanding and a belief in their necessary care.

My patients and colleagues have taught me the meaning of teamwork, compassion, and understanding of cultural differences. In watching the practice of different medical professionals, it has become obvious that physician assistants are the embodiment of the kind of care I want to offer my patients.

Each medical professional comes from different backgrounds, with different perspectives. I know that my perspective has been impacted by the neighborhood and community of my childhood.

I believe this impact has been a positive one, as it has driven home the need for people who are sensitive to cultural differences, have the time and desire to work with patients, and who have the skills and knowledge to care for them. These characteristics describe me, and I believe they are a deep and integral part of the physician assistant’s practice.

During my freshman year of undergraduate school, my grades faltered as I was learning how to live away from home and control my own schedule. By my sophomore year, I understood what was needed to get the grades I desired, and I achieved high marks through the rest of my education.

To achieve my goal requires my diligence, focus, and ability to absorb and utilize knowledge. I believe I have demonstrated these characters in my undergraduate degree and during my work experience. I am confident in my ability to successfully complete my education and close the gap in healthcare as a primary care provider. [Character count: 2,562 Word count: 444]

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Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact [Including a PA Personal Statement Example]

There are approximately 300 accredited PA (physician assistant) schools in the United States. In the most recent application cycle, these schools received more than 27,000 applications. The matriculation rate for PA schools hovers near 30%, which is lower than the approximate 40% matriculation rate for medical schools. Is becoming a PA a competitive process? Yes! Is it impossible? No!

For you to stand out in this crowded applicant pool, your personal statement for your PA application has got to shine from the first sentence to the last. It needs to tell a compelling story that focuses on your sustained interest in the field, while at the same time building a case for your qualifications. It should not rehash your CV, be loaded with clichés, or focus solely on a story that portrays you as a victim.

The character limit for the CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) personal statement is 5,000 – which includes spaces ! Some people at first believe the limit is 5,000 words and end up having to severely cut back their overwritten drafts. Don’t let this happen to you!

The following successful essay responds to the question, “Why PA?” After reading this essay, you’ll understand why the candidate was accepted into a PA program. The individual has given permission for their essay to be shared publicly. All personal identifiers and details have been removed to protect their privacy.

PA School Personal Statement Example

I was nine years old and in the middle of Mrs. Russell’s third grade class when my stomach began to itch uncontrollably. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I get bitten by a bug?” Completely distracted by the incessant itching, I asked Mrs. Russell if I could go to the nurse’s office. When the nurse lifted my shirt, I saw the biggest “bug bites” I had ever seen covering the majority of my stomach. She quickly called my mom, who took me to several different doctors as the “bug bites” continued to spread all over my body. None of the doctors could figure out what was wrong with me until I saw a Dermatology PA. He immediately diagnosed me with a delayed allergic reaction. He gave me a medication that almost immediately made the hives disappear. I no longer struggled to open my eyes! It was like magic! To this day, I still have no idea what caused that allergic reaction, but I am grateful for this experience, because it introduced me to a PA who continued to touch my life and cultivate my interest in medicine and healthcare.

Year after year, my love of learning continued to flourish. I began taking gifted classes in math and science in the fifth grade and continued to take honors and advanced placement classes when I reached high school. In addition to my studies, I also began to play volleyball and softball. Through these sports, I learned the skills that a textbook could not teach me, such as accountability, integrity, teamwork , and leadership. Through my academic achievements, active participation in numerous school clubs, and leadership role as the captain of my volleyball team, my high school nominated me to participate in a National Youth Leadership Forum in the summer of ——. I attended lectures by a PA, a nurse, a chiropractor, a veterinarian, and several physician specialists. In addition to the lectures and countless group activities, I visited several medical facilities. In one of the labs, I saw a table displaying human organs infected with different diseases and cancers. To my surprise, I was eager to touch them and learn why the people they once belonged to could not have been saved. From that experience on, I became determined to pursue medicine.

My interest in the PA profession quickly became a driving force in my life after my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in February —— and quickly passed away in October of that year. I was devastated upon hearing her diagnosis. How could this happen when she went to the Dermatologist every three to six months? The same Dermatology PA who had healed me with his “magic pills” spent a significant amount of time with my mom after her diagnosis. He met with her and my dad following a long day of seeing patients, to determine if he had missed something in her regular exams. He also made himself available to my entire family and recommended specialists and experimental treatments. He explained everything we did not understand along the way. It is because of the compassion, sincerity, and care he provided to my mom and my family during this difficult time that I became certain I wanted to pursue my love of medicine as a PA.

Throughout my undergraduate career, as well as the time since I graduated, I have continued to explore the medical field to learn as much as I can about becoming a PA. Through countless hours of shadowing and volunteering as a medical assistant at —— Dermatology, I have learned how crucial teamwork, effective communication, detailed note-taking, and compassion are for effective patient care. There have been numerous instances where doing a simple and nearly painless biopsy could have turned into a serious and most certainly uncomfortable medical situation. By taking thorough patient histories, accurately noting any allergies, and verbally communicating these notes to the practitioner, I have been able to ensure that patients receive the best care possible while averting any avoidable crises.

Every challenge and opportunity that I have encountered since I was the itchy little girl sitting in Mrs. Russell’s class has brought me to this decision. My mom’s passing has only made me more passionate about this profession and has given me a new appreciation for life that I hope to share with my patients and community. With my love of learning and helping others, as well as the skill set I will gain from a PA program, I am certain that I will have the tools needed to become a valued member of a larger care team. I am eager to see how these opportunities will positively impact not only my life, but also the lives of others.

What makes this PA personal statement outstanding?

This essay shows that the writer invested the question “Why PA?” with a great deal of thought. It is exceptional for the following reasons:

1. The writer specifically explains “why PA” from the first paragraph to the last.

She writes with honesty and skill, directly responding to the essay prompt. Each paragraph illustrates an additional reason that becoming a PA is the only profession for her. She builds her case by discussing her academic achievements (advanced placement and honors classes in math and science), shadowing and volunteering as a medical assistant, and learning to appreciate the essential “soft skills” of compassion, sincerity, and care in a PA, which convinces the reader that she is grateful for, dedicated to, and thirsts for knowledge in the field of medicine. For these reasons, the candidate was invited to interview and received an acceptance.

2. The writer demonstrates a longitudinal pattern of behavior and involvement that supports her educational goal.

In my experience, past behavior predicts future behavior . This candidate’s pattern of behavior aligns with the work and responsibilities of a PA. With a love of learning and teamwork, as demonstrated by the experiences she chose in the medical arena, the writer proves through her long-term involvement with medicine that she will seamlessly fit into the role of PA. It is clear how much effort she has invested into preparing for this career.

3. An appealing balance of personal motivations and professional goals are represented in the essay.

From her childhood experience of being successfully treated by a PA to appreciating the clinical skill and sensitivity of PAs she encountered over the years, this writer’s motivations are a perfect blend of the personal and the professional. She writes convincingly about why this career path will be so meaningful on multiple levels. By drawing on both her personal contact with the profession and her preparation for it, she convinces readers of the variety and depth of her commitment. Each paragraph builds from personal to professional motivations, culminating in a conclusion where she ties the two threads together.

The profession of PA continues to grow in stature and popularity. When submitting your CASPA, remember you will be evaluated on the competitiveness of your holistic portfolio, with the personal statement being a critical component. Take time to craft your narrative, leave yourself additional time for reviewing and editing your drafts, and ensure that the statement you submit will captivate the admissions committee!

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherely worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs , podcast Episode 515
Reapplying to PA School: Tips on Polishing and Refining Your NEW Application
Why Should I Consider Allied Health Careers?

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How to Write Standout PA School Supplemental Essays

If you’re applying to PA programs , you likely already have a handle on the requirements for your CASPA application. But what about any supplemental applications? It can often be difficult to navigate each program’s individual requirements for supplemental applications, including different essay prompts and additional fees for each. If you’re wondering how to make your PA school supplemental essays stand out from other applicants, here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Many years ago, when I was a pre-PA applicant, I impulsively added a school to my CASPA application at the last minute without thoroughly researching the school’s requirements. Surprisingly, I received an email a few days later informing me that my application would not be considered complete until I finished the supplemental application and paid an additional fee. I distinctly remember clicking the link in the email and feeling overwhelmed as a new browser window opened and three additional essay questions popped up. Rather than completing the essays, I promptly closed out of the browser window and didn’t look back.

Now, I think back on this moment and wonder: What if this school had been the perfect fit for me? What if it was one that I hadn’t impulsively added to my application, but rather one that I had meticulously researched and had my sights set on for years? I would hope that after years of completing prerequisite coursework , obtaining patient care experiences, and polishing my personal statement, a supplemental essay wouldn’t be the obstacle standing in the way of a school that I desperately wanted to attend.

What are supplemental essays and how are they different from your personal statement?

As a reader of many applications over the past few years, it’s clear that supplemental essays aren’t simply there to add additional steps to the application process. Supplemental essays allow a program to ask questions that are more targeted to their specific program (e.g., “Why did you apply to our program?”). It helps the application reviewer further delineate whether you’re a good fit for their cohort, and it also gives you another opportunity to demonstrate who you are.

The prompt for your CASPA personal statement is “Please explain why you are interested in being a PA.” This question is general and nonspecific, as your response is included in your application to every program where you apply. In contrast to your personal statement, supplemental applications are not a required component of every program. Additionally, some programs may have a supplemental application, but no supplemental essay. Some programs may include one supplemental essay, while others may have multiple essay prompts.

What are the general requirements for PA school supplemental essays?

Supplemental essays are typically shorter than your personal statement, though this can vary. While CASPA personal statements have a character limit of 5,000 characters (including spaces and punctuation), supplemental essays are often shorter than personal statements, varying from 250–2,000 words based on the program and prompt. Some supplemental applications may have short answer questions requiring a response in 50–100 characters rather than a full essay.

Additionally, supplemental applications often have an additional fee. You should thoroughly research schools of interest so they can appropriately budget for this added expense.

The delivery of supplemental applications and essays may also vary by program. Some may need to be submitted at the same time as CASPA. Some programs may automatically send the supplemental application to students via e-mail as soon as their CASPA application is received, while others may only send it out if an interview invitation is offered. You should work quickly to complete the supplemental essays and pay attention to deadlines, as these may differ from the program’s posted application deadline or may differ from applicant to applicant based on when their application was received and verified.

If you’re required to upload a document with your responses, standardize your formatting (12-point, monospaced sans-serif font, such as Arial). Also, pay attention to specific uploading instructions regarding document type (.doc vs. .pdf) and naming the document.

What are some common questions that PA programs ask as supplemental prompts?

While supplemental essay prompts vary from program to program, there are some common themes that pre-PA students should expect:


Program interest	– – –
Program mission	– –
Program diversity	– –
Future interests	– –
Professional commitment	– – –
Community engagement	– – –
Resilience	– –
Miscellaneous	– – –

How do I start brainstorming ideas for these prompts?

Begin early—ideally before you submit your CASPA application. It may be helpful to create a “brainstorm notebook” with pages dedicated to potential supplemental essay themes. Keep your notebook with you at all times and jot down ideas as they come to you. This process was helpful to me during personal statement writing as I often find inspiration on my walks home from work.

Ask yourself the following questions as you brainstorm:

What are my future goals?
What am I looking for in a PA program?
How have I been shaped by my experiences?
Which aspects of myself will set me apart from other applicants?

What are some tips for writing my PA school supplemental essays?

1. plan ahead.

Identify which schools have supplemental essays before you submit your application. Keep track of deadlines for supplemental essays and plan ahead. Then, budget your time to complete your supplemental essays as soon as you receive your essay questions.

2. Get familiar with the program

Familiarize yourself with the programs to which you applied and their missions. Peruse the website, attend info sessions, and participate in pre-PA events. You want to have a good grasp and understanding of what the school is looking for in a student and make sure this matches what you’re looking for in a school.

3. Make it different than your personal statement

Don’t copy and paste your personal statement! You should be covering different material than you do in your CASPA personal statement. Remember, this is your opportunity to supplement your application, not repeat it using different words.

4. Be specific

Highlight your answers with experiences and clear examples. Your answers should demonstrate your research and understanding of the program along with your ability to tie them to your own experience, interest, values, and goals. Also, be sure to avoid generic statements or vague language.

5. Tell the truth

Don’t write based on what you think the program wants to hear, especially if it conflicts with your true interests and values. Honesty is the best policy!

6. Proofread

You don’t need to pay for proofreading services—have a friend or family member read your essays and provide feedback. Consider recording yourself reading your essays and then playing it back. You may discover “sticky” areas, redundancy, or sections that are in need of smoothing over.

7. Tailor to each specific program

Don’t reuse a supplemental essay without first revising it to align with that specific program’s essay prompt. Even though supplemental essay questions may be similar across programs, prompts will still have enough variation in their wording that it is obvious if a response was reused. I’ve personally seen students submit an essay to one program with another school’s name in it!

8. Clearly answer the prompt

If the question is asking about the program’s mission, don’t ignore the prompt and use the open space as an opportunity to explain a failure on your transcript or another unrelated experience. Supplemental essays are often scored based on a specific rubric, so if you don’t answer the question a reviewer may be unable to score you.

9. Avoid buzzwords

Make sure that in an attempt to tailor to a specific program, you aren’t simply regurgitating language from the program’s website. There is a time and place for buzzwords, but using too many of them will distract from your essay and make it feel less personal.

10. Demonstrate who you are

Remember, your supplemental essays are an opportunity for an application reviewer to get to know the real you! It’s always frustrating when I’ve read through an entire applicant’s package and I still feel like I don’t know anything about them. Above all, the best way to stand out in your essays is to expand upon what makes you unique, the same way that you would in an interview. You got this!

More than 85% of PA programs in the U.S. use Rosh Review Qbanks to help their students prepare for their board review and beyond. Get a headstart as a pre-PA student with a free trial !

By Jennifer Comini, PA-C

Jenn Comini, PA-C, is a physician assistant educator in Los Angeles. After receiving a bachelor’s in behavioral neuroscience from Northeastern University, Jenn completed her MS in Physician Assistant Studies at the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital PA Program. She has worked clinically in urgent care and neurology, with a special interest in headache disorders, neuroimmunology, and mental health. She now works as an Assistant Professor at a PA program. Jenn has been a question author for Rosh Review since 2017. When not lecturing or writing questions, Jenn is often spending time with her rescue dogs and doing yoga.

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The Best Answer To “Why Do You Want to Attend Our PA Program?”

Not every PA program will make you write supplemental essays, but when they do, one of the most common prompts is “Why do you want to attend our PA program?”

Why Do PA Programs Ask This Question?

To see how much you want to go there.
To see if you’re a good match for the program.

The Why Our PA Program Formula:

What is your specific interest in our pa program what opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here why.

“I am interested in attending the ABC Health Sciences PA program due to its ___________, ___________, and ___________ .”

DON’T start your “Why Our PA Program” essays this way. The PA programs will be used to hearing this narrative, and it will likely bore them to death.

Think about it this way: they know what they have to offer, and they know why it’s generally attractive, but they don’t know why it’s so personally relevant to you.

You’re the interesting X-factor in the whole equation, so even though it might seem counterintuitive, you should start your “Why Our PA Program” essays with something about yourself.

Here’s a General Formula:

Para 1 - "The Hook" - Establishes your major healthcare involvements and values.

Para 2 - "The Value Connection" - Connects to the program's mission, emphases, culture, etc.

Para 3 - "The Concrete Connection" - Specific opportunities at the program that let you embody the value connection.

Para 4 (Optional) - "Locational Ties" - Any locational or personal ties (grew up nearby, family in the area, relationships with alumni or students, etc.).

If you follow this formula, you can reuse the part about yourself across your supplements and find new connections to the other programs.

If you start these “Why Our PA Program?” essays by establishing yourself first, then you’ll sound more personalized and less like a template (even though it’s indeed a useful template for you!).

Reasons Why to Pick a PA Program:

Do family obligations anchor you to a particular area?
Is commuting or relocating worth the sacrifice? Are you willing to do so if necessary?
Some regions or states have fewer schools than others and are swamped with a higher volume of applicants.

Generally, you'll want to apply to most in-state schools where you're a resident, along with a handful of other schools in areas where you have personal ties (former residence, family in the area, went to school there in the past, etc). This is a good way to build the initial list and then whittle down from there.

State schools are frequently less expensive than their private counterparts.
Consider how much money you will have to borrow and your debt comfort level.

All PA programs are costly, but choosing the best physician assistant program for you will pay off in the end.

How Established is the PA Program?

A PA program that has been in operation for 10+ years is ideal - fewer logistical issues, reliable administration, vetted clinical sites and preceptors.
A fledgling program may still be working out issues, and you will be along for the ride. Is this the best PA school for you, and are you ready for the ride?

Overall, opt for the most established, reputable program, but keep in mind that you may not be able to be picky.

The length may vary from 24-36 months. This could be a deciding factor if you are torn between two similar schools.

In general, a shorter length is probably ideal, unless you're very concerned about keeping up with the rigor of a more accelerated pace.

Fit of the Prerequisites

If you've already completed your degree and PA school prerequisites, choose a program with a curriculum that's similar to the work you've done.
If not, look at the schools that seem like the best fit and tailor your coursework to programs you desire.

Most Programs Will Require at Least These Prerequisites:

One year of chemistry with labs*
One course each of human anatomy and physiology with labs
One course in microbiology with lab
One course in statistics
One course in psychology

*Schools can be particular about which chemistry series they prefer. It's important to consult websites of schools.

Other Frequently Required or Recommended Prerequisites:

General biology
Organic chemistry
Biochemistry
Additional courses in social/behavioral sciences
Languages (some schools require coursework in Spanish)
Medical terminology
Public speaking

C urriculum Style

Do they use Problem-Based Learning , or a more “traditional” lecture format?
Is it a pass/fail format that encourages teamwork among students, or is it a competitive “medical school” model where students are ranked by grades?

Overall, try to consider what type of learning environment you've thrived in before and what you envision thriving in as a PA student.

F irst-time PANCE Pass Rate

What is the program’s retention rate? If they have a 99% PANCE pass rate for the last five years, that could be terrific, particularly if they retained all or nearly all of the original class.
That same pass rate means less if they had a large cohort of students who were cut from the program for lackluster performance.
This is good to ask about when you interview. Most program directors are eager to discuss their PANCE pass rates and answer questions that give them the chance to explain what's behind the numbers.

Overall, a higher PANCE pass rate is obviously better, but understand that you need to take it with a grain of salt.

Is There a T hesis Requirement ?

A thesis is a paper that is tied to a major research project.

If you like doing research and writing, this could be a boon for you. If not, it could be a nightmare.

Example Answers for “Why Our PA Program?”

Describe your specific interest in the ohsu program. why are you interested in receiving your pa education and training at ohsu what factors did you consider in your decision to apply to ohsu (2250 characters).

During one of my first days as an MA at Thousand Oaks Orthopaedic, I saw the power of teamwork in action. I received a frantic call from an ER nurse stating that a patient, Alyson, had presented in excruciating pain. An x-ray showed that her greater trochanter had broken off after a hip replacement surgery. Our PA and surgeon collaborated with the nurse to schedule an urgent surgery and ensure the patient received the highest level of care. This experience showed me the importance and effectiveness of working on a multidisciplinary team in healthcare. Not only is this teamwork essential in practice, but it is critical to establish its foundation early on in one’s medical training, so that it is second nature and streamlined in times of need. Had the communication not been effective and immediate in Alyson’s situation, she might have suffered even more pain or done further damage to her hip. Outside of Thousand Oaks Orthopaedic, I have a history of working effectively on teams, both clinical and non-clinical. Whether it was my sorority or my teams at Workflow Consulting Group, I found that I can thrive as both a roleplayer and a facilitator given the particular task or context. Through shared efforts, my teams at Workflow recouped millions of unpaid dollars from insurance companies, money that the hospitals could use to ensure they maintain the highest level of patient care. And as in Alyson’s case, working as an MA has shown me that this type of teamwork is especially important in medicine. Based on these experiences, I am interested in OHSU’s Interprofessional Education course, as I have seen the essential role of collaboration between providers firsthand. In addition to building clinical skills and teamwork that ensure patients receive the highest level of care, I appreciate that this course affords students the opportunity to learn from other types of professionals and gain more insight into the unique roles of doctors, nurses, and PAs in the healthcare community. This knowledge is of unparalleled importance when it comes to patient-centered care. I believe that as a PA student at OHSU, I could contribute my experience and enthusiasm for teamwork to the Interprofessional Education curriculum and PA program.

Why have you chosen to apply specifically to the USC Primary Care PA program? (400 words)

When I was 17, I took my friend to Planned Parenthood to get an abortion. Coming from a religious family, she did not want to go to her family doctor and risk her parents finding out. When she had nowhere to turn, Planned Parenthood was there. As we pulled into the parking lot, we were met by people holding a painting of the Virgin Mary, trying, and succeeding, to make my friend feel guilty. My naive 17-year-old self couldn't believe people would be against an organization I felt was so important. Ten years later, as I enter the PA profession, I see more than ever the importance of organizations like Planned Parenthood. Moreover, after working in the healthcare field, I recognize the need to not only advocate for my future patients but for all patients seeking medical treatment. Because of this, USC’s advocacy trip to Washington D.C. is especially intriguing. I appreciate that USC gives its PA students a unique leadership opportunity that will allow them to support both the future of the PA profession and their patients as a whole. It is important for me to have a strong voice for my patients, and this program would allow me to do this. Reciprocally, I believe I could bring a unique perspective from my experiences volunteering for Planned Parenthood. Additionally, I would look forward to volunteering in the USC student-run clinic. During one of my first days as an MA, I saw the power of teamwork in action. I received a frantic call from an ER nurse, stating that a patient had presented in excruciating pain. An x-ray showed that part of the greater trochanter of her femur had broken off after a total hip replacement surgery. Our PA and surgeon collaborated with the nurse to schedule an urgent surgery and ensure the highest level of care. This experience showed the importance of working on a multidisciplinary team in healthcare. As such, I appreciate that the student-run clinic gives PA students the chance to work on teams with medical, pharmacy, and OT students. This teamwork is essential in practice, but also critical as a foundation early in one’s training, so that it’s second nature and streamlined in times of need. My brother and sister both attended USC as undergraduates, and it would be an honor to blaze my own path as part of the Trojan family!

How to Create a Template for the “Why Our PA Program?” Prompt

Let’s say you only have 1000 characters. Here’s how you might handle the initial challenge:

Due to my passion for oncology research, I appreciate BLANK PA Program’s (BPP) Exploratory Program, which allows new students to incorporate personal benchside pursuits into their curriculum. Under the guidance of Dr. Dream in the Wonderful Lab, I can build off my previous cancer studies while also volunteering in my hopeful future specialty of pediatric oncology at BPP Children’s Hospital. After witnessing the dire needs of the poor and homeless at free clinics in college, I would feel honored to work at BPP’s Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured. Many of my experiences have been with terminal patients or in end-of-life care, so I am thrilled at the chance to have more direct impact through acute, immediate treatments. As an eager, hands-on learner, I value BPP’s early clinical exposure and Specialist Mentoring in the first two years. BPP will allow me to apply my growing expertise toward a new community in need, while also giving me novel opportunities that can hone my future practice. (999 characters)

Reusing the Template:

In a longer essay, 2-3 sentences can be added to show your personal ties to the location, your relation to alumni, or your interest in continuing an important non-medical activity they offer that matches your background, personality, or prior experiences.

Let’s say you’re writing for a school with a longer limit, maybe 1500 characters. Here’s how you could use your previous answer as a template :

Due to my passion for oncology research, I appreciate TOKEN PA Program’s (TPP) Cancer Center, which houses breakthrough studies in T-cell isolation and customized vaccines. Under the guidance of Dr. Smart in the Brainiac Lab, I can build off my previous cancer studies while also volunteering in my hopeful future specialty of pediatric oncology at TPP Youth Hospital. After witnessing the dire needs of the poor and homeless at free clinics in college, I would feel honored to work at TPP’s Student-Run Clinic for the Underserved. Many of my experiences have been with terminal patients or in end-of-life care, so I am thrilled at the chance to have more direct impact through acute, immediate treatments.

As an eager, hands-on learner, I value TPP’s early clinical exposure and Equal Partner Teaching. TPP is located in Tokenville, a community near my hometown, and I would be honored to return there and serve the populations who helped raise me. Being near extended family will provide a great support system for me while adjusting to the rigors of PA school. Since I have always used my athletic hobbies to destress and stay sharp, I am excited to partake in the TPP Fitness Club during my rare free time. TPP will allow me to apply my growing expertise toward a familiar community in need, while also giving me novel opportunities that can hone my future practice. (1370 characters)

Always think about what you can reuse across PA programs to make the overall application process easier. If you utilize a template, then the only real burden is doing research for each PA program and making a list of what to include about them in your essays.

How to Answer "Discuss the three most important priorities in your life, and how they apply to your interest in our PA program."

This prompt is fairly common and has appeared as a supplemental essay for several PA programs in recent years. One notable example is Marshall B. Ketchum, a program that only gives you 1,000 characters to answer this question.

Generally, you'll want to approach it similarly to the regular "Why do you want to attend our PA program?" question - it's still important to "tee up" anything you say about the school with something about yourself. But in this case, you'll set up three short paragraphs (~300 characters) that build a bridge between your priorities and the school's mission, curriculum, opportunities, etc.

Here's a good example that illustrates this approach:

1. Personal responsibility

My faith has instilled the priority of ethics and morality. I do my best to live my life with a clean conscience. My obligation to live out my faith through good works translates to a level of clinical and professional responsibility. I vow to be a PA who upholds my oath to “do no harm” and provides conscientious care.

2. Lifelong learning and stepping outside my comfort zone

As a scribe and MA, I’ve embraced learning curves and avoided complacency by experiencing multiple settings: home health, primary care, integrative medicine, ENT, and facial plastic surgery. Each position has required me to expand the depth and breadth of my knowledge and actively apply it.

3. Teamwork and communication

Lastly, I prioritize strong relationships. Beyond my friends and family, I form close bonds with coworkers and build rapport with patients so that treatment feels like a collaborative partnership. I will carry these values of teamwork and communication into my career. (993 characters)

Obviously, these aren’t the ONLY strategies for answering the “Why Our PA Program?” question, but I have found them to be tried and true. Feel free to borrow their ideas and make them your own. ‍

‍ Have any questions? Feel free to email me at [email protected], and I’ll respond to you personally as soon as I can.

Want to see if we’re a good fit to work together on your PA applications? Book a FREE consultation with me!

pa school application

Pa school caspa application.

CASPA Application
PA School Personal Statement

How to Craft Compelling Supplemental Essays for Your PA School Application

As a pre-Physician Assistant (PA) student, you’ve undoubtedly realized that applying to PA schools is a highly competitive process. Alongside your academic achievements and experiences, the supplemental essays play a pivotal role in highlighting your unique qualities and distinguishing yourself from other applicants. In this blog post, we will guide you through effective strategies to craft standout supplemental essays that captivate the PA admissions committee and increase your chances of acceptance.

Start with Self-Reflection: Before putting pen to paper, take some time for self-reflection. Understand your motivations, experiences, and personal attributes that drew you to the PA profession. Consider the transformative moments that solidified your decision. Reflecting on your personal journey will allow you to create a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.
Tell Your Story: Admissions committees read numerous essays, so it’s crucial to make your essay memorable. Rather than simply listing your achievements, focus on storytelling. Share personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight your growth, dedication, and passion for the PA career. Remember to keep it genuine and authentic—let your personality shine through your words.
Showcase Your Unique Experiences: PA schools are interested in applicants who bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the classroom. Highlight your unique qualities by discussing relevant experiences, such as volunteering in underserved communities, participating in medical mission trips, or shadowing PAs. Describe how these experiences have shaped your understanding of the PA role and how you plan to contribute to the field.
Emphasize Your Interpersonal Skills: Being a PA requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Use your essay to demonstrate your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team. Share instances where you showcased empathy, compassion, and the ability to collaborate with others. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will show that you possess the qualities needed to provide quality healthcare.
Illustrate Your Commitment to Lifelong Learning: PAs are lifelong learners, continually seeking knowledge and growth to provide the best care. Showcase your dedication to learning by discussing academic achievements, relevant coursework, and ongoing professional development. Highlight any research projects, publications, or presentations that demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date with advancements in the medical field.
Align with the Program’s Values: Thoroughly research the PA programs you are applying to and familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and goals. Tailor your essays to demonstrate how your aspirations and values align with theirs. Show that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in their program, faculty, and unique opportunities it offers.
Seek Feedback and Edit: Once you have completed your essay, seek feedback from trusted mentors , preferably PAs who have experience actually working in PA admissions. Ask them to review and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Incorporate their suggestions while retaining your authentic voice. Edit ruthlessly, ensuring your essay is concise, error-free, and impactful.
Pay Attention to the Prompt: While it may seem obvious, it’s crucial to address the prompt directly. Ensure that your essay fully answers the question or prompt provided. Adhere to the word limit, as exceeding it may reflect negatively on your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

Crafting exceptional supplemental essays is an essential step toward standing out in the competitive application process for PA schools. By reflecting on your experiences, sharing personal stories, and aligning with program values, you can create essays that captivate admissions committees. Remember to be authentic, showcase your unique qualities, and let your passion for the PA profession shine through. With careful preparation and diligent editing, you can create essays that leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of securing admission to your dream PA program.

Don’t miss this week’s CASPA Essay Writing Bootcamp where we will be deep diving into writing your strongest PA school supplemental essays and personal statement. Completely free and so valuable! Sign up here . Also, if you are ready to have your supplemental essays for PA school edited, you can sign up for that here.

PA School Interview Essay: What You Need to Know

The PA school interview essay is a surprise evaluation you might be asked to write on the day of your PA school interview. The interview-day essay is becoming increasingly popular at both the hardest and the easiest PA schools to get into for its use as a secondary evaluation of interview candidates. While a surprise essay can be intimidating, it can be prepared for just as you would prepare to answer PA school interview questions. In this blog, we’ll look at what the PA school interview essay is, what you need to know about it and how to prepare for this surprise evaluation ahead of your interviews.

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Article Contents 5 min read

What is a pa school interview essay.

The PA school interview essay is becoming increasingly popular in admissions for physician assistant programs in Canada and the best PA schools in the US . While the PA school interview is a standard part of PA school requirements during admissions, many programs have started asking applicants to complete an interview-day essay. Often, this is a complete surprise to applicants! Some programs will provide students an opportunity to read over the provided essay prompt and prepare ahead of time, but many are using the PA school interview essay as a surprise evaluation on the day of the interview.

Why is this becoming a trend with PA schools? A spontaneous writing sample is another tool admission committees can use to determine whether you have the qualities of a good physician assistant. Namely, being able to adapt and react to a changing situation and being able to effectively communicate in writing. It’s also a test to see whether you can think critically and formulate an answer to an essay prompt under a time pressure, since PA school interview essays are usually timed.

PA schools might also use the interview-day essay to evaluate your writing and communication skills further. There is a difference between writing a timed surprise essay and crafting a PA personal statement with time and forethought, so PA school admissions committees want to see if you can write just as well on the spot. Your essays are a very important part of your PA school application and can determine whether you get an invitation to interview with the program, so the spontaneous interview-day essay is also crucial to your overall interview performance and can affect whether you’re accepted to a program. The use of the surprise PA school interview essay can be nerve-wracking, but it is possible to prepare for these surprise challenges ahead of time!

The difficult part of writing a surprise essay is that it’s spontaneous, the prompt is usually unknown, and there is a time pressure. PA school interview essays usually need to be written in just 20 to 30 minutes, which is quite a time crunch for those who are not fast writers or like to have time to plan, draft and review. PA school interview essays are evaluated on content as well as grammar and structure, so you’ll need to cram brainstorming, planning, writing, and editing into just 20 to 30 minutes. On top of this, the essay prompts will require your critical thinking and careful consideration. Generally, there are a few types of essay questions or prompts you can expect in a PA school interview essay:

Ethical questions
Behavioral questions
Personal questions
Questions about the physician assistant profession

These 4 question categories are very common in almost all medical school interviews and related professions, like nursing school, pharmacy school and PA school interviews. For example, your essay question might be as simple as the “ why this medical school” essay prompt , or you may need to know how to answer the dreaded med school interview question tell me about yourself in your PA school interview essay. You may also be asked what contribution you can make to the PA profession . While the prompts will look similar, they will be geared towards PA school programs and content. Your PA school interview essay prompt may be simple but open-ended, or it may be a more complex prompt relating to current events in the profession. Whatever mystery prompt you can expect, practice answering a few of each type of the different questions so you can be ready for anything.

Now that you know what you can expect for a PA school interview-day essay, its important to know how to prepare to write a surprise essay on an unknown topic. Luckily, its quite similar to preparing for a PA school interview, meaning you can practice questions in advance, research common prompts and question types as we’ve seen above, and also practice your essay writing skills. Most crucially, you can practice your timing so you can be sure to write a well-crafted essay in a very short time. In some ways, preparing to write a surprise PA school interview essay is a combination of interview prep and test prep. It will require many of the skills needed to effectively prepare for a PA school application, and the good news is you can easily tie your interview-day essay prep into the rest of your application prep. Some key ways you can prepare for an interview-day essay are:

Just like interview answers, you can and should practice writing out your responses to PA school interview essay prompts. Don\u2019t just jot down notes or make mental notes about each prompt but write a practice essay for example prompts while timing yourself. This means a little more work, but it will pay off when you\u2019re able to write an awesome surprise essay in a very short time. ","label":"Practice your answers","title":"Practice your answers"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Writing your PA school personal statement? Read on for our expert advice.

On the day of your PA school interview, if you're faced with a surprise interview-day essay, you can follow this simple step-by-step guide to get started!

Read the prompt and identify the question type (ethical, behavioral or personal)
Identify the key points of the prompt or question to address
Take some notes, write down some bullet points to formulate main points of your response
Start writing! Create a short introduction of 2 to 3 sentences, a main body paragraph or two with your most important points and then wrap up with a brief conclusion
Review your essay for errors
Submit your essay!

What Not to Do for a PA School Interview Essay

The thought of a surprise essay test can make students nervous, on a day that’s already guaranteed to induce some anxiety. PA school interviews are tough and having to write a surprise essay on top of this can be overwhelming, but its important to remember that while you should prepare for both, the PA school interview essay is only a small part of the interview day. You should be ready for both formats on your PA school interview day—the admissions interview, whether this is a panel interview or an MMI format, and the written essay.

Remember not to overwhelm yourself and take your time to properly prepare for the two sides of your PA school interview. Below we have a list of don’ts for your PA school interview essay to help keep you on track.

While interview-day essays are technically a surprise evaluation, it doesn\u2019t hurt to take a writing implement with you just in case! "}]">

A PA school interview essay is a short, timed written evaluation held on the day of your PA school interview. These essays are often a surprise or not announced to students until they arrive for their interview. This evaluation tool is being used more and more often as part of PA school interviews.

To stand out in a PA school interview essay, you want to submit a complete, well-structured, and error-free essay. You’ll be evaluated on content as well as grammar, so make sure your essay is well-crafted and hits your major points in a clear and consistent way.

Yes, any essay written as part of your PA school application is important, from the PA personal statement to the PA school interview-day essay. Every written assignment you submit with your application will be considered by the admissions committee and used to determine whether you are accepted.

The best way to prepare for a PA school interview is to practice answering interview questions with mock interviews. You should also familiarize yourself with the different question types and learn how to answer each type.

PA school essay prompts can vary, but for PA interview essays they will usually be hypothetical ethical dilemma scenarios, behavioral questions, or personal questions such as “why do you want to be a PA?”. Sometimes, you’ll be asked about current events in the field or hot topics in the profession.

To prepare for a PA school interview-day essay, practice writing your responses, in short essay form, to common prompts and different types of interview questions. It’s also critical to practice your timing, since the PA school interview essay will be timed.

PA school interview essays are usually written in response a to given prompt or question. These can be ethical dilemmas, behavioral questions or sometimes open-ended personal questions.

While PA school interview essays can be challenging and intimidating, with the right preparation and a bit of practice, they can be tackled with relative ease.

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12 Tips for Answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions

Wednesday, august 28, 2024.

Writing a strong personal essay is an essential component of the application process when you apply to Georgia College and State University (GCSU). In the personal essay questions , the themes of career goals, personal growth, and community service are often emphasised. The university asks the students to elaborate on why they are interested in a particular field of study or recount a challenging situation they went through and how they managed to resolve it.

Students can demonstrate their skills, achievements, and values by using real-life experiences as examples. In addition, the university’s personal essay questions require students to strike a balance between self-reflection and storytelling. Students must also present clear knowledge of how their experiences and prospective goals relate to the institution’s values.

However, some students do not have enough skills to effectively answer such questions while applying to university. So, this guide is for such students. Here, we will provide tips on writing a personal statement and answering such essay questions in your university application.

How to Answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

Georgia College aims to extend education outside of the classroom to support students' critical thinking abilities. Thus, they have incorporated such questions into the enrolment applications. Below are the 12 tips that will provide assistance with your essay questions and improve your chances of having your application accepted.

1. Know the Best Ideas for Your Essay

The personal essay questions Georgia College and State University are meant to add more insight into your application. In addition, the response to such personal essay topics helps the admission committee to know more about you. To write a strong essay, make sure that your thoughts are coherent and reflect your own experiences.

Here, we are providing you with some tricks to come up with amazing ideas:

Understand the prompt.
Read the question carefully.
Get the core ideas.

Ideas Brainstorming

Recall life events that have shaped who you are today.
Think about how your social, academic or cultural backgrounds have influenced you.
Remember times when you overcame challenges or achieved milestones in life.
Focus on strengths or areas of passion for you.

Your ideas must:

Be relevant to the prompt.
Be realistic.
In line with what the university stands for.

2. Reflect on Your Experiences

As you prepare to apply to university, remember the experiences that have contributed to shaping you the way you are now. Your essay should show how these developments, interests, and objectives align with the university's mission and values.

Think about the following points while you reflect on your experiences:

Obstacles and Challenges

What barriers or hurdles have hindered your progress in the past, and what methods did you capitalise on to go beyond them? Which abilities were sharpened from these experiences? How did these experiences affect your outlook towards life and your goals?

Positions and Duties in Leadership

Retrace your steps and recount what you acquired. Restate lessons you learned from playing a leading role.

Academic Accomplishments and Interests

Reverse the positions, think about yourself, and concentrate on your various achievements in class. How did you develop an interest in these areas, and what have they done to help you reach your goals?

Development of the Self and Self-Awareness

Apart from considering one’s personal developments, consider the times when challenges or disappointments were faced and dealt with. When and how did you confront these challenges? What did you learn about yourself while doing so?

As you think about these events, think about the following questions:

What skills did this encounter assist me in developing or improving?
What changes has this encounter brought to my ambitions and goals?
In what way does this experience relate to my aspirations and objectives?
What values or principles did this experience instil or reinforce in me?
What precise moments or stories can I draw on?

3. Don't Tell them a Story They Want; Tell them What You Want

When crafting your essays for applications, it is easy to get into the comfort zone of writing in a way that seems pleasant to the members of the admissions committee. This approach, however, often fails to showcase your point. Instead, it is advisable to be unapologetically bold and tell the story you want to tell, regardless of who it will appeal to. Understand that it is very important to be real in your essay.

When writing your personal statement, consider these points:

Focus on how the engagement aspects of your essay have been drawn from your unique experiences.
Explain how being unique comes from expressing yourself on your own rather than what you believe the college would prefer to hear.
Explain why authentic stories are more interesting as they are true and emotional.
Argue that for your essay to capture attention, it is important to be free, vulnerable, and take risks in your narrative.
Expressing your wishes reveals more about your true self, and that is what the college is looking for.

4. Be Authentic

Finding one’s values, beliefs, and passions is the heart of authenticity. This starts in the inner space where you try so hard to know yourself and decide which of your values are the most important. There is authenticity in overcoming the temptation to conform to other people’s expectations or remain true to one’s core beliefs. This offered a foundation of integrity and formed the basis of all other forms of honest living.

Here are some remarkable aspects of authenticity:

5. Keep it Concise

A well-developed statement is probably an important component of your university application. Therefore, this comprehensive guide is an opportunity to demonstrate your unique features, life history and aspirations to the admission committee.

Moreover, when it comes to providing an essay that stands out, there is a need to ensure that it is written interestingly and coherently and let it remain on topic. Here are some of the suggestions that can help you achieve this:

Ensure that there is no room for ambiguity.
Provide your readers with relevant examples.
Avoid needless information.
Choose simple and straight-to-the-point words.

6. Think Outside the Box!

Do not restrict yourself with commonly known details about yourself but be brave and include little more creativity in your paper.

Here are a few helpful hints that will assist you in doing so:

Refusal may be miserable, but reluctantly tell the admissions committee your fabulous and unique achievements.
In ways that are explosive to emotions or stretch one's imagination, draw a picture on the spare part of the essay and tell a story instead of better structuring it.

Most people approach the task of doing something different as a way of trying to succeed personally and professionally.

7. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling

In a personal statement, an applicant must pay attention to the structure of the essay, including spelling and grammatical conventions. To eliminate such mistakes, it is recommended to:

Carry out a basic form to improve the writing of the essay.
Utilise online resources for grammar and spell check.
Seek feedback.

With these guidelines, students make sure that there will be no errors in answers to personal essay questions about grammar. It is also necessary to organise the document properly to be favourable to the admission board. In addition, you can also get samples from legit essay writing firms in the UK to understand the structure of personal essays for university applications.

8. Revise Often and Edit

Here, we are going to look into the need to edit and revise the answers we have written for the personal essay questions. By following these strategies, you can make your essay stand out.

Remove unnecessary elements and improve the organisation of your work.
Make your arguments and their supporting evidence stronger.
Improve grammatical errors and sentence fluency.
Express more of who you are through words and speech.
Rectify gaps and inconsistencies in your narratives.

Editing your essay requires you to also look at the spelling, grammar or punctuation of the essay. When doing so, particularly pay attention to grammar, punctuation, length of sentences, word choice, and consistency.

How to start Editing your Essay?

Essay revision is checking the content, structure, and flow of the essay. While undertaking this process, take into consideration the following:

Am I clear and focused in my thesis statement?
Does the flow of my answers make sense?
Do my anecdotes and examples of work support my points?
Am I able to use the same voice/tone throughout the essay?
Is there anything else that I could include to give more details?

9. Highlight Your Strengths

To stand out from other applicants, highlight your strengths in the essay. Before you put your pen on paper, spare a minute or two and try to recall particular events, achievements, and traits. To focus on your academic achievements, ask yourself:

What are the specific achievements I have attained and the strong skills I possess in university?
What are the objectives and aspirations I have about my career?
What factors make me different from other people?

To highlight the strong points in your answer to personal essay questions, you can use examples and narratives. In addition, it is also advisable to highlight your soft skills and let your readers feel your passion and excitement.

10. Demonstrate Your Fit

A powerful piece detailing your personal experiences only works when you show how you fit into Georgia College and State University, its beliefs, and its aim. In addition, add the following salient features to your response to personal essay questions:

Background in Academia

Talk about your academic history first, highlighting any academic projects that show your readiness for the school you are applying to. Give details of any awards, competitions, or activities that underscore your achievements in your area of study.

Experience That Matters

Mention any planned internships or previous work experience which is relevant to the degree or course you are looking for. Explain how these experiences shaped your career goals.

Link to the University

Why do you want to study at Georgia College and State University? Justify why you believe this particular university is the most suitable for you. Explain how you will be useful to the school community considering the faculty members, research facilities and university culture.

Long-term Vision

Explain what the future is going to hold for you, particularly how you see the contribution you will make to the field of your choice after you finish the degree. Mention how your university education and experiences will create opportunities for you to achieve these goals and promote positive change as well. You may make arguments that positively reinforce yourself in terms of why you are a strong prospect for the program you are applying to.

11. Get Started Early

It is very important to start dealing with the Georgia College and State University personal essay questions as soon as possible. If you plan early, you will have sufficient time to arrange and write the essay content and predictably proofread it. This is why it is necessary to commence at the earliest point.

Why, then, should you get started early? Here are some of the reasons:

Stress is decreased when you start early!
You'll generate more ideas if you give yourself more time to brainstorm!
You may demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are serious about attending the university.
You are prepared to put in the time and effort to learn more about it by researching it and its core values.
You'll have more time to proofread, edit, and refine your responses.

12. Seek Help When Needed

Assistance seeking is very important, particularly when responding to a personal essay question. One can feel immense pressure to perform well, and this is understandable. Furthermore, it’s important to recognise when you are stuck and need help.

A teacher, mentor, or guidance counsellor offers support to craft a good paper. You can also purchase your essay from online resources that will lead to successful admission to your desired university.

How to answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

Here are the tips for answering these question types;

Do not be afraid of making your voice heard.
Structure a clear and interesting essay.
Make use of the words and writing skills that you already have.
Write about yourself. But don't try to encapsulate your whole life!
Answer the question that has been asked.
Read it over again!
Write on the internet in a networked word processor.

What should be included in College and State University Personal Essay Questions?

It is best to talk about both positive and negative matters, a humiliating experience, or a quality or interest that exemplifies your values. If you are honest about the issue, character flaws, or sad childhood events, the reader will find it far more credible.

In addition, it will exhibit your personal life experiences that the admission panel wants to know. So, by including all the information, you can fulfil the true objective of such essay types in application forms.

The importance of the personal essay questions in the Georgia College and State University application process enables candidates to make the best impression and talk more about themselves. An effective essay can provide a student’s perspective to the admission committees, which are usually standardised, and help to distinguish them from everyone else.

Moreover, students can show in their essays how well they will integrate themselves into the programs by spinning a good and well-organised narrative. Finally, submitting an excellent personal essay shows that the candidate is open and honest. In addition, the applicant understands what the university is all about and its values.

Students who follow such practice can write a good manuscript, which allows them to develop their competencies and increase their chances of being accepted into university. Thus, they can begin their developmental, educational, and achievement-oriented journey and fulfil all their academic and career ambitions.

Chris Bates

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How to Write the Perfect PA School Supplemental Essay
The 2-Step Prep for Your PA School Personal Statement｜Be a Physician
7 Common PA School Essay Mistakes and How to Correct Them
7 Common PA School Essay Mistakes and How to Correct Them
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COMMENTS

5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School
PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, "I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, "Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, "That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life".
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Below, are 31 PA school application essays and personal statements pulled from our FREE personal statement and essay collaborative comments section. This is an unedited sample of PA school essay submissions, meant to provide you with some insight into how other applicants are approaching their CASPA personal statements. Real World PA School Personal Statements These
PA School Essay Q&A: Tackling the Common Questions of Future PAs
PA School Essay Q&A: Tackling the Common Questions of Future PAs. PA School Application. Mar 14. Written By Ryanne Coulson, PA-C. Every year, a new cohort of aspiring PAs begins the time-honored tradition of applying to PA school. Though the mix of applicants changes, the anxieties and questions surrounding the process are remarkably consistent ...
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101 PA School Essays Book; Personal Statement Starter Kit; Essay and Personal Statement (Blog Posts) Resumes. PA Resume/CV Revision Service; ... Please describe how COVID-19 has impacted your pathway to becoming a Physician Assistant. The questions below will help you get started, but do not limit your responses to only these considerations ...
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6 Success Tips For PA School. Become a PA. Erin Myhre, MS, PA-C, is a cardiology and critical care PA at Piedmont Healthcare. She wrote this article in May 2019 while still a PA student at Pacific University. She is always happy to answer questions about CASPA or PA school in general, and you can reach her at [email protected] or Instagram ...
Write The Perfect PA School Personal Statement [With Examples]
A PA personal statement is really a personal essay that offers you a time to shine. The goal is to pique the admissions committee's interest in you, in hopes they will contact you for a school interview. Your PA school wants to learn more about you and your past experiences. If you've kept a journal of your healthcare experiences, it will ...
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Tackling PA school supplement essay questions can feel daunting, but with these tips and examples, you're well on your way to crafting compelling responses. Remember to be genuine, reflective, and specific in your answers. Show the admissions committee who you are and why you're a perfect fit for their program.
How to Deliver on the Common Supplemental Essays
Unlike the vague direction of the CASPA essay, to "write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant," supplemental essay prompts are direct. Likewise, your responses should be straightforward. Supplemental essays are often short, usually around 250-500 words. You don't need to build in narrative or ...
Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact
Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact [Including a PA Personal Statement Example] There are approximately 300 accredited PA (physician assistant) schools in the United States. In the most recent application cycle, these schools received more than 27,000 applications. The matriculation rate for PA schools hovers near 30%, which ...
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Write about the event and be sure to detail the sensory aspects. Choose a situation at least three years in your past that taught you a lesson that's stayed with you. Then, tell three versions of the story, starting at the beginning, middle, and end. Work to tell the full story with each version. Share an account of a time when you overcame a ...
How to Write Standout PA School Supplemental Essays
Then, budget your time to complete your supplemental essays as soon as you receive your essay questions. 2. Get familiar with the program. Familiarize yourself with the programs to which you applied and their missions. Peruse the website, attend info sessions, and participate in pre-PA events. You want to have a good grasp and understanding of ...
Best Answer To "Why Do You Want to Attend Our PA Program?"
Here's a General Formula: Para 1 - "The Hook" - Establishes your major healthcare involvements and values. Para 2 - "The Value Connection" - Connects to the program's mission, emphases, culture, etc. Para 3 - "The Concrete Connection" - Specific opportunities at the program that let you embody the value connection.
10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer
PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, "Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, "That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, "I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.".
PA school supplemental essays
Remember, the key to successful supplemental essays is authenticity combined with reflection. Each response should offer a clear picture of who you are, how you think, and why you'd make a fantastic addition to the PA program. Don't shy away from showing a bit of personality—let them see the human behind the application!
The 2-Step Prep for Your PA School Personal Statement
Follow these 2 steps, and much of the hard work of your essay will be done before you ever start writing. 1. Make a list of what you want to include in your PA school essay, then stop there. One week before you start writing your essay, make a list of the key points that you want to cover in your statement. These do not need to be in a logical ...
PA School Supplemental Essay Examples
Writing can be difficult, even with practice and training, and oftentimes, reading over PA school supplemental essay examples can help you with your own forays into that realm. Prompts will change from year to year, and from school to school, but you can expect to find certain prompts generally repeated, albeit with slightly different wording.
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Below are 300 actual interview questions that have been asked of the generations of PA school applicants who walked before you. Some are fun, some are annoying, some will make your skin crawl and others are of the category "I knew they were going to ask me this but I still don't have a good answer.". You MUST prepare a response to these ...
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Crafting exceptional supplemental essays is an essential step toward standing out in the competitive application process for PA schools. By reflecting on your experiences, sharing personal stories, and aligning with program values, you can create essays that captivate admissions committees. Remember to be authentic, showcase your unique ...
PA School Interview Essay
The PA school interview essay is a surprise evaluation you might be asked to write on the day of your PA school interview. The interview-day essay is becoming increasingly popular at both the hardest and the easiest PA schools to get into for its use as a secondary evaluation of interview candidates. While a surprise essay can be intimidating, it can be prepared for just as you would prepare ...
12 Tips for Answer Georgia College and State University Personal Essay
Writing a strong personal essay is an essential component of the application process when you apply to Georgia College and State University (GCSU). In the personal essay questions, the themes of career goals, personal growth, and community service are often emphasised. The university asks the students to elaborate on why they are interested in a particular field of study or recount a ...
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Adding to the challenge, this prompt may feel similar to supplemental essay questions of individual PA programs, which often ask writers to explain how they'd help fulfill the mission or add to the diversity of a program. ... In a world where many PA school applications can appear similar, the new life experiences CASPA essay offers candidates ...
How to Write a Supplemental Essay for PA School
Supplemental essay questions -- or just "supplementals" -- are extra essay questions asked by individual PA programs. In the CASPA application, they come toward the end, after your experiences, grades, and essay. They usually give you a character or word limit for each question. 500-2000 words is common.
How to Write the Perfect PA School Supplemental Essay
Don't repeat your personal statement. The supplemental essay also provides you an opportunity to highlight work, volunteer, and academic experiences that you were unable to discuss in your personal statement. Focus on adding new stories and anecdotes that make your application more well-rounded. 4. Read and then reread.
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How to Plan for a Better Interview-Day Essay. When preparing for a PA school interview, much of the focus is on answering questions in a one-on-one or small group setting. However, more and more programs are requiring candidates to write an essay as part of the interview process. In fact, according to recent data from the Physician Assistant ...