So you’ve decided that you want to become a Physician Assistant and will be applying for the PA training program soon. Letters of recommendation can be a critical part of the process, so there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize your chances of acceptance. The following checklist should help avoid critical errors.
1. Start tracking your lyrics early. You should start asking references if they are willing to write you a letter sooner because it takes time to get an agreement from the writers, it takes time for your references to actually write their letters and submit them, and generally speaking the sooner your request is submitted. full, the better your chances of getting in. This is particularly true if you apply through CASPA.
2. Use references that have broad appeal. Most schools will ask you to apply through the Central Service for Physician Assistants Application (CASPA). CASPA requires that you obtain three letters of reference. Upon receipt, CASPA will distribute the same three letters to each school to which you apply. For this reason, you should choose references that appeal to the widest range of schools. If you are concerned about appealing to the specific requirements of a particular school, you can mention them in your essay or on a secondary application, which you can complete later in the application process.
3. Clinical references are often better than academic references. In most cases, schools would rather learn about your clinical experiences than about your academic performance. This means looking for references who have supervised or worked closely with you in a clinical (patient) setting. It makes sense, because this information speaks directly to your potential as a personal assistant. The only exception is if you have a weak academic background (low grades or your course work is more than 3 years old). In this case, you should consider getting a letter from the instructor of a class you did well in, preferably in a science prerequisite.
4. Look for letters from people you are sure support you. It may sound obvious, but many people don’t. Find someone you really like and who supports your decision to apply for PA training. If you’re not sure, ask them, “I’m applying to physician assistant schools and I’m starting to think about my letters of recommendation. Would you feel able to support me by writing a letter of recommendation if I ask you?” You?” If your answer is anything less than an enthusiastic “Yes!” then consider looking for someone else.
5. Use the electronic submission method if possible. Electronic submissions are easier for you, your referral, CASPA, and the schools you hope to attend. Simply provide CASPA with your referral’s name, title, title, and email address, and how you know them. Let your references know ahead of time when you will be submitting their information so they can assess when the letter will need to be written. Once they have completed their letter, they will email it to CASPA. Exception: If you submit a letter from an admissions committee. Committee letters count as one letter and must be submitted as hard copies, on institution letterhead.
6. Give up your right to review your letters. CASPA gives you the option to waive your right to review your letters, and you should. Not waiving this right means you might want to see them for yourself, and it means you’re not sure they’re doing a good job of you. This is a bit like asking a potential employer not to contact your previous employer: a clear red flag for an applications committee.
7. When you’re done, send a thank you card to your letter writers. (and maybe even a small gift – Starbucks gift cards are appropriate). This is just good manners. It shows your appreciation and keeps it in good condition in case you need to reapply next year.
Once your letters are complete and sent, you can cross this item off your extensive to-do list and breathe a little easier. Good luck!