So, you didn’t get into PA school this time around. First things first—deep breath. I know how much this hurts. You’ve probably invested countless hours shadowing, studying for the GRE, perfecting your personal statement, and filling out CASPA. Getting a rejection can feel like a punch to the gut. But guess what? You’re not alone, and more importantly, this doesn’t mean your dreams are over. Let’s break down what you can do next.
Take Time to Feel Your Feelings
I’m not going to sit here and tell you to brush it off and move on right away. Rejection stings. Whether this is your first time applying or your third, give yourself the space to feel disappointed. Journal about it, vent to a friend, or indulge in some Netflix therapy (we’ve all been there). It’s okay to feel sad—but don’t let that sadness convince you that this is the end of the road.
Review Your Application with Fresh Eyes
Once you’ve had a minute to process, it’s time to get real about your application. If you didn’t get in, it’s not because you’re not good enough—it’s because there are areas to improve. Review your CASPA application like a detective. Did you have enough patient care hours? Was your GPA competitive? How strong were your letters of recommendation? Look at every piece, even if it feels brutal, and try to be objective. Think of this like preparing for round two—because that’s what it is.
Get Feedback
If you’re lucky, some schools offer feedback on rejected applications. Take advantage of this! It’s like a cheat sheet for what to fix. If you can, schedule a meeting or send an email to the admissions team and ask for specific areas where you could improve. Trust me, this can be a goldmine of info. Even if only one school responds, you’ll have a clearer picture of where you stand.
Boost Your Experience
Maybe your patient care experience was on the lower side or your GPA wasn’t as high as it could be. Now is the time to ramp up those hours or retake a class. Look into becoming a CNA, EMT, medical assistant, or scribe. Anything that puts you in direct patient care and allows you to build relationships with medical professionals will help strengthen your application. Plus, these roles give you even more insight into whether PA is truly the path for you.
Strengthen Your Personal Statement
I know, I know. The personal statement is a beast. But if you didn’t get in, it might be worth revisiting what you wrote. Were you clear about why you want to be a PA? Did you show how your experiences have prepared you for the profession? Sometimes a few tweaks and a fresh perspective can make a world of difference. Don’t be afraid to ask others to review it too—people who know you and people who don’t. Both perspectives can offer valuable insights.
Shadow and Network
One of the biggest factors that PA schools look for is exposure to the profession. If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to find more shadowing opportunities. Reach out to PAs in your community or connect through local hospitals and clinics. You’d be surprised how willing people are to help—especially if they’ve been in your shoes. Also, don’t be shy about networking. Join PA forums, attend conferences, or even get involved in pre-PA groups on social media. Connections can sometimes open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Consider a Gap Year (or Two)
If this is your first time applying, taking a gap year to build your resume isn’t the worst idea in the world. In fact, it might be exactly what you need to set yourself apart. Use the time to accumulate more patient care hours, volunteer, or pursue a healthcare-related certification. You’ll not only grow as a candidate but also gain more confidence in your decision to pursue this career.
Explore Other Healthcare Careers
Okay, hear me out. I know becoming a PA is the dream, but have you ever considered other healthcare roles? If this rejection has you questioning whether PA is your only path, it might be worth exploring other options. Whether it’s nursing, physical therapy, or something else in healthcare, there are a lot of ways to make a meaningful impact in this field. Sometimes, rejection is life’s way of nudging you toward a path that’s even better suited for you.
Apply Again (With Confidence)
Reapplying doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re persistent. Some of the best PAs I know didn’t get in on their first or even second try. The key is to come back stronger. So, when you do reapply, make sure your application is tight, your experiences are solid, and your personal statement is fire. Own your growth and show schools why this time you’re ready to knock it out of the park.
Final Thoughts
Not getting into PA school is hard, but it’s not a stop sign. Think of it as a detour. You’ve got time to regroup, improve, and come back stronger. And remember, every great PA has faced challenges on their journey. This is just one part of your story—don’t let it define you. You’ve got this.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to talk to someone who’s been through it, feel free to reach out. You’re not alone in this, and your next steps are just as important as your first ones. Keep going!
