The CASPA is a universal application system that PA schools use to collect applications, make interviews with applicants, etc. Every PA student is required to make an account. This site also has useful information like a timeline, and multiple resources to help with applying.
Usually, because of the large amount of clinical hours, PAs tend to take a gap year, or multiple gap years in order to get them and the prerequisites. Because Pre-Med students have a very similar timetable to Pre-PA students, it is generally recommended to follow their timetable.
Application Timeline
- In first year and sophomore year:
- Focus on getting prerequisite classes, explore options for getting clinical experience, shadowing, creating a CASPA account (most schools use this site for applying), and look into various schools to apply to.
- January of junior year:
- Begin looking for letters of recommendations, continue clinical hours (unless you plan to take (a) gap year(s), and make sure you are on track with prerequisites. Most schools require at least 3 letters of recommendation.
- February-April of junior year:
- Begin work on a personal statement letter, compile a list of schools to apply to, and remind references about letters of recommendation.
- Late April of junior year:
- The CASPA opens in late April, so applicants should plan on applying at the end of May.
- June: invitations to interview.
- August-December of senior year: Interviews.