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New Year’s Resolutions for Pre-PAs

in pre-pa, Uncategorized on 12/29/17

With the calendar about to flip and a new year upon us, it’s a perfect time to consider making some resolutions for 2018. Since “New Year’s Resolutions” have a reputation for being short-lived, we like to think of these as pledges to ourselves. These suggestions will make you better prepared to apply to PA school.

 

1. Buckle down and study hard

Whether you’re taking courses in your undergrad, taking additional classes to meet prerequisites, or getting certifications now is the time to make the most of your investment and get the best grade you possibly can the first time through the course. Nobody wants to have to retake a class because of a poor grade, so make sure you do it right the first time. That might mean additional study time. It might mean less sleep or time with friends. It will be worth it when you get a grade that reflects your commitment to this career path.

 

2. Start volunteering

This does not have to be medically related, although it can be useful to volunteer somewhere that feeds your interest in the medical field. Regardless, PA programs look for candidates who spend time giving back to the community at large. Youth sports teams, Big Brother/Big Sister, mentor, organize a blood drive, lead a fundraiser for an underfunded cause, volunteering can be anything that sparks a fire in you and gives back to the community.

 

 

3. Find a Physician Assistant to shadow

Even if you’re just discovering the PA field (and we’d suggest it’s just as important if you’re in that position) for a number of reasons it’s important to shadow a PA. Not only will it give you the opportunity to see “a day in the life” in real time, it will give you a glimpse of that PA’s area of practice. Because PAs are so versatile and can work in virtually any area, the more you know about how they function in different clinics, specialties, and emergency departments, the more informed you’ll be about the world ahead of you. Oh, and did we mention most schools require shadowing hours for all their applicants?

 

4. Cultivate good relationships with Mentors

No, we don’t mean you should become a teacher’s pet. However, professors are humans and making a connections with bright students is probably part of what keeps them in the profession. Be your wonderful, engaging self, and we’re confident you’ll naturally stand out from the crowd. Take it a step further and be the one to ask follow up questions, attend study sessions, and take advantage of all the learning opportunities you can get; in other words be one of the awake students.

 

Another beneficial relationship to establish is one with a medical professional. If you have a PA to talk to, they can offer key insights into the field and the application process.

 

5. Prepare for a Marathon

Don’t physically prepare for a marathon (unless that’s your thing, then totally go for it) but in the same way, prepare yourself mentally. Marathons are not only completed by putting one foot in front of the other. There’s a head game involved as well. There are five applicable principals in this article.

 

PC: Morguefile @danielemusella

 

The journey to PA school is not a short one. It takes time to accumulate the skills, experiences, and education required to be prepared to even apply to PA school. It’s not something one does quickly. There will be difficulty, sacrifices, all as investments in what can sometimes feel like a distant finish line. The better prepared you are mentally for the long haul, the more likely you are to stick with it and achieve your goal. (And just for laughs, you might find some parallels in this video about running a marathon.)

 

You can do it!

You probably have your own personal New Year’s Resolutions and we certainly wish you all the best with those. We think if you adopt one (or all) of our five pledges 2018 will be a fruitful and rewarding year, a year you look back on as one that successfully advanced your journey to PA school.

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

Angela, accepted at Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Coaching Package

I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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