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Pa school personal statement: complete guide + examples.

Reviewed by:

Akhil Katakam

Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Reviewed: 11/6/23

If you’re applying to a Physician’s Assistant program, you will be asked to write a personal statement. Continue reading as we outline the dos and don'ts of your PA school personal statement.

Male physician's assistant consulting with female doctor

Are you wondering how to write a unique, stand-out personal statement for PA school? We’ve got you covered with our complete guide to writing a stellar personal statement.

This one document has the power to set you apart from the competition, giving admissions committees a deeper understanding of who you are beyond your academic achievements and test scores.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the dos and don'ts of crafting a compelling personal statement that will leave a lasting impression.

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How To Write a Strong PA School Personal Statement

The first step is understanding what a personal statement is. A personal statement is a piece of writing that shares who you are to admissions committees. Many programs like humanities and social sciences ask applicants to write personal statements to learn about the applicant on a more intimate level.

Unlike a statement of purpose, a personal statement focuses more on you and your interests and hobbies rather than academic achievements and accomplishments.

A personal statement is usually less formal and may take a storytelling approach as you share how your experiences have shaped you and led you to apply to the specific program.

While the tone is less formal than a statement of purpose, make sure your personal statement is well-written and engaging to your reader. You should proofread and edit your writing multiple times before submitting it.

When writing a personal statement, think about answering some of the following questions:

Why did you pick this program?
What experiences do you have that makes you a good candidate for the Program?
What can you bring to the program?
What can the program bring to you?
What achievements are you proud of?
What setbacks or challenges have you overcome?
What are your career goals, and how does this program help you achieve them?

As most personal statements are about 500 to 600 words, or two pages double-spaced, you won’t have the space to answer all of these questions. Pick a few to focus on.

Now that we have a pretty good understanding of the expectations and tone of a personal statement let's discuss how to write a strong personal statement for PA school.

The first thing to do before you begin writing is to read the school’s instructions carefully. Different schools may ask you to include specific pieces of information in your statement. The key to impressing the admissions committee is to demonstrate that you are detail-oriented and have actually read through the instructions.

Admission committees for PA schools want to know if you are right for the field before admitting you into the program. If they think you won’t make a good PA, then they most likely won’t accept your application.

Your personal statement for a PA school should demonstrate why you want to be a Physician Assistant and why you would make a good PA. When writing your statement, highlight specific attributes and characteristics that make up a good PA. Some specific traits to highlight may include:

Attention to Detail
Compassion
Confidence
Problem-Solver
Emotional Intelligence
Commitment
Professionalism

All of these traits make up a successful Physician Assistant . Use specific examples from your personal experience to show off your great traits. As the saying goes, show, don’t tell. Pick a couple of examples that demonstrate you possess one or more of these traits for your personal statement.

Successful PA essays are not about job experience; in fact, you should think of a well-rounded approach to medicine. For example, think of extracurricular activities that have shaped your interest in medicine and helped you grow as a person.

Make sure to work on your personal statement well in advance of submitting your application. This will help ensure you have ample time for revisions, meet the application deadlines and can present the best possible version of yourself to the admissions committee.

What To Avoid In Your Personal Statement for PA School

There are a lot of tips on how to write a good personal statement for med school that you can use for a PA personal statement. However, it is important to know what to avoid doing as well.

Don’t be dishonest and disingenuous in your personal statement. Admissions committees read thousands of personal statements and can spot those who feel off or insincere.

You don’t have to be a perfect person or perfect applicant to get accepted; be yourself and be honest. In fact, acknowledging challenges or setbacks that you have faced and overcame is a great way to demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills that make you a stronger candidate!

Also, avoid generic clichés and overused quotations in personal statements. This can include statements such as “I want to be a PA because I love helping people.” General statements such as this are overdone and come across as dull and impersonal.

Also, steer clear of fixating on salary details. Focusing too much on the money aspect might make it seem like your main motivation for becoming a Physician's Assistant is financial gain, rather than a true passion for patient care and healthcare. Instead, let your personal statement shines with your real-life experiences and genuine enthusiasm for this profession.

Instead, try some suggestions for engaging ways to start your PA personal statement from Hamilton University:

Standard: Simply state what you will be talking about in your paper, basically like a thesis statement.
Creative: Find a creative and unique way to begin your personal statement. For example, you can start your piece with a relevant quotation that speaks to you and relates to your experiences.
Action: Begin in the middle of a story to draw your reader right into the action.
Personal: Start off your statement by revealing something personal about yourself that has led you to your interest in medicine.
Informative: State a fact that leads into your personal experiences.

Avoid academic jargon or overly complicated language in your personal statement as well. Keep it simple and easy to read. Being over-dramatic can be off-putting and impersonal. Your personal statement should reflect who you are, so be authentic and genuine.

It can be difficult to write something intimate about yourself for strangers to read. It can also be hard to balance between humility and boasting. If you need some extra help, you may find some tips on how to write a recommendation letter for yourself helpful.

While a personal statement is not the same as a letter of recommendation, there are some core similarities.

Person typing essay on laptop next to stethoscope

PA School Personal Statement Example

Now that we have discussed the components of a personal statement for PA school, let’s check out some essays that were accepted for PA programs to give you an idea of what a good personal statement looks like.

Here is an example of a well-written personal statement:

“Hey Doc, you might want to have a look at this.” On my computer rested a radiology report for a patient I saw with my rural preceptor. She came to the office with left upper quadrant pain, early satiety, and abdominal distention. Due to the patient’s age and family history, I was worried that her vague symptoms could be related to ovarian malignancy; thus, I enquired to my preceptor if he thought ultrasonographic imaging would be appropriate. He readily agreed with my rationale. This report reflected my gut feeling that something was wrong: “There are multiple solid masses in the liver…dominant mass measures 17.0 x 12.9 x 18.1 cm. Follow-up CT recommended.” Although it may sound strange, reading those words convinced me I wanted to become a radiologist.

I wanted to be the person to give an answer for that patient. I wished I could have performed the patient’s ultrasound examination and subsequently analyzed the findings. One of my family medicine patients suffered mortal complications from the rupture of a massive basilar artery aneurysm, and I used his tragic CTA findings to give insights on how to understand the Circle of Willis and how its anatomy explained the patient’s unfortunate condition.

I had done research one summer centered around using microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound to characterize indeterminate renal lesions. I began the project as someone who was incapable of understanding what those series of words actually meant, but by the end I was trying to explain the various septations and wall patterns of lesions suggestive of malignancy to my exasperated, but thankfully supportive, parents. It is this constant teaching aspect of radiology that attracts me to the field. The most obvious instruction one gives as a radiologist is assisting physicians with disease diagnosis and pathology localization, but I see a burgeoning, ever-questioning group of pupils waiting ahead for radiologists: their patients.

As society becomes increasingly tech-savvy, there will be an increasing desire from patients to access their medical images digitally. With that, there comes the concurrent expectation that radiologists will have to be responsible in disseminating this information, as well as explaining the abnormalities. As this latter role has traditionally been in the hands of primary care physicians and/or specialists, radiology will have to adapt and rise to this challenge.

I am looking for a residency program that wants to prepare its students for this inevitable future. Such a program would obviously need to be strong in giving its future radiologists extensive breadth and depth in commonplace and emerging image modalities with distinguished skills in fostering student independence. As part of that independence, the program must have a strong emphasis on how best to explain radiologic findings for both physicians and laypeople. Additionally, I hope for ample opportunities for resident research, as well as strong mentorship from both upper level residents and faculty.”

Why this personal statement works : The student clearly outlines their goals and how these goals relate to the PA program. The student also clearly demonstrates how their background and personal experiences support their career goals which shows the reader that they are capable of being a great candidate for a PA program.

Here is another excerpt from a statement that shares a personal story:

“Do you think we can take in a 2-year-old?” Unsure if my wife was joking, I stopped midway up the steep hill on 19th Street in Birmingham to catch my breath, which was now short for reasons other than the strenuous walk. My wife went on, explaining that her niece, Gabby, needed a home. Nobody else in the family was able to help, and if we didn’t, she would likely end up in foster care. Though we later discussed it at great length, my mind was made up before I submitted the hill. My parents, who worked at a children’s home in Alabama for most of my life, showed me the impact a loving home could have on a child’s life. I couldn’t imagine saying no to this little girl. Less than a month later, we received full custody of Gabby and it became the three of us (plus the cat). It was my first year of medical school, my wife worked full-time, and we were the sole caretakers of a toddler. Through all the stresses of those early times, one thing stands out in my mind as perhaps the most stressful of all—her nighttime cough. That cough kept us awake at night. Each time Gabby let out a string of coughs, I crawled down to the edge of the bed and put my hand on her chest to make sure she was still breathing. We had been told that she might have asthma, but that was all we knew. We didn’t have any of the documentation most places required for care. We had no Medicaid information, Social Security number, birth certificate, or medical history—only a piece of paper signed by a judge that said we were responsible for her. My wife and I were at a loss—how could we care for this child if we could not get her most basic healthcare needs met? Thankfully, we stumbled upon Christ Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health center (FQHC) in Birmingham.

Christ Health Center was exactly what our family needed. In addition to caring for Gabby’s needs when most other places would not, I saw there a model of the sort of clinical work I intend on doing after residency. I was so impressed I signed up to do an elective rotation with them between first and second year. Prior to that, I was fairly certain I wanted to practice family medicine and work with the underserved in some way; after my first day at Christ Health Center, there was no doubt left in my mind. My draw to family medicine in general, and FQHCs in particular, is the potential for community change. At Christ Health Center, patients often came in with their entire families and everyone in the room had an issue to address, medical or otherwise. I learned some of the nuances of working with a community and gained skills necessary to help meet these needs. Usually, it was just a word of reassurance; other times, it was patient and family education; and occasionally, it was setting them up with resources for food and housing.

The lessons of those few months are often in my mind as I see patients. During my family medicine clerkship, I was tasked with doing the H&P for three different children in the same room. Inside, I found a frazzled mother completing paperwork while the kids scrambled about the room. She tried her best to calm them as I started on the histories, but to little avail. She grew more and more dispirited as she continued answering, “I don’t know.” Finally, on the verge of tears, she said, “I’m so sorry. I just got custody of all three of them and don’t know anything about their histories.” I paused, remembering Gabby’s nighttime cough. Finally, I said, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of them. I know exactly how you feel.”

Why this personal statement works : This student takes a slightly different route than the first example but is also an effective way to write a captivating personal statement.

This statement reads more like a story, and the reader gets to know the student on a closer level.

By creating this sense of intimacy, the student demonstrates that their empathy and their ability to overcome personal challenges makes them a great candidate for a PA program.

Both examples are strong, so the route you want to take is up to you.

Still have some questions? Keep reading as we answer some of your frequently asked questions.

1. What Should Be In A Personal Statement for PA School?

You should highlight some of your traits and experiences that make you the right fit for the program and the field. Make it personal and make it about you, but remember to also be genuine and humble.

A personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Think about how you want to present yourself and what you want the admissions committee to know about you.

2. How Do You Write A Unique Personal Statement for PA School?

The most important piece to writing a unique personal statement for PA school is to be yourself and write from your heart.

3. How Long Should a PA School Personal Statement Be?

This all depends on the school and their instructions. However, most personal statements range from 500 words to 1,000 words. Unless stated otherwise, they should never be longer than 1,000 words.

Final Thoughts

A personal statement is a key piece of your application. Like your interview , it’s your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and really stand out amongst other applicants. A PA school personal statement is also a great opportunity to show off your writing and communication skills.

Remember to read through the instructions posted by the school, keep it personal and honest, and proofread and edit before submitting. Follow these key steps to write a personal statement that will impress admissions committees.

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PA Personal Statement: The Definitive Guide

Including 8 pa school personal statement examples.

Your PA personal statement is one of the most important PA school requirements . Writing a stellar PA personal statement is difficult for many students, however, this statement is vital for distinguishing your application from all the others and getting into the best PA schools . A well-crafted, memorable statement is your golden ticket to a PA school interview, so in today's blog, you'll learn what to include in your PA personal statement, common mistakes to avoid and you'll even be able to review PA personal statement examples.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

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Article Contents 28 min read

Pa personal statement example #1.

During my kindergarten graduation, I walked on stage and gave my exit speech: “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher because it’s easy.” Reflecting back, I see the comedy in my naivety as every profession has its own unique challenges. I had no intention to pursue medicine, as I often had a sense of jealousy towards the field. Growing up, my mother was also attending school, first undergraduate then medical school. Exposed to the rigor and competition of higher education, she felt the need to share the importance of dedicating my time to education. While my classmates had work-free weekends, I spent my time completing extra homework, assigned by my mother. Initially, I misinterpreted her teachings as favoritism for studies over spending our days indulging in games.

My passion to become a physician assistant took root the day my grandmother fell from the top of a ladder. My mother shouted for my help with two simple tasks: grab a blanket and call 911. Trapped by fear and hesitation, I was unable to react. This response may seem understandable; however, I was my harshest critic and felt shame from my inability to aid. Sitting in the hospital waiting room, I reflected on my actions and vowed to never again be a mere observer. With this experience, my outlook on the medical field began to change from that of jealousy to intrigue. I started to understand that my mother’s intentions were not to spend less time with me but rather she aspired to be in a position where she could offer herself to support others, an attribute I strive to emulate. My kindergarten dreams to teach were expanded to embody care and compassion, with goals to empower and provide protection to others feeling helpless.

Aware of my lack of knowledge pertaining to handling trauma, I enrolled in an emergency medical response course that equipped me with the skills to handle unforeseen situations, and the strength to grow from criticism. Others questioned my ability to complete this physically rigorous course, given that my stature is a mere four feet and nine inches. Using this criticism as motivation, I excelled in the course and partook in a twelve-hour responder shift. This exhilarating experience strengthened my ambition to study medicine, as my interests lie in the shortcomings of human-design.

This statement utilizes strong transitional sentences to link paragraphs which creates an easy-to-read essay with excellent flow.
At the end of each experience, this student does an excellent job of reflecting. They discuss what they learned, why it was significant, and how it will help them in a career in medicine.
Instead of discussing a variety of different experiences, the student focussed on quality experiences over quantity. This allows each experience, whether the experience with their grandmother or the experience as an emergency medical responder to really develop throughout the essay, ultimately creating a unifying theme that ties together well in the conclusion.
The essay really comes to life due to the inclusion of details that describe experiences and interactions that were significant to the student such as time spent with their grandmother and patient interactions during shadowing.

The PA school personal statement is one of the most important of the PA school requirements .

Before you begin writing your physician assistant personal statement, it's important to understand the purpose of the personal statement. Essentially, your personal statement will serve as your introduction to admissions committees. It's a way for you to demonstrate why you have chosen to pursue medicine, and why you want to become a PA specifically.

Admissions committees want to understand where your first interest in becoming a physician assistant began, what memorable experiences you've had since that moment, and what steps you've taken towards turning that initial interest into desire and passion for the profession. As with all types of personal statements, your personal statement must address the “why” behind the profession. In this case, why do you want to be a PA? Why did you choose PA school over a related discipline, such as medical school or nursing school? What about the PA profession appeals to you and what have you done to explore the field? What contribution can you make to the PA profession?

Your PA personal statement is the first introduction of who you are and serves as a first impression to the admissions committees. It’s also a way to clinch a PA school interview and move on to the final round of admissions evaluations.

Keep in mind that you'll also be expected to answer this question, and other common PA school interview questions during your interview, so be sure to reflect a bit on your answer and craft a strong response for both your personal statement and your interview answer. Similar questions to this can come up during your PA school interview essay or you can explore your “why” when you’re asked “tell me about yourself” during your interview.

In short, your personal statement is an important tool to getting through the initial rounds of PA school admissions, it provides background information on you to admissions committees and puts a face to your application.

Here's a summary of the requirements for PA school:

How to Write A Killer PA Personal Statement

#1 be honest..

No two personal statements should be alike, each person has had their own set of experiences that have led them to want to pursue this vocation. So don't try to fabricate your statement or exaggerate your experiences. Instead, be honest, tell the admissions committees about your exposure to medicine, what you've learned, how you've grown, what you have accomplished, why it was important and how all of these experiences led to you wanting to become a PA. Don’t try to butter up the admissions committee or make grand statements. Stick to the main reasons why you want to be a PA and why you want to pursue the profession specifically.

#2 Highlight your experiences and skills appropriately.

You want to highlight a few experiences that have helped you understand more about the life and work of a PA and ultimately helped solidify your decision to pursue this field. You can talk about your reasons for choosing PA vs MD if its relevant to your experience. Reflect on the instances that sparked your interest in the field or made you consider a career as a PA. Think about your volunteering, shadowing, and clinical experiences and reflect on any moments that have stood out for you or were significant in developing your interest in the profession. Remember to use details and specific examples to highlight the skills and lessons you earned from these experiences. Perhaps your participation in creating a treatment plan for a particular patient stood out for you or you witnessed an interaction between a physician assistant and a patient during your shadowing that gave you further insight into the profession. In short, you need to be able to answer why the PA is the best route for you, and what you’ve done to prepare yourself for this career.

Additionally, you can draw on related experiences and skills you’ve developed that will help you reach your goals as a future PA. For example, if you want to work specifically with underserved communities, and you’ve taken on volunteering opportunities that put you into contact with such communities, this is a great experience to include in both your personal statement or as some of the best extracurriculars for PA school . If you want to work among immigrant or refugee communities and took the time to learn a new language in order to better communicate with these individuals, that will not only show initiative, but also dedication to effectively communicating with patients you want to help serve in the future. Also think about which of the PA specialties you might want to work in and what experiences you have which can contribute to this specialty.

When it comes to sitting down and writing your PA personal statement, it's important to note that the most successful statements are those that tell a story. Not unlike a medical school personal statement , your PA personal statement is not a recitation of your CV. Listing accomplishments, awards, and your education will not interest the admissions committee. That information is already available in your medical school resume and elsewhere in your application; the personal statement is a piece of art, not a dry informational document. It should allow members of the admissions committee to gain insight into your personal story and take them on your journey to becoming a PA.

Stories are excellent for a few different reasons. First, stories are interesting. As humans, we tend to be drawn to stories, we love books, movies, articles - anything that allows us to be transported to another time, another place, another experience. If the story is well written, it moves us by eliciting an emotional response from us. Whether that is happiness, sadness, compassion, love, desire, or amusement, stories have the power to affect us and that's exactly what you want the admissions committees to experience: emotion. Emotional content is powerful content, and it leaves an impact. It's memorable, it stays with you, and it stands out.

In addition to being captivating, writing your personal statement in the form of a story is also beneficial because it helps tell your story in a chronological manner. The last thing you want, other than a boring personal statement, is one that doesn’t make sense and leaves admissions committee members confused. Jumping from one point in time to the next, from one experience to the next without order will only create a disjointed, unstructured essay. Instead, tell your story chronologically, beginning with an introduction to your interest or exposure to medicine, flowing into a few significant experiences throughout your life, and ending with a powerful conclusion that ties the entire essay together.

#4 Be Original.

You are not like anyone else; despite what you might think, you're an original personal with individual thoughts, experiences, and interests. Don't get sucked into using clichés, common quotes, and unoriginal statements. It's not about writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear such as “I want to be a doctor because I want to help people” or “I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor”.

Let your personal statement highlight what makes you unique as an applicant, how your personal qualities complement the profession, and what skills and key competencies you can bring to the entering class. Overall, it's important to consider what experiences and skills distinguish you from other applicants. Admissions committees will be reviewing hundreds if not thousands of PA school personal statements; what is going to make your statement stand out? What do you have to offer? How can you contribute to the profession?

What makes a strong PA personal statement?

Let your personal statement highlight what makes you unique as an applicant! "}]">

Why show, don’t tell is the #1 rule to follow for personal statements:

Common PA Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid

#1 reciting your cv..

Admissions committees already have this information so this isn't suitable for your personal statement. Focus on quality of experiences. When brainstorming, write down the most significant experiences, either professional or personal, which led to you pursuing a career as a PA.

#2 Casting yourself as the victim.

Many people have experienced difficult situations, such as emigrating from another country or suffering an injury. This can be powerful to discuss in your PA personal statement, but only if you can show resilience and ensure you're not playing the victim. As a general rule of thumb, be sure to only include an experience if you can discuss how it shapes you as a person, how it helped you grow, and will help you become a better future physician assistant.

#3 Telling instead of showing.

It's not enough to say statements such as “I am a good listener” or “My experience shadowing has made me compassionate”. You need to show, or demonstrate, how you are a good listener, and how shadowing has helped you become compassionate. Discuss how interacting with patients helped you develop compassion or how your listening skills helped a specific patient with their problem. Discuss real experiences that can support and provide evidence for any statements.

The opening sentence in your PA school personal statement is the hook for your entire essay. If it's not enticing, unique, and memorable, you risk your essay blending in with the thousands of other admissions essays and ending up at the bottom of the pile. Your opening sentence and paragraph need to be engaging, you want to create a sense of desire so that admission committee members won't want to put down your statement, they should want to continue reading to find out the rest of your story. Remember that admissions committees tend to read these essays quickly, so if you don’t grab their attention right away, your essay will be quickly forgotten. PA school personal statement editing can be a big help in rewriting or tweaking your essay so it is polished and engaging. It’s always a good idea to get another set of eyes on your essay, too, to make sure there are no mistakes or get objective feedback. For students who want professional feedback on their work, expert physician assistant application help can be a great resource to use.

Having trouble writing a good introduction? Check out our tips:

#5 Failing to have a strong conclusion.

Just like a strong introduction, a good conclusion bookends a strong PA personal statement. A strong concluding paragraph not only sums up the main points of your previous paragraphs, but it should end on an engaging note. You want to leave the admissions committee wanting to know more about you, as this makes them more likely to call you for an interview. Your conclusion should be more than just “this is why I’ll make a good PA”, or “and that is why the PA profession is for me.” Your conclusion should bring back your main points, but an excellent closing statement can call back to your engaging opening sentence while also inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

#6 Relying on clichés.

The purpose of your PA personal statement is to stand out, not blend in. So don't use clichés and popular quotes that are tired and dry. Be original and use your own thoughts instead of the thoughts of others. It can be easy to fall into the habit of using common phrases or cliched language, but revising your draft can help you pick these out and rewrite them.

#7 Failing to reflect.

Any experience you describe in your PA personal statement should be followed by thoughtful reflection. You can't simply state that you worked as a research assistant in a lab and contributed to a publication. Think about why you want to discuss an experience in the first place and always be answering, why was it significant? What did you learn from it? How will it help you in your career as a physician assistant? How did this experience encourage me to become a PA? Your personal statement should demonstrate a deeper understanding of yourself and your goals, so self-reflection and self-insight is key here. While you’re brainstorming ideas for your personal statement, take some time to ask yourself these questions.

#8 Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

Your PA personal statement should be free from all errors and mistakes. Keep in mind that your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. Mistakes indicate that you rushed your statement, are not detail-oriented and that you're not really invested in your potential career. An excellent PA personal statement has been through many revisions and has had multiple reviewers. It's a good idea to seek professional help such as a medical school advisor not only to ensure your statement is free from errors but so that you can receive personalized feedback on your statement to ensure you are putting your best self forward.

Want more PA personal statement tips?

7 More PA Personal Statement Examples

Pa personal statement example #2, pa personal statement example #3.

I have one person to thank for inspiring me to become a physician assistant: my great-grandmother Lucia. She was the catalyst behind me entering health care, and she is also the reason I’ve decided to change my career and apply to PA school and start a new direction in my professional life. My great-grandmother was never the sort to be content with simply standing still or not taking chances, and from a young age she encouraged me to chase my passion and pursue work that fulfills me. Having reached a point in my professional life that I need to take a chance, I recalled my great-grandmother’s sage advice.

As a child, my family and I visited my great-grandmother at her nursing home whenever possible. Although the drive was long, it was worth it to spend a few hours in her company. She was a funny, bright and charming woman, and to a child, her stories of growing up on a homestead in the early 20 th century were fascinating and eye-opening. She never seemed to be afraid of anything, whether it be moving across the country, welcoming another child or standing up for herself. Spending time with my great-grandmother and her neighbors gave me an appreciation for seniors and the stories they could tell me. Now, I remember pieces of stories from people who came from all diverse backgrounds and circumstances: a retired police officer from St. Louis, a former nanny who spoke 4 languages, a classical musician who once played in Carnegie Hall. My experiences with my great-grandmother and her neighbors stayed with me as I grew up, and after graduating I decided to become a CNA. I worked in several nursing homes and eventually, I began working as a hospice care worker.

Working in hospice was a fulfilling experience for me because I was able to spend longer periods of time with patients and once again get to hear their stories and all about their lives. I met many incredible people, including a Vietnam war veteran, a former jazz singer, and a housewife who raised 8 children, had never learned to drive but tried skydiving for the first time when she was in her 60s. Hospice care allowed me to form stronger bonds of friendship with the seniors in my care, and it reignited the spark I’d felt when visiting my great-grandmother, who at that point had passed on. In my work I found the passion that Lucia told me to look for and also the fulfillment of knowing that I was providing meaningful physical, mental and emotional care to my patients.

As personally fulfilling as my position was, I knew that it would not be a position I could stay in forever. Hospice care is a professionally demanding job, and it can be emotionally and mentally challenging. When I reached a point of having itchy feet, as Lucia put it, I knew it was time to think about next steps. I briefly returned to working in a local hospital as a CNA and shadowed two nurses and a PA to get a better idea of the kind of work I could transition to. After examining my shadowing experiences, my work history, and listening to Lucia’s voice in the back of my head, I knew that applying to PA school was the next step. Being a PA would let me keep working closely with the patients I loved working with, but allow me flexibility and variety—a breath of fresh air and a welcome change.

I know my great-grandmother Lucia would approve of my choice of work and my care of others, and that she would smile at seeing me stop thinking and do something to change my life when I’m not satisfied. Most of all, I thank her for instilling in me a sense of care and helping me be attuned to myself, so I can confidently start this new path in my life. (656 words)

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PA Personal Statement Example #5

I started caring for my first patient when I was 8 years old. My younger sister, Amelia, was only 3, and because of her chronic health conditions, including asthma and various allergies, our mother frequently brought her into the health clinic for check-ups, blood draws and chest scans. Since I was too young to be left alone, I was part of the after-school doctor’s visit routine. My sister, who like many children dreaded the phlebotomist coming at her with a needle, hated these visits. To help her feel better and manage her fears, I took on the role of sisterly caregiver. I held her hand during every blood draw, talked her through every scan and did my best to distract her from anything new and scary. Seeing how my efforts calmed her and made the doctor’s visits less anxiety-inducing, I committed to being her “doctor-buddy” and going with her for any health-related appointments.

After dozens of appoints, both for my sister, myself and other siblings, I began to recognize our regular nurses and medical assistants by name. They were always kind to me and my siblings, offering comforting words and lollipops. I began to anticipate seeing the various nurses, phlebotomists and scribes, talking their ears off about school or soccer practice. The doctors we met rotated with every visit, and our time with them was always short, as they had many other patients to see at the busy clinic.

Thinking that being a nurse was more fulfilling than being a doctor, and having acted as my sister’s carer, I decided in high school that nursing school would be my goal. I worked hard at school, taking the necessary courses and taking a volunteer position with a mobile health clinic that served hard-to-reach areas in our community. All too soon, I found the work dissatisfying. Because we were a mobile clinic, we were always on the move to the next patient. I couldn’t take my time with each patient and form a bond, as I had with my sister and her nurses. I didn’t feel I was getting the experience or developing the level of patient care I aspired to. I switched to working in a nearby rural St. Joseph hospital as a medical assistant, and there I found the work experience I was craving. I enjoyed working with underserved patients in the rural areas, but I wanted to spend more time with patients instead of paperwork, and I liked having a home base to stay at.

It was here that I met Carmen, one of a handful of physician assistants in the area. She was a constant presence a St. Joseph’s, and since everyone knew everyone, everybody knew Carmen. She had a warm personality and a well-known sharp wit, so she was a great teammate to work with no matter your position in the hospital. When it came to patients, she knew everyone. When a long-term care patient had a birthday, Carmen was organizing the celebration with other residents. When a child came in for a check-up, Carmen was right there asking them about school and family. Carmen exemplified the kind of personalized patient care I aspired to and knew that patients like my sister and I appreciated so much.

Carmen became a mentor to me, and I asked her about her journey to becoming a PA. Since Carmen knew my plan was to become a nurse, she told me “we have many excellent nurses her, but we need more excellent PAs to fill the gaps between nurses and doctors—there are too many patients and too many health workers spread thin. PAs can be the bridge that our patients need.”

Carmen’s words stuck with me and realizing that she was right inspired me to reroute my intended path into healthcare. There is a need for diverse healthcare workers of every discipline, and PAs are underrepresented compared to nurses and doctors. As a PA, I know I have a better chance of increased patient interaction and entering the kind of workplace environment I enjoy. I believe as a PA I’ll be able to excel in work and bring my passion for patient-centred care to my job every day. (698 words)

Synergy has always been important to me. I’ve always liked balance and seeing projects through to completion. The sense of fulfillment of a job well done is a satisfying cap for any task. Teamwork and collaboration are important values for me in both personal and professional environments. These values were never more apparent to me than when I played college volleyball.

I’m a fairly independent person, but competing on my college’s volleyball team allowed me to appreciate the synergy of a team sport. As someone who abhorred the lack of synergy and teamwork in most academic group projects, competing with my teammates was a great balance between relying on my own independent skills and knowing I could count on the efforts and skills of other players. Alone, I knew I could score a point, but as team, we could win a tournament. In fact, our volleyball team won nationals two years in a row, and we completed the Wild Rose Collegiate Volleyball Tournament undefeated. I found that seeing my teammates work so hard made me strive to work just as hard. To push myself and become a better player so I could be a better teammate in turn.

Just as my volleyball team was able to work in sync to achieve our high-level goals, the medical team was a perfect example of teamwork and collaboration. They cared for the team’s players throughout our seasons, monitoring their health or jumping in to tend injuries or handle crises whenever needed. All parts of our team worked together to help each other excel, and the resulting synergy meant we could achieve remarkable things.

Since I excelled in school and was always drawn to the science of sports, I started exploring a career in sports health. I talked often to the volleyball medical team, curious about the ins and outs of a career in sports medicine and what the possibilities were. I also knew sports medicine would provide that special blend of teamwork and independent work, of science and health I was seeking.

Knowing of my interest in the field, my brother offered to introduce me to his college hockey team’s medical officer. A physician assistant by trade, Adam had been working with the team for several years, and like me, he shared an interest in sports and medicine. I asked to shadow Adam for a season, and he agreed. Whenever a player was injured, I assisted Adam in treating it. When Adam conducted regular check-ins, I served as his assistant, getting to know the players on the team and collaborating with Adam on treatment plans. Especially rewarding for me was creating a physiotherapy treatment plan with Adam for Blake, a player who tore his ACL. Where insurance fell short of covering his sessions with a licensed physiotherapist, Adam and I created a personalized plan for at-home treatment, and we followed up with Blake every week during practices to check on his progress. Seeing Blake through his recovery and back onto the ice was immensely satisfying, and the collaborative energy of Adam and I working together and problem-solving was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Adam was my guide to the PA profession, and offered me invaluable insights into what the work is like, especially getting into a niche specialty like sports medicine. He helped solidify my position to apply to your school, and he has graciously written me a recommendation letter for my application.

I have never been satisfied with one thing or the other, always looking for that perfect combination. That perfect niche. I think becoming a PA is the right foundation for my ultimate goal of specializing in sports medicine, and it will embody that synergy of multiple disciplines coming together to create something altogether better. (623 words)

PA Personal Statement Example #7

In 2009, I was one of the only women in the world to perform a triple twisting lay out on the floor exercise in gymnastics. The skill was rare because of the combination of proprioception and technique required. Even the most minute error could spell disaster, which is exactly what happened during a NCAA competition. I executed the skill at an extreme angle, rupturing my Achilles tendon as I launched into the air. Feeling lucky to have landed on my feet, I collapsed to the floor after a few clumsy steps. The athletic trainer immediately assessed my injury calmly and purposefully, which left a lasting impression. Not only did she take care of me in that moment, she continued to support me through my surgery, 8 months of physical therapy, and a successful comeback to the sport. As a college student, I was uncertain of my future career, but this moment inspired me to make it my mission to be equipped with the skills to be of use in a moment of need, and support others in recovery and success. However, it would take ten years, a teaching career, a job lay-off and an insightful conversation to find my way to physician assistant (PA) school.

Before embarking on my journey to become a PA, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in communications, and I went on to work in Madrid, Spain, where I taught English and learned Spanish for 3 years. I strived to tailor my instruction to the unique needs of each student; a skill that has prepared me to provide individualized care to meet patient’s needs. One of my students wanted to become more marketable to jobs. I curated lessons to build grammar and vocabulary while incorporating resources he was interested in such as sports podcasts. I helped him practice interviews and draft emails until he landed his dream job at a multinational company. This instilled my confidence in supporting the success of my students and it felt rewarding to pave a way for more opportunities in their lives.

My next opportunity would prove less rewarding but pivotal. When I returned to the United States, I landed a job at a marketing firm that would fold and lay off its entire staff two years later. This ultimately led to a conversation with my friend, a urologist, which opened my eyes to many unmet medical needs and the growing demand for PAs. I saw my use through the combination of my ability as a teacher to help others succeed and my experience recovering from my gymnastics injury to be an integral source of support and care. I felt the pieces of my mission fit together and embarked on my journey to become a PA.

I took action to get health care experience as a medical assistant (MA) and physical therapy (PT) aide. Working as a MA at memory care facilities, I have gained insight into patient interaction and built my compassion by spending time with each patient to explain procedures in a slow and concise manner to gain their trust. As a PT aide, I collaborate with the physical therapist but independently administer treatment to diverse patients with a patient-centered approach. On one occasion, I supported two patients recovering from a hip replacement. I intended to give them both the same exercises for treatment, but I learned that Patient A had neuropathy in his feet, making standing exercises unsuitable due to his inability to balance. I modified exercises to be done seated and provided balance support when necessary. Additionally, Patient B’s religious values precluded her from accepting therapy in the communal treatment area, so I set up a private space for her. Accommodating these specific medical needs and sociocultural values helped me understand the importance of providing individualized care that is attuned to patient’s unique circumstances. Though these roles have been formative, I feel a nagging sense of futility when patients come to me for additional medical treatment beyond my scope, which fuels my ambition toward becoming a PA. I aim to have the medical knowledge to comprehensively treat with a balance of autonomy and collaboration.

I observed this balance when shadowing Sallie C., an otolaryngology PA. She assessed a patient with a foreign body in his ear, planned a procedure for removal but proved to be unexpectedly complex. She collaborated with the physician and the case was resolved with surgery. Through this, I also saw how PAs fill gaps in the healthcare system by treating, diagnosing, and prescribing medication, thus increasing the number of patients that are treated every day with quality care.

I aspire to fill these gaps and provide quality care and support to patients in moments of need, much like my athletic trainer did for me. If compassion, collaboration, and versatility make a successful PA, then the combination of my experiences has uniquely prepared me to succeed.

At the core of my teaching and health care experiences is my desire to become a PA to grow my medical skills to serve diverse individuals and ensure their health needs are met over the next ten years and beyond.

When I was sixteen, I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in my left breast. Although the mass was benign, I was concerned about potential complications of breast cancer and made the decision to have it surgically removed. After I recovered from the anesthesia, my surgeon pulled up a chair beside me and gave me his undivided attention. He reassured me that the surgery was a success and that my recovery would be uneventful. His compassion and unwavering support during this difficult time inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Today, I strive to become a physician assistant (PA) so I can embody the same level of empathy and care with my future patients.

During my internal medicine rotation at Richmond Medical Center (RUMC) in 2010, I acquired the skills necessary to succeed in the medical field. There, I was responsible for taking histories, conducting physical exams, creating patient management plans, completing morbidity and mortality rounds, and attending lectures with the residents. During rounds, I introduced patients to the attending doctor and discussed plans of care. I also helped interns by following labs, imaging studies, and reporting any concerns or complaints. I learned good bedside manners and how to effectively communicate with patients and their families. Not only did I understand how to establish rapport with patients, but I also learned how to respond to criticism constructively and confirm suspected diagnoses. I also understood how to apply my medical knowledge to manage and treat conditions such as asthma, COPD, and urinary tract infections. As a PA, I will continuously build on my expertise to improve the care of my patients.

A PA is more impactful than people realize. At RUMC, I was inspired by one PA in particular. Intrigued by her competency, I often inquired with her about the profession. Her continuous emphasis on the patient-centered approach is what initially drew me to the field. My interest in becoming a PA solidified when I was able to put this approach into practice. During one of my rotations, a 90-year-old Alzheimer’s patient was admitted to the unit with a urinary tract infection. Quickly, she became restless, irritable, and confused, and she tried to pull out the IV. Since the attending physician was unavailable, I proceeded to care for the patient. While holding her hand, I reassured her that we were there to help, and I explained that she needed the IV medication to get better. Soon after, she calmed down and we were able to continue the treatment. At that moment, I understood why I wanted to be a PA. From my personal experience I know very well that being sick can make one feel vulnerable and scared. I also know that having empathetic medical professionals can make a big difference in the patient experience and the outcome of care. I aspire to be a PA not only to be skillful and competent in my profession but also to be fully present for my patients and to extend a compassionate hand to them when they are at a low point in their lives.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been volunteering in a free clinic where I extend empathy and care to the underserved community. Last year, I attended to a homeless patient named James. He complained that his eyes and skin were yellowing and that he was bruising easily. When I took James’s history, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and was unsuccessful in AA. Based on his history and physical exam, I suspected alcoholic liver disease, so I ordered various clinical tests to confirm the diagnosis. The next day before we could discuss his test results, I found him lying near the front door of the clinic, unconscious. I called 911 and performed CPR until he was taken to the hospital where he was treated for an upper GI bleed. Two months later, James passed away from severe recurrence. Through this experience, I recognized the importance of conducting thorough patient screenings and extensive clinical tests to facilitate a prompt diagnosis and an early treatment plan. While it was already too late to save James, as a PA I will ensure that patients in my care receive timely preventive care to reduce the risk of future health complications.

Throughout my life, I have learned that I am strong and competent enough to relate to other people’s suffering without falling apart, and that I have a good work ethic with the intrinsic motivation necessary to get the job done. When I get admitted to the Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program, I will contribute my life experiences, my determination to overcome obstacles, my desire to work in teams, and my enthusiasm to learn. Five years from now, I see myself working as a competent physician assistant, providing healthcare services to medically underserved residents in urban and rural communities. This time, I will be the one who pulls up the chair and provides my patients with undivided attention. I will be their reliable source of compassion and support.

Your personal statement will be structured as a short essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Your opening paragraph should serve as a short introduction of yourself and why you want to become a PA. The body paragraphs will outline specific examples or experiences you have which contributed to your journey to become a PA, and the conclusion will sum up your statement while inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

To write a good personal statement for PA school, you’ll need an intriguing and engaging introduction, 1-3 significant experiences or examples of how you are suited for the PA profession or why you want to become a PA, and a strong conclusion which invites admissions committees to learn more about you.

Your PA school personal statement should be between 500 and 750 words. The typical limit for personal statements if 5,000 characters, with spaces included.

PA school admissions committees are interested in your personal statement because they want to know more about your background, personal qualities and why you want to become a PA. It should include significant personal and professional experiences you have which led you to the profession and contributed to your desire to become a PA. Admissions committees expect to see some self-reflection and insight into your goals and motivations. They also want to see that you have the skills and qualities of a good physician assistant.

The best way to stand out in a PA personal statement is to have both strong writing and a strong story. Admission committees will read thousands of personal statements outlining many different stories, but you can stand out by providing interesting details and weaving an engaging story. The details of a personal story will be remembered more clearly by your reader than generic statements about your experience shadowing a PA, so remember to personalize your essay and make it unique!

In a PA statement, avoid reciting your resume or relying on cliches. It’s also important not to have any grammar or spelling mistakes. Most importantly, don’t talk about pursuing a career as a PA due to a failed medical school application or because you view it as a “back-up” option. You should have a strong reason for applying to PA school specifically, not because it is “easier” than medical school or related professions.

Yes. You should write out “physician assistant” in the first instance, but you can include the “PA” abbreviation in follow-up instances.

Your opening statement needs to “hook” your reader or engage them right off the bat. A good way to start is with a personal story or statement that sums up the key theme of your essay.

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Crafting Your PA School Personal Statement – A Comprehensive Guide

September 20, 2022
Sharjeel Shaw PA-C

A personal statement allows you to share the integral details of your pre-PA journey with admission committees. It’s a chance to showcase attributes that are not already included within your CASPA application. It should be genuine, memorable, and honest.

It should demonstrate your strengths and convince the reader that you have what it takes to become an outstanding Physician Assistant. A rock-solid personal statement can be the one thing that sets you apart from other applicants with similar stats.

It’s your opportunity to catch the attention of admission committees and make them want to meet you in person. A well-crafted personal statement can be your ticket to an interview.

BRAINSTORMING

Write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Think bullet points, not novels. And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are personal statements.

Think back to the moment you decided you wanted to become a physician assistant. Where were you? What were you doing? Did the decision come easy? Or did it require a lot of time and reflection?
When was your first encounter with a physician assistant? How did you first hear about the profession?
What experiences have you had along the way that have solidified your career choice? Was it a patient encounter, an experience with a family member, or a day you spent shadowing a PA? Think about experiences that spark emotion.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
Why did you choose to become a PA over all other healthcare careers? What aspects of the profession are most appealing?
What personal attributes do you possess that make you a qualified applicant? What experiences have you had that prove that you exemplify those traits?
What qualities do you possess that will make you a successful PA student and successful practitioner? What experiences have you had that prove that you exemplify those traits?
Why you vs. the thousands of other applicants? What makes you unique?
What obstacles have you overcome?
What are your goals? Describe the type of practitioner that you aspire to be.
What morals and values do you uphold?

WRITING A FIRST DRAFT

Try free writing first before you start to worry about formatting or flow. Getting your ideas down on paper is the first step. There’s no need to write your entire first draft in one sitting. If you’re experiencing a writer’s block, take a break and come back to it.

Logistics

5000 characters
Tabs, italics, and bold will not convert when uploaded to CASPA
Hit return twice between paragraphs

FORMATTING

Introduction with a hook or catchy story
Multiple body paragraphs – each with a separate story or theme
Strong conclusion that ties in information from intro/body paragraphs

CONTENT

Don’t rewrite your resume – demonstrate your attributes with stories
Demonstrate your knowledge of the profession – specific to PA school, not healthcare in general
Be authentic – let your personality shine through
Consider including an overarching theme to tie everything together
If you chose to address applicant red flags, don’t make excuses – demonstrate growth and improvement

PROOFREADING

Use thesaurus.com if you find that you’re repeating a word or phrase frequently
Read it out loud in order to assess flow and pick up on grammar/spelling mistakes
Have 2-3 trusted peers/mentors look it over – input from too many sources decreases authenticity

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January 26, 2024

Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact [Including a PA Personal Statement Example]

There are approximately 300 accredited PA (physician assistant) schools in the United States. In the most recent application cycle, these schools received more than 27,000 applications. The matriculation rate for PA schools hovers near 30%, which is lower than the approximate 40% matriculation rate for medical schools. Is becoming a PA a competitive process? Yes! Is it impossible? No!

For you to stand out in this crowded applicant pool, your personal statement for your PA application has got to shine from the first sentence to the last. It needs to tell a compelling story that focuses on your sustained interest in the field, while at the same time building a case for your qualifications. It should not rehash your CV, be loaded with clichés, or focus solely on a story that portrays you as a victim.

The character limit for the CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) personal statement is 5,000 – which includes spaces ! Some people at first believe the limit is 5,000 words and end up having to severely cut back their overwritten drafts. Don’t let this happen to you!

The following successful essay responds to the question, “Why PA?” After reading this essay, you’ll understand why the candidate was accepted into a PA program. The individual has given permission for their essay to be shared publicly. All personal identifiers and details have been removed to protect their privacy.

PA School Personal Statement Example

I was nine years old and in the middle of Mrs. Russell’s third grade class when my stomach began to itch uncontrollably. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I get bitten by a bug?” Completely distracted by the incessant itching, I asked Mrs. Russell if I could go to the nurse’s office. When the nurse lifted my shirt, I saw the biggest “bug bites” I had ever seen covering the majority of my stomach. She quickly called my mom, who took me to several different doctors as the “bug bites” continued to spread all over my body. None of the doctors could figure out what was wrong with me until I saw a Dermatology PA. He immediately diagnosed me with a delayed allergic reaction. He gave me a medication that almost immediately made the hives disappear. I no longer struggled to open my eyes! It was like magic! To this day, I still have no idea what caused that allergic reaction, but I am grateful for this experience, because it introduced me to a PA who continued to touch my life and cultivate my interest in medicine and healthcare.

Year after year, my love of learning continued to flourish. I began taking gifted classes in math and science in the fifth grade and continued to take honors and advanced placement classes when I reached high school. In addition to my studies, I also began to play volleyball and softball. Through these sports, I learned the skills that a textbook could not teach me, such as accountability, integrity, teamwork , and leadership. Through my academic achievements, active participation in numerous school clubs, and leadership role as the captain of my volleyball team, my high school nominated me to participate in a National Youth Leadership Forum in the summer of ——. I attended lectures by a PA, a nurse, a chiropractor, a veterinarian, and several physician specialists. In addition to the lectures and countless group activities, I visited several medical facilities. In one of the labs, I saw a table displaying human organs infected with different diseases and cancers. To my surprise, I was eager to touch them and learn why the people they once belonged to could not have been saved. From that experience on, I became determined to pursue medicine.

My interest in the PA profession quickly became a driving force in my life after my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in February —— and quickly passed away in October of that year. I was devastated upon hearing her diagnosis. How could this happen when she went to the Dermatologist every three to six months? The same Dermatology PA who had healed me with his “magic pills” spent a significant amount of time with my mom after her diagnosis. He met with her and my dad following a long day of seeing patients, to determine if he had missed something in her regular exams. He also made himself available to my entire family and recommended specialists and experimental treatments. He explained everything we did not understand along the way. It is because of the compassion, sincerity, and care he provided to my mom and my family during this difficult time that I became certain I wanted to pursue my love of medicine as a PA.

Throughout my undergraduate career, as well as the time since I graduated, I have continued to explore the medical field to learn as much as I can about becoming a PA. Through countless hours of shadowing and volunteering as a medical assistant at —— Dermatology, I have learned how crucial teamwork, effective communication, detailed note-taking, and compassion are for effective patient care. There have been numerous instances where doing a simple and nearly painless biopsy could have turned into a serious and most certainly uncomfortable medical situation. By taking thorough patient histories, accurately noting any allergies, and verbally communicating these notes to the practitioner, I have been able to ensure that patients receive the best care possible while averting any avoidable crises.

Every challenge and opportunity that I have encountered since I was the itchy little girl sitting in Mrs. Russell’s class has brought me to this decision. My mom’s passing has only made me more passionate about this profession and has given me a new appreciation for life that I hope to share with my patients and community. With my love of learning and helping others, as well as the skill set I will gain from a PA program, I am certain that I will have the tools needed to become a valued member of a larger care team. I am eager to see how these opportunities will positively impact not only my life, but also the lives of others.

What makes this PA personal statement outstanding?

This essay shows that the writer invested the question “Why PA?” with a great deal of thought. It is exceptional for the following reasons:

1. The writer specifically explains “why PA” from the first paragraph to the last.

She writes with honesty and skill, directly responding to the essay prompt. Each paragraph illustrates an additional reason that becoming a PA is the only profession for her. She builds her case by discussing her academic achievements (advanced placement and honors classes in math and science), shadowing and volunteering as a medical assistant, and learning to appreciate the essential “soft skills” of compassion, sincerity, and care in a PA, which convinces the reader that she is grateful for, dedicated to, and thirsts for knowledge in the field of medicine. For these reasons, the candidate was invited to interview and received an acceptance.

2. The writer demonstrates a longitudinal pattern of behavior and involvement that supports her educational goal.

In my experience, past behavior predicts future behavior . This candidate’s pattern of behavior aligns with the work and responsibilities of a PA. With a love of learning and teamwork, as demonstrated by the experiences she chose in the medical arena, the writer proves through her long-term involvement with medicine that she will seamlessly fit into the role of PA. It is clear how much effort she has invested into preparing for this career.

3. An appealing balance of personal motivations and professional goals are represented in the essay.

From her childhood experience of being successfully treated by a PA to appreciating the clinical skill and sensitivity of PAs she encountered over the years, this writer’s motivations are a perfect blend of the personal and the professional. She writes convincingly about why this career path will be so meaningful on multiple levels. By drawing on both her personal contact with the profession and her preparation for it, she convinces readers of the variety and depth of her commitment. Each paragraph builds from personal to professional motivations, culminating in a conclusion where she ties the two threads together.

The profession of PA continues to grow in stature and popularity. When submitting your CASPA, remember you will be evaluated on the competitiveness of your holistic portfolio, with the personal statement being a critical component. Take time to craft your narrative, leave yourself additional time for reviewing and editing your drafts, and ensure that the statement you submit will captivate the admissions committee!

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherely worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs , podcast Episode 515
Reapplying to PA School: Tips on Polishing and Refining Your NEW Application
Why Should I Consider Allied Health Careers?

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Medical School Admissions

PA Personal Statement

When it comes to standing out from a sea of PA applicants, earning a high GPA and GRE and completing all of your PA school requirements aren’t enough. To compete in this hyper-competitive discipline, students must be able to express themselves in a way that showcases their unique skills and passions. The good news is that the PA personal statement offers a valuable opportunity to show admissions committees how you would add to the college community.

Personal statements enable students to introduce themselves to admissions committees while demonstrating their commitment to the field. When crafting a PA personal statement, students should highlight their unique academic and professional history while explaining why they’ve chosen to pursue this field of study. In particular, applicants want to reveal why they’ve chosen to become PAs rather than pursue another position in the medical field.

Because competition is high for PA program slots, students need to use every advantage they have to stand out from the crowd. Keep reading to learn about the CASPA PA personal statement prompt and discover tips on crafting an essay that will make the right impression.

Table of Contents

Understanding the PA Personal Statement Prompt

As an aspiring PA, you can expect to apply to colleges using CASPA, or the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants. The only national organization for PA program applications, CASPA allows students to apply to multiple schools using one application and personal statement. Currently, future PA are asked to write 5,000 characters on the following prompt:

In your own words, write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant. Keep your statement general as it is shared with all programs you apply to.

Applicants should note that the prompt is designed to assess whether they understand what being a PA entails. After all, physician assistants hold numerous responsibilities and face a wide range of challenges, from diagnosing complex medical conditions to dealing with difficult patients and family members. Additionally, schools want to know what personal characteristics and experiences help differentiate students from the pack. The best PA personal statements showcase attributes that might not be evident from a student’s transcripts, such as their sensitivity to patients and passion for the career.

What PA Schools Are Looking for

While there’s no single perfect applicant profile for PA programs, schools do seek out certain skills and attributes. According to the Johns Hopkins Physician Assistant guide , the best PA school applicants demonstrate the following:

Experience-based knowledge of what a PA career entails
Compassionate and caring attitude toward others
Enthusiasm for the field
Integrity and trustworthiness
Talent for leadership
Ability to communicate with people from different walks of life

The goal is to show PA schools that you know what you’re getting into and have the natural talent and aptitude to excel.

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PA STATEMENTS RESOURCES

PERSONAL STATEMENT DO’S AND DON’TS

The personal statement requirement for PA school is one of the most important parts of your application. Your personal statement gives the admissions committee an inside look at your personality, aspirations, and experiences. This is an opportunity to show PA programs why you chose to pursue the PA field and why they should choose you to be a part of their next cohort of student. Use your personal statement to your advantage as an applicant! Expand on yourself and the experiences that ultimately led you to pursue the PA profession.

Here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” for the PA school personal statement:

Introduction:

Do: Grab the admission committee’s attention in the introduction paragraph right off the bat.

Tell a story, explain an experience, or make a strong statement. Imagine how many essay introductions admissions committees will read… how will yours stand out? Use your unique journey to capture the reader’s attention.

Don’t: Start your personal statement off with a cheesy quote, a cliché, addressing the reader directly, or with a joke.

Although it is important to stand out, do not start your essay in an unprofessional way. This personal statement is supposed to encompass your passion for the profession and prove to admissions committees why you are a mature applicant who is ready for PA school. Keep it formal and do not address the reader directly anywhere in your essay.

Do: Use formal language and correct sentence structure.

Since this a professional essay, it should be written like one. Use full, complete sentences, proper punctuation, and always spell check. You may get creative with your writing style, but do not include anything that could take away from the overall message of the essay.

Don’t: Use informal language, unnecessary adverbs and contractions.

Avoid using informal language, such as slang words and contractions. Unnecessary adverbs, such as “very,” “really,” and “truly” should be cut out because they take up more space and lack authenticity. “I am dedicated to the PA profession” reads much better than “I am really dedicated to the PA profession.” Also, do not use abbreviations or acronyms without writing out the whole word first. For example, write out physician assistant (PA) once, then use PA throughout the rest of the essay. Since every character counts, you do not want to waste them by repeatedly writing out physician assistant.

PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL STATEMENT REVISION

Do: Emphasize why the PA profession is the only profession for you.

Show admissions departments your commitment to the PA profession through your personal statement. Demonstrate your knowledge about this profession and the specific aspects that draw you to it. Use firsthand examples of how you know this specific career is the right path for you.

Don’t: Mention other healthcare professions and go on a tangent about why being a PA is better.

Do not bash other professions or say that the PA profession is better. As a PA, you will work in a team of healthcare providers to care for patients, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, etc. Do not say anything offensive about these professions. Instead, focus your essay on “WHY PA,” and not “why not every other profession.”

Show, don’t tell:

Do: Include the most impactful moments in your life that solidified your aspiration to become a PA.

No two people have the exact same experiences, so use your unique encounters to stand out from other applicants. This could be from when you were a child, completing your patient care experience hours, shadowing, participating in a mission trip, etc. Always relate your stories back to the main point of the whole personal statement— why you are interested in being a PA student!

Don’t: State a list of adjectives to describe yourself.

It is great and important that you are a kind, caring, hard-working, dedicated individual… but use the space in your personal statement to show this to programs. Use specific examples of times you demonstrated perseverance, were impacted by a patient, inspired by a fellow healthcare worker, learned something significant from a shadowing experience, etc. Avoid making statements that could better be understood through a short anecdote.

You are applying to be a PA student, not a PA:

Do: Reinforce why you are qualified for PA school and will be a successful PA student.

Being a successful PA student means staying dedicated to the long years of furthering your education. Express your desire to learn and willingness to put in the work to complete the rigorous coursework required in PA school!

Don’t: Focus on being a practicing PA-C and what specialty you are interested in.

Although it is exciting to think about your potential future as a PA-C, do not create made-up scenarios of you as a practicing PA. Also, avoid stating the specific specialty fields you are interested in. As a PA student, you are trained as a generalist. Picking one specific “dream” specialty may deter admissions committees, especially from programs that have a focus on primary care.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EDITS

Conclusion:

Do: Summarize your passion for becoming a PA and leave the reader wanting to invite you for an interview.

This is the last paragraph of your essay that admissions committees will read, make it a good one! The conclusion should wrap up all key points of your essay in a new way. Tell these schools why they need you as a PA student and how you can contribute to their next cohort.

Don’t: Repeat sentences already stated in the essay.

You only have 5,000 characters for this essay, so do not repeat any sentences or phrases already stated. It is okay to repeat main ideas, but do not use the exact same phrasing.

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Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Write Your PA School Essay (Physician Assistant School Guides Book 2)

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Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Write Your PA School Essay (Physician Assistant School Guides Book 2) Kindle Edition

Are you struggling to explain why you want to be a physician assistant in 5,000 characters? Is writer's block preventing you from expressing your passion to become a PA?

When it comes to PA school applications, the hours of experience and coursework blur together until they get to the essay. A dynamic personal statement will secure the interview, and the interview gets you accepted. Does the pressure of that statement freak you out? You're not alone! In Physician Assistant Personal Statement Guide, Savanna Perry, PA-C walks you through the essential steps to making your essay stand out. You will learn to showcase who you are in a way that will leave your admissions committee reader excited to meet you. Each year, acceptance to PA school is becoming more competitive each year, and this book provides the tools to ensure you join the ranks.

In these pages, you'll learn how to:

Determine what PA schools are really looking for when they read your essay
Explain your path and motivations in a concise way
Shine on paper in comparison to the thousands of other applicants
Feel confident about pushing submit on your application

The personal statement narrative is your chance to impress your future alma mater and move one step closer to becoming a PA. This book is the key to help you reach your goal.

Part I provides logistics details of beginning your essay.

Part II breaks down the necessary content for your essay and mistakes to avoid.

Part III dives into the editing process for creating a polished personal statement.

Part IV dissects real example essays with editing notes.

Bonus - Experience Details, Supplemental Essays and Interview Essays!

If you need help to develop your essay into a strong piece of work you feel confident will move you one step closer to achieving your goal of becoming a physician assistant, snag your copy today!

Author - Savanna Perry, PA-C graduated from Augusta University's Physician Assistant Program in 2014. As a new grad, she created The PA Platform, a website to assist other students in becoming physician assistants. After helping hundreds of students gain acceptance through mock interviews, Savanna is sharing her advice in this book. Savanna is also the founder of The Pre-PA Club podcast.

Book 1 of 2 Physician Assistant School Guides
Print length 212 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publication date March 14, 2021
File size 3228 KB
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08YY7RCJT
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 14, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3228 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
#285 in Medical Education & Training (Kindle Store)
#776 in Medical Education & Training (Books)
#2,056 in Education & Reference (Kindle Store)

About the author

Savanna perry.

Savanna Perry, PA-C graduated from Augusta University’s Physician Assistant Program in 2014. As a new grad, she created The PA Platform (www.thePAplatform.com), a website to assist students in becoming physician assistants. After helping hundreds of students gain acceptance through mock interviews, Savanna is sharing her advice in this book. She currently practices full time in outpatient dermatology. Savanna is also the creator of The Pre-PA Club podcast.

You can follow Savanna on Instagram - @thePAplatform

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Exterior of large beige building with sign that reads 'The School District of Philadelphia'

Philly schools are in disrepair − the municipal bond market is 1 big reason

Associate Professor of Education Policy, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

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David I. Backer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Graphic reading '43 cents is the share of every dollar loaned to repair Philly schools that is actually spent'

Many of Philadelphia’s schools are in terrible shape . The average public school building in the city is over 70 years old, and some are over 120 years old . The state of disrepair, including a lack of air conditioning and incidents of untreated asbestos , mold , crumbling ceilings and flooded hallways , is well documented.

I am a scholar of school finance, with an emphasis on infrastructure . My colleague Camika Royal , who’s an expert on urban education and Philadelphia schools , and I wanted to figure out why the city’s school buildings are like this.

We found that one key figure explains the dire state of the city’s school buildings: Only 43 cents of every dollar loaned to the School District of Philadelphia in recent decades to maintain and repair its buildings was actually spent.

In other words, a majority of the money – the other 57 cents per dollar – meant for building and maintaining Philly schools during the nearly 30-year period we studied, from 1993 to 2021, never actually reached Philly schools.

This is not due to money going missing. Rather, it is an indicator of the overall inefficiency of how maintenance and repairs to Philly’s public school facilities are financed.

Our analysis was published in the June 2024 edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of Educational Administration and History .

Reliance on Wall Street

Pennsylvania, unlike states such as Massachusetts and Wyoming that have robust policies for financing school infrastructure, does not have a statewide program that provides sufficient revenue for school facilities.

The commonwealth’s PlanCon program, for instance, which had reimbursed districts for building costs, was defunded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis . It hasn’t been fully restored.

While Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program into law in 2024 to provide grants for school buildings statewide, the program – funded with US$100 million – is pitifully small. Philly’s school buildings alone need at least $7 billion for repairs and upgrades , according to Superintendent Tony Watlington.

To get the money it needs for its buildings and infrastructure, the School District of Philadelphia has to sell itself as an investment product on Wall Street. This is done through municipal bonds .

Municipal bonds are basically big loans for local governments’ capital projects.

Investors purchase these municipal bonds because they can make tax-free income when the school district pays them back with interest.

Financial consultants, credit raters, bond lawyers and private banks all benefit from this system as well, since they charge fees for the services helping investors front their money to school districts.

Market mayhem

The municipal bond market is subject to the erratic, competitive and unstable tendencies of Wall Street finance.

Imagine a rusty, outdated plumbing system that’s supposed to get water from a reservoir to a community. While the reservoir might have a lot of water in it, if the pipes are poorly designed and leaking, or the reservoir itself is badly maintained, much less water can get to the community than might be available. It could be that for every 100 gallons of water available, the community gets only 43 gallons.

Looking at the financial history of the school district’s relationship to the municipal bond market from 1993 to 2021, we found two main reasons for the failure of this funding model.

The first is the chaos in credit markets from 1993 to 2001.

In 1986, the Tax Reform Act regulated private banks, making it harder for them to buy and sell private activity bonds, and also taxed interest on certain bonds. This prompted many banks to pull out of that market, reducing their share of municipal debt by 15%. Credit supply went down, demand went up, and so did prices – making it more expensive for municipalities like Philadelphia to borrow.

Then, in 1987, the savings and loan crisis caused state budgets to contract nationally by 5% . This reduced Philadelphia School District revenue, making it more difficult to repay previous bonds while also necessitating further lending.

The second key reason relates to predatory investing strategies that lawmakers and the financial industry use to secure money for the district’s buildings.

After deregulating the kinds of bonds that local governments could sell in 2003, Pennsylvania took control of the Philadelphia School District’s finances. Under the leadership of former Superintendent Paul Vallas, the district used risky and predatory market instruments that ultimately led to a $330 million loss in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Green New Deal for schools

An efficient policy for financing school infrastructure would yield a number closer to a dollar spent for every dollar received in loans. We conclude our paper with recommendations for policies we believe would be more efficient and just.

These include setting up a National Infrastructure Bank at the federal level that would provide appropriate loan financing for collective goods such as school infrastructure. Also, U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York has proposed a Green New Deal for Schools that would provide more than $1 trillion in grants for social and physical infrastructure.

Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Municipal bonds
School infrastructure

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The 2-Step Prep for Your PA School Personal Statement｜Be a Physician
12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement
PA School Personal Statement Guide
When you are writing a pa school essay, you must pay attention on skill
30 Personal Statement for School
Personal Statement Pa School Samples

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12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement
7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, "A PA Changed My Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, "I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, "She Smiled, Said "Gracias!" and Gave me a Big Hug".
PA School Personal Statement: Complete Guide + Examples
Learn how to write a stand-out PA school personal statement in this complete guide. We discuss PA personal statement samples, format, and more. Get in touch: +1-800-727-0780. Admissions Consulting. Medical. Residency. Dentistry. ... PA School Personal Statement: Complete Guide + Examples. March 21, 2024. 6 min read.
PA Personal Statement: The Definitive Guide
Your PA personal statement is one of the most important PA school requirements.Writing a stellar PA personal statement is difficult for many students, however, this statement is vital for distinguishing your application from all the others and getting into the best PA schools.A well-crafted, memorable statement is your golden ticket to a PA school interview, so in today's blog, you'll learn ...
31 Physician Assistant Personal Statement Examples
Below, are 31 PA school application essays and personal statements pulled from our FREE personal statement and essay collaborative comments section. This is an unedited sample of PA school essay submissions, meant to provide you with some insight into how other applicants are approaching their CASPA personal statements. Real World PA School Personal Statements These
How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant Personal Statement for PA
7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, "A PA Changed My Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, "I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, "She Smiled, Said "Gracias!" and Gave me a Big Hug".
PA School Personal Statement Guide
In Physician Assistant Personal Statement Guide, Savanna Perry, PA-C walks you through the essential steps to making your essay stand out. You will learn to showcase who you are in a way that will leave your admissions committee reader excited to meet you. Acceptance to PA school is becoming more competitive each year, and this book provides ...
Crafting Your PA School Personal Statement
Follow myPAbox YouTube channel at @mypabox. A personal statement allows you to share the integral details of your pre-PA journey with admission committees. It's a chance to show case attributes that are not already included within your CASPA application. A well-crafted personal statement can be your ticket to an interview.
Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact
It should not rehash your CV, be loaded with clichés, or focus solely on a story that portrays you as a victim. The character limit for the CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) personal statement is 5,000 - which includes spaces! Some people at first believe the limit is 5,000 words and end up having to severely ...
PA Personal Statement
According to the Johns Hopkins Physician Assistant guide, the best PA school applicants demonstrate the following: Experience-based knowledge of what a PA career entails; Compassionate and caring attitude toward others; ... Tips on Writing the Best PA Personal Statement. Physician assistant programs have a reputation for being competitive. In ...
Personal Statement 101: Getting Started
Personal Statement 101: Getting Started. After you've taken some time to brainstorm what content you want to include in your personal statement, it's time to actually start writing! There's no denying this can be difficult. My advice is to just start writing. You can always go back and edit your essay later, but just get some words down on paper.
Episode 45: Webinar Series
Episode 45: Webinar Series - Crafting a Personal Statement for PA School. In this episode, I go over the process of writing your personal statement for PA school, getting over writer's block, what you should and should NOT include, and why the personal statement is the most important part of your application!
Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and
This item: Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Write Your PA School Essay (Physician Assistant School Guides) $20.99 $ 20 . 99 Get it as soon as Saturday, Jun 29
The Ultimate PA School Personal Statement Starter Kit
7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, "A PA Changed My Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, "I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, "She Smiled, Said "Gracias!" and Gave me a Big Hug".
PERSONAL STATEMENT DO'S AND DON'TS
The personal statement requirement for PA school is one of the most important parts of your application. Your personal statement gives the admissions committee an inside look at your personality, aspirations, and experiences. This is an opportunity to show PA programs why you chose to pursue the PA field and why they should choose you to be a ...
The 2-Step Prep for Your PA School Personal Statement
Starting a PA school personal statement can seem overwhelming. After months or years of hard work, the CASPA application tasks you with summing up your story in just 5000 characters (around 700-800 words). Most applicants wait until they are ready to sit down and knock out the entire essay to start writing.
Steps to Writing a Personal Statement
Pour out your words and passion about why you want to be a PA and then change it and edit later. Your first draft will definitely not be your last draft and may not even have the same main ideas. Sit down for 30 minutes with no distractions, no computer, no email, no phone. If you want to type it, that's fine.
Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, "A PA Changed My Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, "I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, "She Smiled, Said "Gracias!" and Gave me a Big Hug".
Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and
In Physician Assistant Personal Statement Guide, Savanna Perry, PA-C walks you through the essential steps to making your essay stand out. You will learn to showcase who you are in a way that will leave your admissions committee reader excited to meet you. Each year, acceptance to PA school is becoming more competitive each year, and this book ...
PA School Personal Statement
PA School Personal Statement Guide Resources. MAPPD Podcast Youtube PA School Interview Course Application Timeline Resume Template Personal Statement Worksheet FREE Personal Statement E-mail Course Interview Worksheet Pre-PA Club Curriculum ...
5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School
PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, "I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, "Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, "That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life".
Philly schools are in disrepair − the municipal bond market is 1 big reason
In other words, a majority of the money - the other 57 cents per dollar - meant for building and maintaining Philly schools during the nearly 30-year period we studied, from 1993 to 2021 ...
Reapplying to PA School? Reapplicant Personal Statement Tips
Reapplicant Personal Statement Tips. Pre-PA. While it can be disheartening to not get accepted to PA school on your first attempt, it's important to remember that reapplying is an opportunity for growth and improvement. Your personal statement is your chance to demonstrate maturity, address any weaknesses, and showcase your continued dedication ...
Personal Statement 101: Content
Personal Story: Use your personal statement as an opportunity to share your unique journey and experiences that have led you to pursue a career as a PA. Highlight moments, encounters, or events that have shaped your passion for healthcare and the PA profession. Make sure to connect these experiences back to your decision to become a PA.
10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer
PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, "Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, "That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life". PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, "I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.".
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) Strategies for PA School: A Comprehensive
Preparing for PA school interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when facing the unique challenges of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Unlike traditional interviews, MMIs involve a series of short, focused interactions at various stations, each designed to assess different aspects of your abilities. Whether it's handling ethical dilemmas, behavioral questions, demonstrating communication ...

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PA Personal Statement: The Definitive Guide

Article Contents 28 min read

How to Write A Killer PA Personal Statement

#2 Highlight your experiences and skills appropriately.

#4 Be Original.

Common PA Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid

#2 Casting yourself as the victim.

#3 Telling instead of showing.

#5 Failing to have a strong conclusion.

#6 Relying on clichés.

#7 Failing to reflect.

#8 Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

7 More PA Personal Statement Examples

PA Personal Statement Example #5

PA Personal Statement Example #7

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Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact [Including a PA Personal Statement Example]

PA School Personal Statement Example

What makes this PA personal statement outstanding?

1. The writer specifically explains “why PA” from the first paragraph to the last.

2. The writer demonstrates a longitudinal pattern of behavior and involvement that supports her educational goal.

3. An appealing balance of personal motivations and professional goals are represented in the essay.

PA Personal Statement

Understanding the PA Personal Statement Prompt

What PA Schools Are Looking for

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PA STATEMENTS RESOURCES

PERSONAL STATEMENT DO’S AND DON’TS

Here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” for the PA school personal statement:

PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL STATEMENT REVISION

PERSONAL STATEMENT EDITS

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Physician Assistant School Personal Statement Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Write Your PA School Essay (Physician Assistant School Guides Book 2) Kindle Edition

Are you struggling to explain why you want to be a physician assistant in 5,000 characters? Is writer's block preventing you from expressing your passion to become a PA?

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Philly schools are in disrepair − the municipal bond market is 1 big reason

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Reliance on Wall Street

Market mayhem

Green New Deal for schools