How have you prepared yourself for the PA profession? How are you a competitive applicant?
This is a time to talk about schooling and prerequisites, but don't leave out soft skills too. Being a good PA student and working as a PA requires many other factors besides grades. Address actions that you have taken to be a good provider or really excel in both the hard and soft skills.
"Once I decided on becoming a PA, I knew that my journey would require multiple parts for me to be a success. I enrolled in classes and developed study habits that would push me so that I could be better prepared for the course load. I volunteered at low-income clinics so I could have a better understanding of life experiences outside of my own. I also worked in a cancer research lab so that I could be prepared for academic research in my career."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have prepared myself for the PA profession and made myself a competitive applicant by obtaining a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Saint Michael's College in 3 years. During this time, I balanced the rigorous courses with a part-time job, as a supervisor, as well as volunteering as an EMT. I feel as though this experience helped me to learn how to manage my time and my priorities. I also have over 3 years of experience working in the emergency room, gaining patient experiences, and working as a team.
Stephanie's Feedback
These are impressive accomplishments, and any program of advanced study would be lucky to have someone so conscientious and hard-working! My only suggestion is to also highlight your academics and/or coursework for undergrad. Did you take strong STEM classes that will aid your transition to PA school? Did you graduate with a competitive GPA? If so, include these details! Showcasing your academic success will help your interview committee feel confident in your ability to excel in the PA program.
