Hello Future PA!
In this post I wanted to give you a few steps that may help you get into the Physician Assistant School of your choice. Having been on the Admissions Committe for a Top 3 PA School, I have seen just about EVERYTHING! 
Good, Bad and Ugly.
I will say though, that there is light at the end of the tunnel for the informed applicant. With that being said, here is a list of things that you should do to get your seat in your favorite PA Program:
Step #1: Research The School–I want you to find out as much about this school as possible. Study their website, send for their brochures etc. Learn as much as you can about their mission, type of applicant, etc. Once you know what they are looking for, then you can reverse engineer the process to fit their mold perfectly.
Step #2: Attend the Open House:–I know that this seems like a no-brainer, but I am surprised at the number of students that don’t do this simple step. Here is your chance to get belly to belly with the powers that be. Are you kidding me!? you can potentially meet the Admissions Director, key faculty members, admission committee members, current students,(http://www.HowWeGotInPASchool.com)etc. Don’t miss this easy step.
Step #3: Rise Above the Competition–I need you to exceed the minimum requirements set forth by this PA Program. Exceed their number of Health Care experience hours needed, exceed the GPA and GRE requirments, write the most compelling, heart-touching(honest) essay possible and last but not least, “Rock” the PA School interview. (http://www.PhysicianAssistantSchoolInterview.com)
There is a lot more that goes into the PA application and acceptance process, but if you master the above 3 Steps you will be so much closer to getting into the PA school of your choice.
Helping you get into PA School,
Dave
“The PA Coach”
August 29th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Will seven years working in Iraq and Afghanistan conducting security, CASAVAC, MEDIVAC operations count as medical experience? I held a EMT basic qualification but have failed maintain current national certs. In that time spent in the asymmetric battle space I have treated a lot of horrifically injured people who survived, this has left me with the will to become a PA after seeing how I can change the out come of some who other wise would have lost there life. Also with such experience will that be held against me due to the controversial nature of this conflict?
September 7th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Chris, I don’t see why this experience can’t be counted. It’s like you functioned as a combat medic of sort. This is very noble of you and thanks for serving. NO, your service to this country would not be frowned upon at all. I believe quite the contrary and would be celebrated.
October 21st, 2012 at 1:31 am
Dave, I am a foreign medical graduate, interested in applying to PA program,but I don’t know if the schools will think Iam over qualified for pa program as I have already finished all the medical subjects,.HOw do I show them, that I can be a good fit in this program……….thanks
November 10th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Muni, I would contact the PA schools that you are interested in and speak to the Director of Admissions for clarity and input.