MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Physicians Assistants were ranked as having the #3 Best Job in the US, as well as the #3 Best Job in Healthcare by the US News and World Reports list of 100 Best Jobs of 2017, so it is no mystery why the number of PA school applicants has reached an all time high over the past few years. However, an increased number of applicants is accompanied by increased admissions competition, and it is more important than ever that current and future applicants are aware of the PA school application process. Unfortunately, since the demand for Physicians Assistants in the medical field is only now becoming relevant, many Colleges and Universities across the country have underdeveloped pre-PA programs, if they have any at all. This guide breaks down the PA school application into sections, with each section containing a description on what needs to be done. The guide will also feature a timeline that can be followed throughout the application process, and a list of required courses and number of clinical hours. The guide will be based on the recommendations and requirements of several PA schools in the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as suggestions from admissions workers and PA’s who have been through the application process before. While this document is constructed directly for students at the University of Maryland, it will still be applicable for use at other Universities.

Readers profile: I imagine a reader who is a pre- health office worker at a College or University who would argue that since every PA school has different application requirements, there is no way to make a guide encapsulating the entire PA school application.


Readers Response: This document is a good start, but is not applicable for all PA school applications. One difference is that some PA schools will require the GRE with their application, while some require the MCAT with their application. In addition, every school has their own supplemental applications and requirements for courses and clinical hours.

J -- good plan. Can you address this reader by saying this within the relevant section, that application requirements vary widely? You can also use a table to show some of this information for some selected schools.

Do not forget to include all the relevant sources with their links in your bibliography, including guidance on these tests and study guides: GRE and MCAT.