Supplemental Essay Library
Real examples. Real prompts. Real insight into what PA programs are asking—and how to answer them with confidence.
DISCLAIMER
This information was most recently updated in May of 2023. Please refer to CASPA and individual program websites as well for the most recent supplemental information. This page is meant to give you an idea of the types of prompts you can expect on many secondary applications for PA school. If you see any errors or would like to contribute any information, please email us at info@thepaplatform.com
State
University of Arkansas
Please describe specifically why you want to attend the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. (1000 charcters)
Please describe what cultural humility means to you and explain how you will embrace cultural humility in the classroom and in the clinical setting. (1000 characters)
Please provide any additional comments or information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider during the review. (5000 characters)
Faulkner university
2023 – None on CASPA
Samford University
What motivated you to apply to Samford University’s Master in Physician Assistant Studies Program? (3000 characters)
Tell us about your personal and clinical experience and how that makes you a good candidate for Samford University’s Master in Physician Assistant Studies program? (3000 characters)
Please describe how you fit into the Samford University’s Master in Physician Assistant Studies mission statement. (3000 characters)
Please describe how your academic preparation will make you successful in our Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. (3000 characters)
Have you previously applied to Samford University’s Master in Physician Assistant Studies program? Please answer yes or no. If yes, please discuss how you have improved your application over the last year. (500 characters)
Did you participate as a college level athlete? If yes, was it a D1, D2, D3 college level, and how long did you participate? (Not including intramurals or club sports) (500 characters)
University of Alabama (UAB)
Supplemental not on CASPA
Please provide any additional information that you wish the admissions committee to consider regarding the prerequisites or your academics. Include information about any deficiency in the pre-requisite courses, including a grade of “C” or less. Please comment on how you have rectified any deficiencies. Use Appendix A if additional space is needed.
What area of medicine are you interested in practicing and why?
Please use Appendix A to tell us why attending the UAB Physician Assistant Program is important to you. (Applicants for the MSPAS/MPH program should describe why the dual program is important.)
University of South Alabama
Supplemental not on CASPA
1500 characters – What attracts you to the University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Studies Program?
Arizona School Of Health Sciences – A.T. Still
Creighton University
Franklin Pierce University
Midwestern University Glendale
2023 – None in CASPA
Northern Arizona University
Harding university
If you have had a pattern of significant academic difficulty in the past and would like to provide a brief explanation, do so here. (1500 characters)
A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES (CENTRAL COAST)
250 words or less
Based on all prior coursework, which course or class was the most difficult and why?
Please share the types of learning you have experienced in prior coursework (lecture, small group, (a)synchronous, individual study) and your preference.
Have you ever taken a class delivered entirely in a small group learning format? Describe how this format is/is not a good fit for you.
Describe a time in your life where you overcame some difficult challenges, what helped you through those hard times and what did you learn from that experience?
California baptist university
Why do you want to attend California Baptist University? Describe in 250 words or less.
California State University – Monterey Bay
2023 – None
Chapman University
500 characters – If you indicated that you have previously applied to Chapman University’s PA Program, please describe what you have done in the past year to improve your application for this cycle. If not, please enter N/A.
CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY
2023 – None required
Dominican University of California
2023 – None required
Loma Linda University
Sent after CASPA is verified
Marshall B. Ketchum
Discuss the three most important priorities in your life, and how they apply to your interest in our PA program. (1,000 character limit including spaces)
What do you expect to contribute to this University and community? (1,000 character limit including spaces)
Choose one of the following topics to write about (1,000 character limit including spaces): (a) Tell us about a person from history or present day who has influenced your life, and how. (b) Tell us about a talent or interest you have outside of medicine. (c) Tell us about a book you read in the last year that had a big impact on you, and why. (d) Where do you see yourself in five years?
If you are a MBKU re-applicant, please tell us what cycle you applied (i.e. 2021-22) and what you have done to improve your application since then. If you are not a re-applicant, please enter “N/A”. (1,000 character limit including spaces)
Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University has a unique mission dedicated to service. Please tell us your experience with service to your community and, if applicable, to underserved populations. Please type your response below. No more than 200 words.
Samuel Merritt University
Provide specific examples of personal and/or professional experiences to demonstrate how you exemplify at least three of the core values of the Samuel Merritt University Physician Assistant Program. (List core values in the order of importance) (1000 characters)
If you feel there are deficiencies in any part of your application as a result of life circumstances, please explain those issues and how you have effectively addressed them. (1000 characters)
Samuel Merritt University values the unique contributions of students from diverse backgrounds. Please provide insight into the contribution you will make to our program and the PA profession as a result of your unique background and life experience. (1000 characters)
Southern California University of Health Sciences
How did you learn about SCU’s MSPA Program? (100 characters)
Please describe your interpretation of what integrative medicine means and why you are interested in attending SCU. (1000 characters)
Stanford University
Describe in more detail how you align with one of our program goals, including:
contributing to the diversity of the PA profession; working with underserved healthcare
communities; working with the Stanford healthcare community; engaging in patient- centered care; and demonstrating potential as a future PA leader. (2,000 characters)
Touro University California
Please provide the application year(s) and outcome(s) for your previous Touro University California MSPAS/MPH applications. Please enter “Did Not Apply” if you haven’t previously applied.
If you are a re-applicant to the Touro University California MSPAS/MPH program, what changes have you made which should result in a different outcome? Your response is limited to 250 words or less.
Other than those already listed in your application, please list your specific experiences working with a physician assistant. Include the clinical setting, field of medicine, the role you played (e.g., shadower, colleague, tec.), and the approximate number of hours. Your response should be limited to 100 words or less.
Using a social justice framework and a public health lens, the mission of the Touro University California Joint MSPAS/MPH program is to: Recruit applicants from under-resourced communities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in serving these communities. Educate quality PAs who will provide culturally sensitive care and advocate for under-resourced communities. Increase access to high-quality care for under-resourced communities with an emphasis in primary care.
What are the personal attributes you possess and/or the activities in which you’ve been involved which demonstrate your commitment to our mission? Your response should be limited to 350 words or less.
How do you envision fulfilling our mission as a graduate of this program? Your response should be limited to 350 words or less.
What challenges will your education in Public Health enable you to address in providing primary care to under-resourced populations? Your response should be limited to 350 words or less.
University of California – DAVIS
If you have every been enrolled in a graduate program and not completed your degree objective, please explain in detail the circumstances for terminating your enrollment. If you have completed your intended degree or have not enrolled in a graduate program, please enter N/A. (1000 characters)
University of California – San Diego CA
2023 – Must submit fee through program website to receive supplemental
University of La Verne
How did you hear about the program? (500 characters)
University of Southern California – Keck Graduate Institute
How do your values and experience make you a good fit for KGI? (2000 characters)
How can PAs be leaders in healthcare? (2000 characters)
An entrepreneurial or innovative spirit is central to KGI’s overall mission. Tell us about a time when you were able to create/implement an innovative idea or a new solution for an existing problem. (2000 characters)
Tell us about any life experiences you have had (unrelated to academics) where you demonstrated perseverance. (2000 characters)
What do you like to do in your spare time outside of healthcare or academics? (2000 characters)
University of the pacific
Please describe any leadership experience.
West Coast University
If you have course withdrawals or incompletes in your academic history/transcripts, please use the space below to document anything relevant/pertinent to those circumstances. (250 characters)
Describe your past, current, or plans for future service/intentions for service to underserved communities, individuals, and/or causes with examples of how these intentions relate to your career as a future Physician Assistant. (250 characters)
Describe your experience with online coursework, specifically delivery modality and all outcomes related to online coursework. (250 characters)
Please use the space below to document anything we need to know about your candidacy that isn’t detailed in the application or narrative section. (250 characters)
Western University of Health Sciences
2023 – None required
COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
In 250 words or less, please articulate your commitment to the CMU Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program mission and vision and how you have exemplified those values.
500 characters – How did you hear about the Colorado Mesa University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
500 characters – What interests you most about the Colorado Mesa University MPAS Program?
Red Rocks Community College
How do your prior experiences demonstrate you are a match for the Red Rocks Physician Assistant program? (500 characters)
Describe life challenges or obstacles you have overcome to prepare for a successful career as a physician assistant. (500 characters)
In what area of medicine do you want to practice?
Explain how your health care relevant experience has prepared you to succeed as a physician assistant. (500 characters)
Rocky Vista University
Please provide a creative autobiography. (3000 characters)
Please describe a stressful experience and its impact on your life. (3000 characters)
Please explain why you are a good match for the PA profession. (3000 characters)
Please explain why you are a good match specifically for the RVU PA Program. (3000 characters)
University Of Colorado
2023 – Submit through program website
Quinnipiac University
2023 – None required
Sacred Heart University
What will you bring to the Sacred Heart University PA program and the PA profession? (1200 characters)
How has your background and experience prepared you to be effective in an environment that holds diversity and inclusivity as core to our mission and values? (1200 characters)
Briefly describe a challenge that you overcame, and what you learned from the experience. (1200 characters)
Describe your paid, direct patient care experience(s) and what you have learned from that experience(s). (1200 characters)
University of Bridgeport
How does your personal mission align with the mission of the University of Bridgeport PA Institute? (2500 characters)
Describe a challenge that you have faced in your life, and how you overcame it. (2500 characters)
Through your observations when working with or shadowing PAs, describe an experience that you believe will shape your future practice as a PA. (2500 characters)
University of Saint Joseph
Please tell us how you relate to our mission and why you chose to apply to the USJ PA Studies Program. (2000 characters)
If you have applied to ANY PA program in the past, what have you done to improve yourself as a candidate since last admissions cycle? (1000 characters)
If desired, please include any additional information below you would like the admissions committee to consider to clarify portions of your CASPA application (i.e. course failures, gaps in educational or employment history, positive responses to CASPA background questions, etc) (2000 characters)
Yale University
Supplemental not on CASPA
500 word limit
The Yale PA Program’s Mission Statement states:
The mission of the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program is to educate individuals to become outstanding clinicians and to foster leaders who will serve their communities and advance the physician assistant profession. Please explain how you envision fulfilling our Mission as a graduate of the Program.
Diversity in all of its forms is valued at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program. Please describe how your background and experiences will contribute to this important focus, and how it will prepare you for a career as a Physician Associate.
How have you prepared to enter a program with an emphasis on clinical research? Describe your strengths and areas needing improvement.
Why have you chosen to specifically apply to the Yale PA Program?
Yale University School of Medicine – Online Program
If you have previously applied to the Yale PA Online program, please use this space to detail how you have improved your application since your last submission in any of the following areas: academics, hands-on patient care, volunteering experience, shadowing experience, or another area which you feel would impact your acceptance to the program. In addition, you may use this space to detail any other issues/concerns you would like to address for the admissions committee. This may include time lapses in higher education, academic issues, personal struggles, or clinical experience issues. 3000 characters
Arcadia University
1000 characters – Describe a non-academic challenge you have experienced and what you learned from that.
1000 characters – Describe a time when you misjudged someone and what you learned from that experience.
3000 characters – If applicable, please take this opportunity to explain any gaps in your education or work experience. If none, enter N/A.
1000 characters – If applicable, please explain any grades on your transcript other than C+ though A+ (i.e., NP, W, F, D, NG, etc). AP credits or transfer credits do not need to be explained. If none, enter N/A.
George Washington University
Why are you pursuing the joint Physician Assistant/Public Health program? (1500 characters)
At GW PA, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive learning community of students who embody our program mission. So that we may get to know you better as a complete person, please provide a written answer to each of the following prompts in 700 characters or less per prompt. The embedded questions should serve as a guide in framing your responses, however you do not need to answer all the questions contained in each item. You are welcome to draw upon information already shared in the Experiences tab, personal statement, or other parts of your application.
Describe a situation where you positively influenced or led others. (For example: What was your role? What responsibilities did you assume? Did you encounter any obstacles? If so, how did you overcome them?) (700 characters)
Describe a service activity or activities you have provided to a community or organization. How has your involvement contributed to it? (For example: How long were you involved with this group and why did you choose to get involved?) (700 characters)
Describe an interaction where you were involved or witnessed an act where an individual or group was being treated unfairly or discriminated against. (For example: How did you respond or not respond? Do you wish you would have responded differently?? What did you learn from this experience?) (700 characters)
Reflect upon a specific situation when you received constructive feedback. How did you respond and what, if anything, did you learn? (For example: How did you feel after receiving the feedback?) (700 characters)
Describe a situation when you utilized a support person or network to achieve a personal goal. ? (For example: What did you learn about yourself in completing this goal? How did achieving this goal impact you?) (700 characters)
Describe a non-academic or non-professional interest where you have learned a skill or gained new knowledge. (For example: How long have you been involved in this special interest? What knowledge have you developed? How has it expanded your ability to try new things or think differently?) (700 characters)
Adventhealth University
6000 characters
Please write a professional essay outlining why you are pursuing a career as a PA, experiences or interactions you have had with a PA, why you want to attend a faith-based institution, and specifically why you would like to attend AdventHealth University.
Barry University
2023 – None required
Florida Gulf Coast University
Application opens 8/1/23
Florida International University
What aspect of the FIU MPAS program lead to your decision to apply? (1000 characters)
What personal characteristics and skills make you well suited for this program? (1000 characters)
Address any deficiencies (if applicable) with your application (prereqs, grades etc.). Discuss your ability to be successful despite these deficiencies and include strategy you will use to succeed. Enter NA if not applicable. (1000 characters)
How did you learn about MPAS at FIU: MPAS website, recruitment event/fair (identify), presentation (identify), MPAS Information Session, Pre Health Advisor, s friend, a PA, and/or other? (500 characters)
Florida State University
Do you have any weaknesses on your application? If yes, explain. 1500 characters
Gannon University – Ruskin
2023 – None required
Miami-Dade College
Separate supplemental on program website
Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale
Please describe any extracurricular activities, your extent of involvement (offices held, etc.) dates of participation, and total number of hours (not hours per week) spent on each activity throughout your time in undergraduate or graduate school. (2000 characters)
Nova Southeastern University – Fort Myers
Do you have experience working with an underserved population? If yes, please describe your experiences with the underserved populations. (500 characters)
Nova Southeastern University – Jacksonville
Supplemental sent separately after completing CASPA
Nova Southeastern University – Orlando
Supplemental sent separately after completing CASPA
Palm Beach Atlantic University
What is the role of a PA? (500 characters)
Why do you want to come to Palm Beach Atlantic University? (500 characters)
What are some ways that you have impacted your community? (500 characters)
South University – Tampa
Are you applying to another South University campus (i.e. Savannah, Richmond, West Palm Beach, Austin)? If so, please provide the campus(es) to which you are applying? (75 characters)
How did you finance your undergraduate education? (150 characters)
If you have had a gap in your education, state the factors or reasons that contributed to this. If you have not had a gap in your education, please use N/A. (150 characters)
Please list any leadership positions you have held. (100 characters)
Do you have any personal military experience? If so, please explain your duties, obligations, and overall responsibilities. If not, please use N/A. (250 characters)
South University – West Palm Beach
2023 – None required
University of Florida
Have you attended a Summer Health Professional Education Program? If yes, what year and which institution? (1000 characters)
Please explain any circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance. (1000 characters)
Discuss any personal experience(s), unrelated to academics, where you demonstrated resiliency or perseverance. (2000 characters)
At UF SPAS, our values are rooted in excellence, integrity, diversity, compassion and service. Please provide one specific example, not mentioned elsewhere on your application, of how you demonstrate our values. (2000 characters)
At the UF SPAS, our mission is “to educate students to become physician assistants who will serve the people of Florida and the nation as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in a diverse and ever-changing healthcare environment.” Please discuss what attracts you to the UF SPAS and its mission. (2000 characters)
University of South Florida
Please explain any areas of difficulty you may have experienced in your academic performance and specifically describe how you have corrected any weaknesses. (1000 characters)
University of Tampa
2023 – No essays required
Augusta University
Not on CASPA. Check program website.
Brenau University
250 characters – In addition to your CASPA application, is there any additional information that you would like for Brenau University to consider in reviewing your application?
750 characters – Please explain any W’s, F’s or D’s on your transcript. If this does not apply, please enter N/A.
750 characters – Please describe in detail your participation in employment, extracurricular activities/ volunteer/community service that involved an average of at least 15 clock hours per week while in college during regular semester timeframes. Please provide contact information for someone who can confirm your participation in said activities. If not applicable, please enter N/A.
Emory University
Check program website
Mercer University
2023- Not in CASPA
Morehouse School of Medicine
Please describe ways in which you have demonstrated a commitment and/or experience in promoting and advancing health equity in your past or present endeavors.
Please indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating your application, including but not limited to the following: education, employment, extra curricular activities, and/or prevailing over adversity (academic or economic disadvantages).
PCOM Georgia
2023 – None on CASPA
South College – Atlanta
2023 – None on CASPA
South University – Savannah
2023 – None on CASPA
Hawai’i Pacific University HI
Not in CASPA – 2023
Idaho State University
READ CAREFULLY! This section relates ONLY to previous applications to Idaho State’s PA Program. This does NOT refer to applications to other PA programs, nor other Idaho State Graduate or Undergraduate programs.
If you previously applied to the ISU PA program, please indicate the year(s) that you submitted your application. If this is your first application, please enter NA. (100 characters)
Chamberlain University
1000 characters – (Optional) Please list your plans to complete any pending admission requirements (prerequisite coursework, GRE, etc.).
Dominican University Of Illinois
3000 characters – Please use this space only to elaborate on or clarify information noted in your application (e.g. Infraction details; low GPAs; for re-applicants: what have you done to improve your current application; etc.)
500 words – . This is a question for you to elaborate on your thoughts on the listed scenario. Please use no more than 500 words in your answer. It is winter and the emergency department has an influx of patients. To deter the non-emergent cases, the CEO decides to implement a $20 ER visit fee prior to being triaged and seen by a physician. This is regardless of a patient’s insurance status. The hope is that simple complaints like colds and stomach upset will be deterred from crowding the ER. What are your thoughts on this?
Midwestern University – Downers Grove
Please discuss any deficiencies in your application that have not already been addressed. (300 characters)
North Central College
2023 – None in CASPA
Northwestern University
Describe your experience working with members of underserved communities, or describe your approach to working with people who are different from you. Please include a specific example, Please answer only one of these two questions.
Roosevelt University
2023- Not in CASPA
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science continuously strives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all that we do. Each applicant’s lived experience provides an opportunity to contribute to our mission. Please share the ways in which your personal identities, experiences, or perspectives will enrich RFU’s DEI efforts at the individual, institutional, or community levels. (This optional statement may be considered for admission and/or scholarship purposes. You may update the information in this section at any time prior to submitting your application.) (9999 characters)
Rush University
Why do you want to attend the PA Program at Rush University?
Southern Illinois University
Please describe why you have chosen to apply to the SIU SOM PA Program and what makes you well-suited for admission to the Program. (1400 characters)
Describe those experiences you have had working with diverse populations and what you learned from those experiences about yourself. (1000 characters)
Touro College – Illinois
2023 – None in CASPA
Butler University
5000 characters – Describe your service experience(s) where you effectively provided benefit. When describing your experience(s), please include the impact your work had on the individual(s) with whom you interacted.
5000 characters – Describe your leadership experience(s) where you were effective in your position. When describing your experience(s), please include the position and the impact your leadership had on the individual(s) with whom you interacted.
5000 characters – Outside of leadership, service, and employment share any additional life experiences (family, community, etc.) that would be beneficial to bring to the Butler Community. This should not be redundant of your personal statement.
Franklin College
How did you originally hear about the Physician Assistant Program at Franklin College? (1000 characters)
Briefly, what attracts you to this program? (2000 characters)
Indiana State University
Do you feel your academic record accurately reflects how you will perform in a PA Program? (500 characters)
Please explain how you, as a student and one day practicing clinician, will best exemplify the mission of the Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program. (500 characters)
Indiana University
Describe how your experiences inside and outside of the classroom have prepared you to manage both the demands of a rigorous curriculum and the maturity and professionalism necessary while enrolled in a physician assistant program. (5000 characters)
Trine University
How did you first hear about the Trine University MPAS Program? (500 characters)
Why have you applied/reapplied to Trine University for your PA education? (2500 characters)
University Of Evensville
Why are you interested in attending the University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program? (4000 characters)
Admission into PA programs is highly competitive. Why should we select you over another qualified applicant? (6000 characters)
University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne
The University of Saint Francis requires applicants to complete two essays and submit a third written acknowledgement. Please submit ALL THREE essays/acknowledgements on the same document. These essays should be typed on a word document and written in single-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font. You are allotted a maximum of 2 pages for each essay. The written acknowledgement should be typed at the end of the document.
Essay 1: Please review the Physician Assistant Program’s Mission Statement: How do you see yourself carrying out the mission of USF’s PA Program as a student and/or a graduate of our program?
Essay 2: Reflecting on your most impactful educational experiences, how could our active learning model provide you with the best learning environment?
Written Acknowledgement: To acknowledge this statement, please type, “I acknowledge the admission criteria for the University of Saint Francis’s PA Program and I will have concluded my undergraduate degree prior to the first week of May.”
Valparaiso University
Des Moines University
500 characters – Why are you choosing to apply to Des Moines University?
250 characters – If you are reapplying to our program, in what ways have you improved your application for this year? If you are not a re-applicant, please respond with N/A.
150 characters – Have you spent time shadowing an alumnus of the Des Moines University PA program? If yes, please enter the person’s name. If no, respond with N/A.
250 characters – Please list your plans to complete any pending requirements (coursework, bachelor’s degree, healthcare experience, PA shadowing).
150 characters – Do you have any relatives who are Des Moines University alumni? If yes, please indicate the person’s name(s) and degree(s) earned. If no, please respond with N/A.
Northwestern College
How do you feel you will exemplify Northwestern College PA Program’s mission and vision as a student? (2000 characters)
What most intrigues you about learning in a faith-based environment? (2000 characters)
Tell us about a time you had to work with a person whose views or culture differed from yours. How did you work with that person to accomplish the task? (2000 characters)
(Optional) You may submit additional information to help us understand your academic record. Do you believe your academic record accurately reflects your academic ability? (2000 characters)
St. Ambrose Universtiy
2023 – None on CASPA
University of Dubuque
2023 – None in CASPA
University of Iowa
2023 – None in CASPA
Wichita State University
Sullivan University
If you have uploaded more than three Letters of Recommendation to CASPA, please list the authors’ names of the three letters you would like us to consider (one of the letters must be from a PA/MD/DO) (300 characters)
University of Kentucky
Please reflect on unique, challenging, or personally important facts in your background (i.e. quality of early education, SES status, culture, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or life/work experience). Please discuss how the experience(s) have impacted your ability to meet the mission of the UKPA Program. (This should not be a regurgitation of your CASPA personal statement.) (5000 characters)
The University of Kentucky serves many underserved areas of the state as well as outside of the state and internationally. What experiences do you have serving individuals/groups from underserved communities? Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your understanding of health disparities and access to healthcare. (5000 characters)
Please explain anything which may have impacted your academic performance. (2000 characters)
Please explain why you chose this University of Kentucky campus location. (1000 characters)
University of Kentucky – Morehead
2023- Not in CASPA
University of the Cumberlands
2023 – None in CASPA
University of the Cumberlands – Northern Kentucky Campus
2023 – None in CASPA
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