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As someone planning to apply to PA school, what actually makes an applicant stand out beyond just GPA and clinical hours- and how can I start building that in college? #Spring26

I am an incoming college student planning to pursue the PA-track. I want to make sure I'm using my time effectively to build a strong application while balancing school and avoiding burnout.

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Deepak’s Answer

Great question. Besides your GPA and clinical hours, showing your leadership skills is an important asset to have. This shows people that besides GPA and clinical hours, you also have the "soft skills" that are needed to make it in the real world. I think the other thing that you can demonstrate is mentorship. If you are able to convey that you are and willing to help others, that will go a long way as well. Try volunteering for Big Brothers, etc. or teach a class at your local library, etc. The last thing would be giving back to your community. Showing that you are socially conscience and are concerned about your community is a strong indicator of a good candidate.
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Danielle’s Answer

Consider volunteering at your local EMS squad to gain hands-on experience and improve your critical thinking skills. This can be a great step if you're thinking about becoming an EMT. It offers a good balance while you're in school, allowing you to do your schoolwork during quiet times. When calls come in, you can apply your skills in real situations, unlike your peers who may only practice in clinical settings. You'll also learn how to communicate effectively with patients and gather important information for their treatment. EMT is something great to add to the resume and a great way to stand out when it comes time to apply to PA school. Even with the best grades, these schools need to see that you are making every effort to become involved and gain skills outside of the traditional academia route.
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Melissa’s Answer

Thinking ahead before starting college gives you a great advantage. Here's how to create a standout application without burning out.

What Makes a PA Applicant Stand Out

Admissions look at the whole person, not just grades and hours. Standout applicants show who they are and how their experiences connect.

1. A Clear, Authentic "WHY PA"

It's important to explain why you want to be a PA specifically, using real experiences like patient interactions or shadowing insights. Avoid generic answers like "I want to help people."

2. Leadership and Initiative

Being a member isn't enough. Show how you took initiative and made improvements, like starting a club or leading a project.

3. Quality and Depth of Experiences

Focus on what you learned, how long you committed, and how it shaped you, rather than just listing activities.

4. Emotional Intelligence

Show empathy, communication skills, and an ability to connect with patients.

5. Service Mindset

Volunteering with underserved groups shows you care about people and understand healthcare needs.

6. Maturity and Resilience

Explain how you've handled stress and grown from challenges.

How to Build This in College

Freshman-Sophomore Years: Explore and Build Foundation

Focus on your GPA, join 1-2 organizations, start shadowing a PA, and try one volunteer activity. Discover what you enjoy.

Sophomore-Junior Years: Get Serious About Experiences

Get a patient care job like CNA, EMT, MA, or PCT. Take on leadership roles and stay consistent.

Junior-Senior Years: Make It All Connect

Reflect on your experiences, shadow multiple PAs, and refine your personal statement. Your application should tell a clear story.

Avoiding Burnout

You don't need to join 10 clubs or have 5 jobs. Focus on consistency, reflection, and balance. Depth and consistency matter more than quantity.

Admissions Committees Want to Know

They want to trust you to care for patients. Everything you do should answer that question.

Final Advice

Build a story with your experiences. If they connect, you stand out. If not, you blend in.
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