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Application Process - Preprofessional - Academic Advising Center - The University of Utah
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Newsletter</a></li> <li><a href="/academic-standards/gpa-calculator.php">GPA Calculator</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul></nav> </div> </section> <!-- END PUSH NAVIGATION --> <!-- MAIN CONTENT --> <main class="uu-main" id="skip-link-target"> <nav aria-label="Breadcrumb" class="uu-breadcrumb"> <ol> <li><a href="/preprofessional/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/preprofessional/prephysician-assistant/">PrePhysician Assistant</a></li> <li><span class="sr-only">current page: </span>Application Process</li> </ol> </nav> <!-- SECTION 1 --> <section class="uu-section bg-white text-default uu-section--region-1" style=""> <div class="uu-section__container"><!-- SECTION HEADER --> <div class="uu-section__header "> <!-- PANEL --> <div class="c-panel has-filter extend-width top-stack ghost-border margin-bottom-2x " data-filter-terms="sample1 sample2" style=" background-image:url(/_resources/images/pattern-bg.png)"> <h1 class="text-callout-lg text-default-case text-center margin-top-1x">Physician Assistant School: <strong>Application Process</strong></h1> <hr class="hr-light-gray-lg hr-medium-gray-lg"> <p> </p> </div> <!-- END PANEL --> </div> <!-- END SECTION HEADER --> <!-- REGION 1 --> <div class="uu-section__region bg-white text-default no-border"> <!-- GRID LAYOUT --> <div class="c-grid-layout c-grid-layout--cell-4 ghost-border border-shadow center-content hover-link margin-bottom-2x"> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <p class="margin-top-1x"><span class="fal fa-edit is-large default-color " aria-hidden="true" style="" title=""><span>icon</span></span></p> <p class="h5 text-center margin-bottom-1x"><a href="#process">Application Process</a></p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <p class="margin-top-1x"><span class="fal fa-clock is-large default-color " aria-hidden="true" style="" title=""><span>icon</span></span></p> <p class="h5 text-center margin-bottom-1x"><a href="#timeline">Timeline</a></p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <p class="margin-top-1x"><span class="fal fa-tools is-large default-color " aria-hidden="true" style="" title=""><span>icon</span></span></p> <p class="h5 text-center margin-bottom-1x"><a href="#resources">Resources</a></p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <p class="margin-top-1x"><span class="fal fa-tasks is-large default-color " aria-hidden="true" style="" title=""><span>icon</span></span></p> <p class="h5 text-center margin-bottom-1x"><a href="/preprofessional/prephysician-assistant/general-preparation.php">General Preparation</a></p> </div> </div> <!-- END GRID LAYOUT --> <hr class="hr-u-red"> <h2 class="margin-top-2x"><span class="fal fa-edit default-size is-u-red " aria-hidden="true" style="padding-right: .3em;" title=""><span>icon</span></span><a id="process"></a>The Application Process</h2> <!-- ACCORDION --> <div class="accordion-group hvr-u-red "> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Overview</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>Most Physician Assistant (PA) programs admit students once a year, most commonly for Summer or Fall matriculation, but start dates range from May-January of the following year.</p> <p>Applications are submitted at least 12 months in advance of the desired enrollment date. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework, and successfully take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if necessary. All degrees must be posted to your transcript prior to starting a PA Program, and the timing is sensitive.</p> <p>While applying early in the cycle has advantages, the best time for<span> </span><strong><em><u>you</u></em></strong><span> </span>to apply is when your application is the best it can be.</p> <p>Requirements vary from school to school. Research schools<span> </span><em><u>early</u></em><span> </span>for specific information about requirements.</p> <p>Before submitting applications, have people with an unbiased eye go over each<span> </span><strong><u>entire</u></strong><span> </span>application to catch any errors. Your preprofessional advisor is happy to do this for you</p> <h3 class="h5 text-bold"><span>The PA Program Application process includes 4 or 5 main components</span></h3> <ol class="number-list"> <li>The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)—<em>Some schools</em></li> <li>Primary Application</li> <li>Letters of Recommendation</li> <li>Secondary Applications</li> <li>Interviews</li> </ol> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Research Schools</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>Follow social media of programs of your interest, visit their website, attend webinars, and visit their campus if possible. You can find the list of programs on the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) <a href="https://paeaonline.org/our-programs">Program Directory</a>.</p> <p>Choose schools that are of serious interest to you, but give your list enough variety to maximize your chances for admission.</p> <h3 class="h5">Types of Schools to Consider</h3> <ul> <li>one or two “reach” schools where your GPA and GRE might be on the low end</li> <li>at least one to two solid "back-up" schools at which your chances are very good</li> <li>several school where you are likely competitive, but in the middle of the pack</li> </ul> <p><strong>On average, students apply to 5- 10 programs</strong>. Assess your credentials realistically and give your school selection careful thought. You can also refer to our <a href="/preprofessional/prephysician-assistant/PA%20School%20Acceptance%20Summary2018.pdf">statistics for PA</a>.</p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Criteria for Choosing a Physicians Assistant School</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>Ask these questions as you select schools you want to apply;</p> <ul> <li>Size of School and size of individual classes.</li> <li>Location and environment--do you prefer a large metropolitan area or a smaller city atmosphere? What about surrounding area, quality of life, etc.?</li> <li>Cadaver labs and other facilities--quality of cadaver/simulation labs, tutoring and other academic support services, adequate staff, study/meeting space, open hours, etc.</li> <li>General “personality” of School--what are your impressions from their faculty representatives you meet? Are you looking for an intense, more competitive environment or more of a community feeling?</li> <li>Special interest areas: combined degree programs; specialized courses, student organizations in your area of interest; early decision program availability, etc.</li> <li>Student/faculty ratio.</li> <li>Student body--How do you fit in with GPA and Standardized Test Score averages of students previously admitted? How balanced and diverse is the student body? How is the student morale? Do students have input in operation of School?</li> <li>Faculty diversity—Are they largely all from the same background or relatively diverse with respect to race, creed, gender? Are they well-balanced in educational experiences or only from the same School or schools? What is the extent of their research and professional activities? </li> <li>Faculty-student relationships--Are faculty accessible and committed to teaching? Is there an “open door” policy?</li> <li>Opportunities for clinical programs, research, international clinical rotations, student-run free clinics etc.</li> <li>What student support programs are available? If applicable, what minority or disabled student services are available?</li> <li>What are the board certification exam passage rates? Are graduates finding employment in the geographic areas you are interested in? What are the average or median salaries of graduates?</li> <li>Tuition costs. You cannot ignore the cost, but neither can you use it as your only criterion. Consider the cost and potential indebtedness along with the other factors, and make sure you are choosing the right schools for the right reasons.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p><em>Some PA programs require the GRE.</em><span> </span>The GRE is administered throughout the year<strong>.<span> </span></strong>It may be repeated, but the best strategy is to prepare thoroughly and take it once. Taking the exam by spring the year before you wish to enter PA school will enable you to apply earlier. More information on the GRE, including sample questions, can be found here https://www.ets.org/gre/.</p> <p>August is the last GRE accepted by most schools for their following summer or fall entering class.</p> <p>GRE structure:</p> <ul> <li>2 multiple choice sections which are scored on a scale of 130-170</li> </ul> <ul> <ul> <li><em>Verbal Reasoning</em></li> <li><em>Quantitative Reasoning</em></li> </ul> <li>1<span> </span><em>Analytical Writing</em><span> </span>essay that is scored on a 6 point scale.</li> </ul> <p><span>University of Utah Continuing Education offers a <a href="https://continue.utah.edu/prep/graduate-admissions">GRE Prep Course</a>.</span></p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">CASPer</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">CASPer</h3> <p>Physician Assistant programs incorporate a variety tools in their assessment in order to gather a holistic view of their applicants, to make sure they are not only academically capable but also possess the characteristics of someone who will likely succeed on the job. One such tool used by many PA programs including the University of Utah, is CASPer®, which is a situational judgement test designed to assess how an individual will behave in certain situations.</p> <p>CASPer® assesses for 10 characteristics: Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Equity, Ethics, Motivation, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Resilience, and Self Awareness. </p> <p>It is a 90-110 minute virtually proctored assessment, made up of 2 sections. The first section is video responses, the second is typed responses, with a total of 14 scenarios to navigate. Scores will be sent to selected programs automatically, 2-3 weeks after the test date. </p> <p>Further information is on the CASPer website. <a href="https://acuityinsights.app/casper/">https://acuityinsights.app/casper/</a>.</p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Primary Applications</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>Primary Applications are processed through a central application service called the <a href="https://caspa.liaisoncas.com">Central Application Service for Physician Assistants</a> (CASPA). Primary applications are not school specific. The same information is sent to all schools to which you are applying.</p> <p><strong>Deadlines:</strong><span> </span>CASPA is Available Online in mid April through early March. Program deadlines range from July – March. UPAP’s deadline is on August 1.</p> <p>Because many schools use a rolling admission process (they begin reviewing applications and admitting before deadlines), it will enhance your chances if you<span> </span><strong><em>submit your application early<span> </span></em></strong>regardless of when you take the GRE.</p> <p>Make sure you will have plenty of time to fill out the application. Completing the application will take at least one week, and most students take several weeks.<span> </span><em>READ ALL INSTRUCTION MANUALS AND DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!</em></p> <p>The CASPA Application will include:</p> <ul> <li>Your GRE score, if applicable</li> <li>A list of all college classes taken, as well as official transcripts from each college where you have earned credit.</li> <li>A list and descriptions of your activities since graduating from high school</li> <li>A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant</li> <li>Letters of Recommendations</li> </ul> <p>NOTE: To help us advise other students, we would appreciate it if you would release your statistical information from your applications to the Health Professions Advisor when prompted. This information will always be kept confidential.</p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Personal Essay</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>The personal essay is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career as a physician. Remember, why you want to be a physician is different from how you were inspired to become one. Describe your current passion for the field with specific examples from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information.</p> <p><strong>Remember</strong>, your audience is smarter, has more medical knowledge, and knows what is like to be a physician. Don’t try to impress them with your knowledge of the field.</p> <p>Get feedback! Have 3 or 4 people you can trust to be honest with you (professor, doctor, medical student, parent, advisor,<span> </span><a href="https://writingcenter.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Writing Center</a>, tutor, etc.) read your essay and offer feedback. Do not ask too many people to read it. Having too many opinions can become confusing.</p> <p>Use our <a href="/preprofessional/Personal%20Statement%20Guide.pdf">Personal Statement Guide</a> for more information.</p> <!-- CUSTOM COLUMNS --> <div class="c-cols c-cols--2 has-border"> <div class="c-cols__item "> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">Dos</h3> <p>DO answer the questions “Why do you want to be a Physician Assistant?”</p> <p>DO concentrate more on actual experiences rather than speculation about future accomplishments.</p> <p>DO focus more on what you can<span> </span><em>give</em><span> </span>rather than on what you can<span> </span><em>get<span> </span></em>by becoming a Physician Assistant</p> <p>DO limit the number of “I” statements you use</p> <p>DO share your background if it is appropriate</p> <p>DO describe meaningful experiences</p> <p>DO use all five senses as you tell your story</p> <p>DO pay careful attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation</p> </div> <div class="c-cols__item "> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">Don'ts</h3> <p>DO NOT devote too much space to writing about other people (family, patients, PA you shadowed)</p> <p>DO NOT summarize or simply repeat what is on the activity list on your primary application</p> <p>DO NOT use overly flowery language or words you do not know how to use</p> <p>DO NOT overuse medical terminology or abbreviations</p> <p>DO NOT assume everyone knows what you know</p> <p>DO NOT try to make jokes</p> <p>DO NOT use foreign language</p> <p>DO NOT begin your essay with a quote</p> </div> </div> <!-- END CUSTOM COLUMNS --> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Letters of Recommendation</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">Submitting Letters of Recommendation</h3> <p>You will have your letters submitted to CASPA. From there they will be distributed to the PA programs to which you apply. These programs will request Letters of Recommendation (LORs) after they receive your CASPA Primary Application, so do not delay submitting your primary application while waiting for letters to arrive.</p> <p>Requirements for letters vary between schools, so research schools early and know what you need. Most schools require 3 or 4 letters.</p> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">Requesting Letters of Recommendation</h3> <ul> <li>Ask if potential writers if they feel capable of writing a supportive letter. If anyone is hesitant, you should probably try someone else.</li> <li>Get business cards with your recommenders’ contact information.</li> <li>Ask if recommenders would welcome any written background material. You could include a brief biographical sketch or resume, your interests and activities, career goals, and motivation toward your intended profession. You could also include a snapshot, a copy of a paper or assignment from their class, or transcript.</li> <li>For recommenders who are unsure of how to write a good letter, the PPA Advising office provides our<span> </span><a href="/preprofessional/_resources/ppa_resources/lor_resources/letter_of_rec_guidelines_for_writers_may2023.pdf">Guidelines for Letter Writers</a>.</li> <li>Always give recommenders ample time. Two to three weeks at a minimum. Follow up to make sure that your letters have been sent.</li> <li>Send thank you notes.</li> </ul> <p>For more detailed information, check out our<span> </span><a href="/preprofessional/_resources/ppa_resources/lor_resources/letter_of_rec_how_to_may2023.pdf"><em>“How To” Guide</em></a>.</p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Secondary Applications</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>Once PA programs receive your Primary Application, they will send out Secondary Applications. You will generally have a month to complete these. These are specific to each school, and vary in length and structure, but often require one or more additional essay. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.</p> <p>Some Schools send Secondary Applications to every student who submitted a Primary Application. Other schools will screen Primary Applications first and only send Secondary Applications to students who make the cut.</p> <p>Secondary Applications usually have a fee attached, so it is a good idea to reevaluate your list of schools at this point. If you have changed your mind about applying to a school, you do not have to complete their Secondary Application.</p> </div> </div> </section> <section class="accordion-group__accordion"> <header class="accordion-group__accordion-head"> <h3 class="accordion-group__accordion-heading"><button type="button" class="accordion-group__accordion-btn">Interviews</button></h3> </header> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-panel"> <div class="accordion-group__accordion-content"> <p>The final stage of the application process is the interview. If you receive an invitation for an interview, that is an indication that a program has decided that you are a qualified applicant and they want to get to know you better. Most PA Programs hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, written essays, school tours, and opportunities to meet students and faculty. Remember: <strong><em>the entire day is the interview</em></strong>, not just those times when you are in a formal meeting. Be on your best professional behavior all day!</p> <p>Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The PreProfessional Advising office can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.</p> <p>The most common types of interviews are:</p> <ul> <li>One-on-one interview <ul> <li>Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews</li> </ul> </li> <li>Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) <ul> <li>7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow up questions, or play out the scenario with a trained actor.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Group interview <ul> <li>May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4><strong>PrePA Mock Interviews Offered Through PPA</strong></h4> <p>The PreProfessional Advising Office offers traditional one-on-one mock interviews for current and former University of Utah prePA students. </p> <ul> <li>Our tranditional mock interviews are one hour long. The first half will consisit of the actual interview and the second half consists of the advisor providing verbal feedback.</li> <li><strong>To schedule a traditional mock interview, please call our office at 801.581.5744</strong><span> </span>to have our reception team schedule this appointment. <span> </span><strong><em><span>Students cannot schedule these mock interviews online</span></em></strong>; they must call. If a student schedules a regular 45-minute appointment online, the<span> </span><strong>advisor will not conduct the mock interview</strong>. </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> </div> <!-- END ACCORDION --> </div> <!-- END REGION 1 --> <!-- SECTION FOOTER --> <div class="uu-section__footer "> <p></p> </div> <!-- END SECTION FOOTER --> </div> </section> <!-- END SECTION 1 --> <!-- SECTION 2 --> <section class="uu-section bg-light-gray text-default uu-section--region-1 slope-right" style=""> <div class="uu-section__container"><!-- SECTION HEADER --> <!-- END SECTION HEADER --> <!-- REGION 1 --> <div class="uu-section__region bg-transparent no-border"> <h2><span class="fal fa-clock default-size is-u-red " aria-hidden="true" style="padding-right: .3em;" title=""><span>icon</span></span><a id="timeline"></a>Timeline</h2> <h3 class="margin-top-1x">General Timeline</h3> <!-- GRID LAYOUT --> <div class="c-grid-layout c-grid-layout--cell-3 ghost-border border-shadow wrap-left"> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">When to Submit</h4> <p>Applications are submitted at least 12 months in advance of the desired enrollment date. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework, (and successfully take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if necessary.)</p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">CASPA Timeline</h3> <p>It is helpful to create a timeline for yourself when applying to PA school but your timeline should be flexible. Course scheduling, professional exams, extra-curricular activities, deadline changes, etc. all contribute to the need of having flexibility in your timeline.</p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">Create your Timeline</h4> <p>For specific application deadline dates, you should always check the<span> </span><a href="https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center">CASPA</a>.</p> </div> </div> <!-- END GRID LAYOUT --> <h3 class="margin-top-1x">Prior to Applying</h3> <!-- GRID LAYOUT --> <div class="c-grid-layout c-grid-layout--cell-3 ghost-border border-shadow wrap-left"> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">Letters of Recommendation</h4> <p>Talk to potential writers of your Letters of Recommendation. Give them plenty of time to write the letters. The PPA website has helpful information on asking for letters and guidelines that you can give to your writers.</p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="h4 text-bold">Continue Extracurriculars</h3> <p>Continue with your volunteer, work or research activities until you have received an acceptance letter from a medical school.</p> <p><strong>Do not stop these activities until you have an official offer of admission.</strong> It may take two or more application cycles to gain admission, so you need to be continually improving your application until you do.</p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">GRE</h4> <p><a href="https://www.ets.org/gre">Prepare for and take the Graduate Record Exam</a>. Try to take it by May/June of the year you submit your application.</p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">Research Specific School Requirements</h4> <p>Research schools/programs using the <a href="http://directory.paeaonline.org">Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Directory</a>.</p> </div> </div> <!-- END GRID LAYOUT --> <h3 class="margin-top-1x">The Application Year</h3> <!-- GRID LAYOUT --> <div class="c-grid-layout c-grid-layout--cell-3 ghost-border border-shadow wrap-left"> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">April - May</h4> <ul> <li>Primary Applications through CASPA opens in late April. Begin to fill out primary applications as soon as possible.<span> </span><em>Read instruction manuals carefully.</em></li> <li>Order official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended to be sent to CASPA</li> </ul> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">June – July</h4> <ul> <li>Make sure LORs have been sent</li> <li>Complete CASPA Academic Updates</li> <li>Complete secondary applications to applicants (if invited to complete a secondary application, submit them sooner rather than later).</li> </ul> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h4 class="text-bold">August - April</h4> <ul> <li>Prepare for and attend interviews. Interviews occur from August through Spring</li> <ul> <li>The PPA Advising office offers mock interviews so you can practice. If you have an interview scheduled, call the office 801-581-5744 and ask to schedule a mock interview.</li> </ul> <li>Continue to complete and submit secondary applications (check deadline dates).</li> <li>Some schools notify applicants of acceptances October 15. Notifications continue until the class is full.</li> <li>Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid,<span> </span><a href="https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa">FAFSA</a><span> </span>, in October.</li> <li>By April 30, applicants to AMCAS schools should only be holding a spot at one school. They may remain on waitlists for other schools.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- END GRID LAYOUT --> </div> <!-- END REGION 1 --> <!-- SECTION FOOTER --> <!-- END SECTION FOOTER --> </div> </section> <!-- END SECTION 2 --> <!-- SECTION 3 --> <section class="uu-section bg-white text-default uu-section--region-1" style=""> <div class="uu-section__container"><!-- SECTION HEADER --> <!-- END SECTION HEADER --> <!-- REGION 1 --> <div class="uu-section__region bg-white text-default no-border"> <h2><span class="fal fa-tools default-size is-u-red " aria-hidden="true" style="padding-right: .3em;" title=""><span>icon</span></span><a id="resources"></a>Resources</h2> <!-- GRID LAYOUT --> <div class="c-grid-layout c-grid-layout--cell-2 ghost-border border-shadow wrap-left"> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="text-bold h4">Downloadable Resources</h3> <p><a class="uu-btn block" href="/preprofessional/_resources/ppa_resources/lor_resources/letter_of_rec_how_to_may2023.pdf">how to request letters of recommendation</a></p> <p><a class="uu-btn block" href="/preprofessional/_resources/ppa_resources/lor_resources/letter_of_rec_guidelines_for_writers_may2023.pdf">guidelines for letter writers</a></p> <p><a class="uu-btn block" href="/preprofessional/Personal%20Statement%20Guide.pdf">personal statement guide</a></p> <p><a class="uu-btn block" href="/preprofessional/prephysician-assistant/pa_acceptance_statistics/2022_caspa_acceptance_stats_mar_2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACCEPTANCE STATISTICS: CASPA</a></p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="text-bold h4">Helpful Websites</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://paeaonline.org/">Physician Assistant Education Association</a> (PAEA). Look under RESOURCES, then PA STUDENTS</li> <li><a href="http://directory.paeaonline.org/">PA Program Directory</a>. </li> <li><a href="http://pafocus.org/">PA Focus</a>, Resources for PrePA and PA students:</li> <li><a href="https://caspa.liaisoncas.com">Central Application Service for Physician Assistants</a> (CASPA)</li> <li><a href="https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center/Starting_Your_CASPA_Application/Getting_Started_with_Your_CASPA_Application/3_CASPA_Application_Fees"><strong>CASPA Fee Assistance Program</strong></a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="text-bold h4">Acceptance Statistics</h3> <p><span style="color: var(--cms-region--primary-black);"><a class="uu-btn white" href="/preprofessional/prephysician-assistant/pa_acceptance_statistics/caspa_acceptance_stats2023.pdf">PA SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE STATISTICS</a> </span></p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="c-grid-layout__cell bg-white text-default "> <h3 class="text-bold h4">Local Programs</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/physician-assistant-studies/">The University of Utah Physician Assistant Program</a> (UPAP)</li> </ul> <ul> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ul> <li><span></span>UPAP<span> </span><a href="https://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/physician-assistant-studies/program/admissions/info-sessions.php">Information Sessions</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><a href="https://rm.edu/mpas/">Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Provo, UT)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- END GRID LAYOUT --> </div> <!-- END REGION 1 --> <!-- SECTION FOOTER --> <div class="uu-section__footer "> <!-- PANEL --> <div class="c-panel bg-u-red text-inverse has-filter extend-width bottom-stack margin-top-2x " data-filter-terms="sample1 sample2" style=" "> <h2 class="h3 text-center margin-top-2x">Ready to meet with an advisor? 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