Hello!
My name is Alex Bostrom and I am a grad from URI class of 2023 with a bachelors in Biological Sciences. I am currently a second year PA student at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. I am here to share some things I wish I had known before applying and starting the process.
As you all may already know, there is a variable amount of clinical experience required with the PA application that differentiates it from other medical professions. Just to give an idea on some of the pre-reqs for the application cycle that I wish I had known going into it: average clinical experience in my class was ~2500 hours, so the earlier you start, the better.
Experience hours came from a variety of specialties, myself and many others were dermatology MAs, many in primary care, ophthalmology, OBGYN, and tons of EMT/paramedics. Grades are also unfortunately a crucial part of the application process and are becoming more and more competitive, our class average GPA was 3.82 overall, so do your best to keep your grades up in undergrad.
Another piece of the application that truly can distinguish your application from another is the personal statement. I have spoken to the Tufts admissions committee, and they confirm that other than fulfilling the class pre-reqs required to apply, this is the most important thing in an application. This is a chance to share what makes you different from the other applicants and speak directly to each program about why you want to become a PA. This is the part of the application that took me the longest, and should be a topic you spend time thinking about and forming into a clear concise topic.
Finding references for letters of recommendation is absolutely essential. Diversifying the titles of those submitting letters (PAs, MDs, professors, etc) can give a more complete recommendation.
For those looking for other things to do while still in undergrad, leadership positions, volunteering, and adding as many clinical hours as possible is a great place to start.
My final words of advice are to remain patient and persistent with your applications, there were 4,000 applicants for a 50 seat class this past year. It may take some time and multiple attempts to get in, and that is expected. Nearly every student in my class took multiple attempts, and ages at the start of the program ranged from 22-47. Take any and all opportunities to better your application and your medical knowledge for your future as a provider.
Everyone’s experience to get into PA school is unique, but I hope some of this information was helpful. Go Rams!