Pre-Med and Pre-PA Tips for Undergrads

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

If you're an undergrad aiming for PA or med school, focus on a few things that compound over time: build genuine relationships with professors for future letters, protect your GPA by not overcommitting, and talk to as many real healthcare providers as you can. Shadowing across specialties helps you figure out where you actually fit, and small habits like thank-you notes and consistent class attendance go a long way.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

Your Pre-PA Bestie Blog - everything you need to know to become a PA in one place.

How do you build relationships with professors for strong letters of recommendation?

Whether you're headed to PA or med school, you're going to need outstanding letters of recommendation, and those come from professors who actually know you. Showing up to class on time, communicating, asking for help when you need it, and following through all signal that you're worth recommending. Even if you don't earn a perfect grade, a professor who saw you give 110% effort will respect that and remember it.

A few small touches help too. Sending a thank-you card at the end of the semester leaves a positive impression that sticks. And if you find a professor you click with, try taking multiple classes with them. That consistency solidifies the relationship and gives them a much fuller picture of who you are when it's time to write that letter.

In this post:

How do you balance academics, activities, and a social life as a pre-PA student?

It's easy to overdo it. Many students were the queen or king of spreading themselves too thin in high school, and when that happens, grades and relationships both suffer. The fix is being intentional about what you say yes to in college, because maintaining friendships and a real social life actually supports your academics rather than competing with them.

It's very possible to burn yourself out doing things that don't genuinely interest you, so choose involvement that means something to you. For one student, that was a sorority leadership role that became a creative outlet away from science. Look for opportunities that also build toward your goal, like an EMT-Basic course at a local community college that adds healthcare experience and helps pay for school at the same time.

In Our Experience

We had Emily from The Organized Undergrad share this one, and her perspective as a current sophomore is a great reminder that the pre-PA journey starts long before CASPA. In our experience coaching applicants, the students who reach out to providers early and build steady professor relationships almost always have an easier time when it's time to ask for letters. Don't wait until application season to start those conversations!

Why should you network with providers and shadow across specialties?

Be brave, because it's amazing what people will tell you when you ask. Reaching out to every medical professional you can, including nurses, NPs, physicians, and PAs, helps you narrow down what you actually want. You can never have too much information or perspective, so ask anyone with real experience about their work.

One word of caution: stay away from forum-based sites that tend to turn negative and discouraging. Talk to people with real knowledge instead of someone hiding behind a username. Shadowing widely matters too. Watching everything from CABG surgeries to a PA rounding on patients and removing chest tubes can teach you as much about what you don't want as what you do. One pre-PA student realized through shadowing that she loved talking with patients and that the surgical environment wasn't for her.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

The worst thing that happens when you ask a provider to shadow or chat is that they say no, so reach out to everyone you can.

Free Application Timeline → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline/

Need to Know:

Strong letters come from professors who actually know you, so show up and follow through
A thank-you card at the end of a semester leaves a lasting positive impression
Taking multiple classes with the same good professor builds consistency
Overcommitting hurts both your GPA and your relationships, so be selective
Network with nurses, NPs, physicians, and PAs to clarify your path
Shadowing across specialties shows you what fits and what doesn't

FAQ

When should pre-PA students start building professor relationships?

As early as possible. The sooner a professor knows your work ethic and character, the stronger and more specific their letter of recommendation will be when you apply.

Do thank-you cards to professors really matter?

They're a small gesture that leaves a positive impression and helps a professor remember you favorably. They aren't required, but they help.

Is it worth joining a sorority or club as a pre-PA student?

Yes, if it genuinely supports you. A leadership role or social outlet can reduce stress and even improve your academics, as long as you don't overcommit.

How do I find providers to shadow or talk to?

Just ask. Reach out to nurses, NPs, physicians, and PAs you encounter, because most are happy to share their experience and the worst answer is no.

Should I take an EMT course as an undergrad?

An EMT-Basic course is a popular way to gain hands-on healthcare experience and earn money, and it can count toward patient care experience for CASPA.

Are online forums a good source of pre-PA advice?

Be cautious. Forum-based sites tend to skew negative and discouraging, so prioritize advice from people with real, identifiable experience.

CLOSING

The habits you build as an undergrad, from professor relationships to shadowing and self-care, set the foundation for a strong application later. Start small and stay consistent, and you'll be in a great spot when it's time to apply. If you want a roadmap for the whole timeline, our free application timeline can help you map it out.

Pre-PA Counseling → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling/

Pre-Med and Pre-PA Tips for Undergrads