PA Timeline

It is important to create a timeline for yourself when applying to PA programs.
Course scheduling, extra-curricular activities, deadline changes, etc. all contribute to the need of having flexibility in your timeline.
For specific application deadline dates, you should always check individual PA program websites.
An online list of PA programs by state, including admissions deadlines, entrance requirements, credentials awarded, fees etc. can be found on the PAEA website.
Generally applications are submitted one year prior to the year you plan to attend.
Apply early in the application cycle, some programs practice rolling admissions and that can be beneficial to those that apply early in the cycle.
Here is a timeline that you should consider prior to and while applying to schools.

Prior to Applying

Take prerequisite courses and meet with advisors.
Begin to establish and develop “contacts” with people that may be willing to write a letter of recommendation such as professors, GSIs, campus staff members, community members, employment supervisors, etc.
Begin researching PA programs.
Get involved in extracurricular activities.
Consider taking additional vocational coursework to earn a certificate so you can work as a paraprofessional (i.e., Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, or Phlebotomist) in a healthcare setting and start accumulating direct Patient Care Experience (PCE). Refer to this page for an example of what some programs are looking for with regards to Patient Care Experience, scroll to the “Clinical Experience” section.
Prepare for and take the GRE, if needed.
Attend various health professional school workshops, graduate school fairs, etc.
Order and collect official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended.
Gather Letters of Recommendation.

Take the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) if you are applying to programs that require it.
Some PA programs will require the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) exam. Plan to take it before you apply.
Confirm deadline dates for individual PA programs.
Begin to fill out and submit applications for PA programs. If applicable, contact CASPA, or individual schools directly for specific questions that are not found in their instruction manuals.
Have letters of recommendation sent to individual schools or CASPA – check individual schools for specific criteria.
CASPA verifies primary application & begins releasing application to schools within four weeks of receipt.
Continue to work, volunteer, etc.

Most PA programs interview candidates.
Make an appointment for a Mock Interview with a pre-health advisor at Berkeley Career Engagement.
When interviews are completed, schools inform applicants of admission status. Admissions decision processes and timelines vary between PA programs.
Prior to Applying
Take prerequisite courses and meet with advisors
Begin to establish and develop “contacts” with professors, GSIs, campus staff members, community members, employment supervisors, etc.
Begin researching PA programs
Get involved in extracurricular activities
Consider taking additional vocational coursework to earn a certificate so you can work as a paraprofessional (i.e., paramedic, community health worker, medical assistant, or phlebotomist) in a healthcare setting and start accumulating direct patient hours (PCE).
Prepare for and take the GRE.
Attend various health professional school workshops, graduate school fairs, etc.
Order and collect official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended.
Gather Letters of Recommendation.

Should be taking the GRE or waiting for the release of your score from an earlier test.
Confirm deadline dates for individual PA programs.
Begin to fill out and submit applications for PA programs. If applicable, contact CASPA, or individual schools directly for specific questions that are not found in their instruction manuals
Have letters of recommendation sent to individual schools or CASPA – check individual schools for specific criteria
CASPA verifies primary application & begins releasing application to schools within four weeks of receipt
Continue to work, volunteer, etc.

Most PA programs interview candidates.
Make an appointment for a Mock Interview with a pre-health advisor at Berkeley Career Engagement.
When interviews are completed, schools inform applicants of admission status. Admissions decision processes and timelines vary between PA programs.