Pre-PA Email Templates: LORs, Shadowing & More

Found a PA you'd love to shadow? That's great! But before you hit send, let's talk about how to make a good first impression.

Keep your email professional, friendly, and to the point. Healthcare professionals are busy, and many PAs receive multiple shadowing requests. If someone takes a while to respond (or sends what feels like a canned response), don't take it personally.

The key is finding the balance between brief and informative. Introduce yourself, explain how you found them, share why you're interested in shadowing, and make your request clear. You don't need to tell your entire life story!

Remember, they're doing you a favor by letting you shadow. Be polite and gracious throughout the process, including when you follow up or send a thank-you afterward.

It's time to give your letter writers a heads-up! Asking someone to write a letter of recommendation can feel a little awkward, especially if you haven't talked to them in a while, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Email is usually the best way to make your request because it gives both of you a written record to reference later. Depending on your relationship, asking in person or over the phone is completely fine, too. Just be sure to follow up with an email so everyone is on the same page.

The biggest thing? Give your letter writers plenty of notice. You don't want to be scrambling to track down a recommendation when you're ready to submit your CASPA application.

When you reach out, be specific about why you're asking that person. A professor might be able to speak to your academic abilities, while a PA you've worked with can share insight into your patient care skills, professionalism, and readiness for the profession.

Once they agree, offer to send your resume, personal statement, and any other information that would help them write a strong, personalized recommendation. And don't forget to share your anticipated application timeline!

One important reminder: CASPA letters of recommendation don't automatically carry over from one application cycle to the next. If you're preparing for an upcoming cycle that hasn't opened yet, now is a great time to ask your writers if they're willing, but wait until the appropriate application cycle opens to send the official CASPA evaluation request.

Whether you're asking about a prerequisite, following up on your application, or responding to an acceptance, knowing how to communicate with PA school admissions can feel a little intimidating.

Here's the good news: You don't need to write a novel to make a good impression.

PA school admissions teams receive thousands of emails and applications, so the best thing you can do is keep your message professional, brief, and specific.

Start with a clear subject line, introduce yourself, and get to the point. If you've already applied, include your full name and application ID (if applicable) so the admissions team can easily identify you.

And before you hit send, check the program's website! Many common questions about prerequisites, application deadlines, and admissions requirements are already answered there.

One important thing to remember: Every PA program has its own policies about applicant communication. Some welcome application updates and post-interview thank-you emails, while others specifically ask applicants not to send them. Always follow the program's instructions first.

Below, we've put together email templates for some of the most common situations you'll encounter throughout the PA school admissions process.

Getting an interview invitation or admissions decision is a big moment in your PA school journey! Whether you're confirming an interview, responding to a waitlist, or accepting your seat, you'll want to make sure your response is professional and follows the program's instructions.

The most important thing? Read the email carefully before replying. Some programs require responses through an applicant portal, while others provide specific instructions or deadlines for communicating by email.

Below, you'll find templates for common situations throughout interview season and the admissions decision process. Just remember to personalize your response and double-check the program's policies before sending.

Didn't get the PA school acceptance you were hoping for? We know how disappointing that can be, especially after all the time and effort you put into your application.

If you're planning to reapply, one of the best things you can do is figure out where your application could be stronger.

Start by asking the programs you applied to for feedback.

Not every PA program provides individualized application feedback, and some have policies against it altogether. But it's still worth checking whether the programs on your list offer feedback or advising for reapplicants.

Keep your email professional, brief, and specific. Thank the admissions team for considering your application, explain that you're planning to reapply, and ask whether they can share any areas for improvement.

If they do offer feedback, take it seriously! Whether it's gaining more patient care experience, improving your GPA, or strengthening your personal statement, use that information to make a plan for your next application cycle.

If they don't provide feedback? Don't panic. You can still take an honest look at your application and identify areas to strengthen before applying again.

Remember, reapplying doesn't mean starting over. You already have experience navigating CASPA and the admissions process. Now it's about showing programs how you've grown since your last application.