Determining how many PA schools to apply to can be overwhelming. There are different opinions when it comes to this matter. Some may suggest applying to many programs to increase your chances of acceptance. In contrast, others will advise against that to save yourself the time and money associated with sending 10+ applications.
What is the best advice to follow? In this article, we’ll explore the criteria to help you identify and apply to the right number of PA schools!
Determining How Many PA Schools to Apply To?
The number of programs you should apply to should equal the number of programs that can meet your personal and educational needs.
Use the criteria in the article “Choosing the right PA Program for Your Family” to narrow your search and identify which programs are best suited for your family.
Here’s a quick recap of what to consider
- Location: Consider if you prefer to study close to home or are open to relocating.
- Prerequisite Requirements: Focus on programs for which you would be a strong applicant.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by ARC-PA. This guarantees the quality of education and eligibility to sit for the PANCE exam.
- Program quality and graduate outcome: Compare program PANCE pass rates and job placement after graduation.
- Cost: Evaluate the tuition and living expenses against your budget.
- Length: PA programs typically last 2-3 years. Consider if this fits your career timeline.
- Clinical rotations: Look for programs that offer diverse clinical rotation opportunities.
- Other factors: any additional factors that are important to your family.
The key is to create a targeted list of the programs that meet most or all of the above criteria.
Recap
Knowing what to look for can be overwhelming. However, with a little bit of clarity, you can pinpoint your exact needs and tailor your list to fit them.
