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Selection Process

1. The Graduate School evaluates applications for admission to the graduate college.
2. The PA Program evaluates applications for admission to the PA Program. Candidates who have met the minimum requirements for acceptance compete for positions in the class. Because acceptance can be highly competitive, the program has established selection factors (see below) upon which selections will be made.
3. Applications through CASPA become available in April. They may be submitted through CASPA from April until October 1. Applications are reviewed by the program as they are received from CASPA. The review of the written application materials is used to determine which candidates will be invited for interviews.
4. A select number of candidates will be invited for on-campus interviews. These will be held October - March.  Only applicants who have submitted both applications will be invited to interview.
5. Positions are offered on a rolling admission basis as interviews are conducted. Candidates will be ranked following their interview and top candidates are offered positions in the upcoming class.  The size of the class admitted is limited to 25 students. So, it is wise to submit one’s application early in the process.

Selection Factors:

1. ACADEMIC PREPARATION:
   Academic preparation is evaluated in terms of overall grade point average (GPA), science GPA, recent course work and performance in the prerequisite courses.  Prior academic work is also evaluated for the candidate's ability to successfully carry a full-time, science-based academic workload.  Patterns of repeating and withdrawing from courses as well as consistency in achievement are considered.
2. COMMUNICATION:
   A high degree of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages, though not required, is favorably considered.
3. FIT WITH THE PROGRAM AND THE PROFESSION:
   Evaluation includes determining that the candidate’s concepts of the PA profession are realistic and contribute to the program meeting its mission.  Candidates must demonstrate professional characteristics such as judgment, motivation, ethical behavior, maturity of insight, problem solving, self-awareness, self-confidence, and team skills essential to PA practice and a realistic understanding and approach to the rigors of the PA curriculum
4. HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE:
   Direct-patient-contact healthcare experience is evaluated in terms of the amount of experience, the level of responsibility experienced by the candidate and how it may relate to work as a PA.
5. SERVING SOCIETY:
   In keeping with the program mission, candidates are evaluated for potential to serve in a wide variety of medical settings.  Factors considered include the settings of prior healthcare and professional accomplishments, experience in urban, rural and other underserved areas, or in working with vulnerable populations.