How Research Experience Helped Me Get Into PA School

Standing out for PA school is hard. There are so many applicants with great GPAs, tons of patient care hours, and stellar GRE scores, so how do you shine in a sky full of north stars? Coming out of a difficult period in undergrad with a GPA that wasn't going to cut it, one applicant took post-bacc courses but knew she wanted more.

She chose a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, a degree with three quarters of didactic work followed by four quarters of research, ending in a thesis manuscript and oral defense. She elected to take extra classes beyond the minimum to prove she was ready for the challenge. Courses like pharmacology and two quarters of physiology, sometimes alongside actual PA students, let her apply clinical knowledge and earn a GPA she never thought possible. This is just one path to stand out, and every applicant's journey is unique.

Research shaped and challenged this applicant more than she expected. Her very first presentation was rough. She had massive anxiety, started crying, and walked out before coming back to barely finish. But with a new mentor and a week of word-for-word practice, her next presentations improved dramatically, and eventually she nailed a data presentation that impressed multiple faculty members.

You will make mistakes, and research isn't easy, especially a thesis project. But it teaches patience, attention to detail, critical thinking, and how to enjoy a challenge. Those skills matter far beyond the lab. In healthcare it's essential to pay attention to details and think critically about your patient so you can provide the best care. When you're frustrated, look at the problem analytically or step away for a while.

One of the most helpful things was naturally creating a theme. For this applicant, the theme was oncology: three years volunteering at a pediatric oncology camp, nearly two years as a patient care technician on an oncology unit, and research on non-small cell lung cancer. That consistency showed a genuine, focused interest.

Taking care of yourself matters just as much. Finding an outlet like CrossFit kept her mentally and physically fit, and prioritizing self-care is essential because you can't succeed in any area of life if you're running on empty. Above all, never give up. There's no single normal path that works for everyone, and setbacks in health, family, and finances don't have to stop you. Step outside your comfort zone, lean on a strong support system, and if you don't have one, believe in yourself, because you are the one who gets you through each day.

Research and a graduate degree aren't the only way into PA school, but they can be a strong path for applicants who need to prove themselves academically and stand out. Build a clear theme, take care of yourself, and keep going through the setbacks. If you're a reapplicant figuring out your next move, our coaching can help you map a plan that fits your story.