The CASPA season is a lot! You’ve spent years preparing, studying, getting shadowing hours, and now it all boils down to this application. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your future rides on getting into PA school. But let’s get one thing straight: stress is normal, but how you handle it can make or break your application process. Here’s some real talk on managing that stress, because pretending everything’s fine isn’t going to cut it.
1. Start Early and Stop Playing with Deadlines
I’ll say it loud for the people in the back: waiting until the last minute is a bad idea. Yes, I know it sounds like your mom nagging you, but seriously, CASPA opens in late April—start pulling your documents and recommendations together well before that. Trying to gather everything with two weeks to go? Stress city.
Actionable Tips:
- Build your CASPA checklist NOW: Break down everything CASPA wants from you, from your personal statement to transcripts. Start ticking them off ASAP.
- Set fake deadlines: Yeah, CASPA might be due in a couple of months, but act like it’s due next week. That extra time can be used for review or fixing any last-minute chaos.
- Use Google Drive or a folder: Don’t wait until the last minute to dig through emails or old files. Keep everything in one spot, whether digital or old-school.
2. Stop Agonizing Over the Personal Statement
Writing your personal statement is like standing naked in front of an audience—it feels that raw. You’re trying to convey who you are, why you want to be a PA, and why you deserve a seat in a packed class, all in a limited word count. But here’s a truth bomb: don’t try to make it perfect on the first draft.
Real Talk Tips:
- Brain dump first: Forget about structure, grammar, or making sense—just get your thoughts down. You’ll clean it up later.
- Share it early: Get over the embarrassment and ask for feedback. You’ll need at least 2-3 solid rounds of edits, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Take breaks: This part is mentally exhausting. Write, then walk away for a day. Fresh eyes always catch things that “tired you” misses.
3. Ask for Letters of Recommendation Before They Forget Who You Are
Asking for letters of recommendation shouldn’t be an afterthought, and yet, here we are, weeks before deadlines and panicking. Trust me, your mentors and supervisors are busy, and they won’t appreciate a last-minute request. They also won’t give you the killer letter you need if you don’t give them time.
Direct Advice:
- Ask at least 3 months ahead: Give them time, but also keep yourself stress-free. You don’t want to be that person sending them reminder emails the day before CASPA closes.
- Provide details: Send them a resume and some talking points about what you want highlighted. Make it easy for them to write a strong letter.
- Check in, but don’t harass: A gentle follow-up after a couple of weeks is fine, but don’t pester them. They’ll get it done.
4. Take Care of Your Mental Health or Burn Out Fast
It’s hard to focus when your brain is screaming at you to slow down, but stress doesn’t just impact your work—it impacts your health. If you’re ignoring your mental and physical well-being, you’re going to burn out before you even hit submit on your CASPA application.
Real-Life Advice:
- Get moving: No, you don’t need to hit the gym for hours, but go for a walk, do some yoga, anything to get the blood flowing. Your brain needs the break.
- Mindfulness isn’t woo-woo: Apps like Breathwrk (spelled as written) can actually help quiet the stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take 10 minutes to breathe, not just mentally panic.
- SLEEP: If you think cramming everything into a sleepless night will help, think again. You’ll make careless mistakes, and your personal statement will sound like a bad robot wrote it. Get at least 7 hours.
5. Stop Letting Time Run You—Control It
The biggest mistake you can make during CASPA season? Letting your to-do list get longer while your time gets shorter. You have a life outside of this application process (I hope), and time management is key. Use tools to help you keep control, because “winging it” is not an option.
No-Nonsense Tips:
- Use a calendar for EVERYTHING: Assign deadlines to each part of the application. Treat those self-imposed deadlines like they’re from CASPA itself.
- Use Trello or Asana: These project management tools are life savers. List out every task, move them through phases of completion, and watch your stress shrink.
- Work in short bursts: Try the Pomodoro technique—work hard for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. It keeps your brain fresh without running it into the ground.
6. Get Comfortable with Interviews Now, Not Later
Once your application is in, don’t breathe too easy. You’ll need to prep for PA school interviews. If you haven’t practiced in front of someone yet, you’re not ready. Here’s the brutal truth: winging it in an interview is a disaster waiting to happen.
Get Real Tips:
- Do mock interviews: Grab a friend, mentor, or fellow applicant and make them ask you the tough questions. “Why do you want to be a PA?” should roll off your tongue.
- Record yourself: Watch the playback. You’ll notice all the awkward pauses, nervous ticks, and missed points. Fix them now, not in the interview.
- Have questions ready: Show them you’ve done your homework. Ask smart questions about the program. Don’t be the applicant who says, “I don’t have any questions.”
You’ve Got This, Just Plan Ahead
The CASPA season is stressful for sure, but don’t let it run you. Plan early, stay organized, and most importantly, take care of yourself. The competition is real, but you don’t have to lose yourself in the process. Just keep moving forward, tackle each part of the application step by step, and remember—everyone else is feeling the pressure too. You’re not alone.
