Which PA Schools Require the CASPer?

Which PA Schools Require the CASPer?

Get the help you need to ace the CASPer for PA school! Call: 888-839-9997 e-mail: [email protected] 20 Minutes Free Consultation CASPer Test Requirements for Different PA Schools What is the CASPer test? The CASPer is a personality test that assesses a PA school applicant’s ability to navigate difficult ethical and social scenarios. In the CASPer, you are presented with a variety of written and video prompts involving difficult situations and asked what you would do in each situation. Why do PA schools use the CASPer? PA schools use this test because it evaluates your ability to solve a problem by drawing on qualities like empathy, teamwork, and communication. What are Duet and Snapshot? A few PA schools also require the Snapshot and Duet tests. Snapshot is a video interview where you respond to interview questions through a recorded response. This test evaluates your communication skills and commitment to the PA profession.  Duet tests how well you align with a specific PA program’s values. Should I take the CASPer if I am applying to PA school? It depends. The CASPer is not required by all programs but a substantial number of programs require the test as part of their application to PA school. A handful also require Snapshot and/or Duet. If you are applying to programs that require the CASPer, Duet, or Snapshot, you must take these tests. When should I take the CASPer? Most programs that require the CASPer want applicants to complete the test after submitting the primary application. If a PA school doesn’t require the CASPer, would it still help to take it? Some PA schools indicate...
List of PA Schools that Require the PA-CAT

List of PA Schools that Require the PA-CAT

      Get Strategy Support with PA School Admissions! Call: 888-839-9997 e-mail: [email protected] Call Today for a 20 Minutes Free Consultation     e-mail: [email protected]     PA-CAT as a New Test for PA School Admissions For years, PA schools have been using the graduate record examination (GRE) as the main standardized test to evaluate applicants. The GRE is required by many PA schools across the US. The decision to take the GRE or not can be a difficult one for PA school applicants because the GRE is not required by every PA school. What is the PA-CAT? In the last few years, a new specialized exam known as the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) has been introduced. The PA-CAT is administered by Exam Master and considered by some schools to be superior to the GRE. Rather than testing applicants on verbal and quantitative reasoning as the GRE does, the PA-CAT is a specialized test comprising general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, and behavioral science. How Long is the PA-CAT? There are a total of 240 multiple-choice questions on the test. Applicants will have 4 hours and 30 minutes to take the test but there are breaks between sections. The PA-CAT is administered through Prometric, a testing center with branches all across the United States, where the test is administered. The test is also available to take through Prometric remotely from your computer at home using their live remote proctor system. Do I Need to take the PA-CAT to Apply to PA School? Though the news of a new specialized...
GRE Requirements for Various PA Schools

GRE Requirements for Various PA Schools

Look No Further. Get Started Today. Call: 888-839-9997 e-mail: [email protected] 20 Minutes Free Consultation PA School GRE Requirements There are a number of factors that PA schools use to evaluate applicants. Most if not all schools look at an applicant’s grade point average and clinical experience. In addition, a large proportion of schools examine an applicant’s performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The good news for PA applicants is that the GRE is not required by every school. Many schools do not require any standardized tests and a handful require the PA-CAT.  Applicants who do not have time to take the GRE prior to applying or those who are concerned about not performing well on this exam, have the option of applying to the various schools that do not require the test. We encourage applicants to get an early start on deciding whether they will be applying to programs that require the GRE or not, so they can begin preparing for the exam in a timely fashion. Beyond looking at whether a school requires the GRE or not, it is also advised that applicants review each school’s minimum GRE requirements and the average GRE score of admitted students. This information can help applicants assess how competitive they are for each program and whether they meet the minimum requirements of each program. Interestingly, some PA schools accept the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) instead of the GRE.  In addition, many programs want GRE scores that are no older than 5 years and some even want scores less than 3 years old.  If you are trying to figure out which...
The PA School Interview Process: What to Expect at my PA School Interview

The PA School Interview Process: What to Expect at my PA School Interview

  Talk to a PA School Admissions Consultant Today Call: 888-839-9997 e-mail: [email protected] 20 Minute Free Consultation What to Expect at the PA School Interview If you have received an invitation to interview at a PA program, you should feel proud and know that the PA program is seriously considering you for a spot in their incoming class! While anyone can apply to a PA program, PA schools are selective about who they invite for an interview. Every PA school in the country conducts some form of interview. The goal of the interview is to get to know the applicant more closely, understand their motivations for becoming a PA, and assess their interpersonal skills. How are PA School Interviews Conducted? PA school interviews are either conducted in person at the school or online usually in the form of a Zoom interview. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, some schools have moved their interviews online but many other PA schools still require applicants to interview in person. Some PA Schools Allow Applicants to Choose Between Zoom and an In-Person Interview If a PA school gives you the choice to interview in person or to do so online, they will not hold it against you, if you opt for the online option. That being said, there are certain pros to going to an interview in person: Showcasing Interpersonal Skills: Many students feel they can more effectively leave a positive impression on PA school admissions committees and showcase their interpersonal skills in person. Demonstrating strong nonverbal communication is at times more challenging online. For example, many interviewees for PA school report that it is...
Direct Patient Care Experience for PA School Admission: Becoming a Competitive PA School Applicant

Direct Patient Care Experience for PA School Admission: Becoming a Competitive PA School Applicant

  Talk to a PA School Admissions Consultant Today Call: 888-839-9997 e-mail: [email protected] 20 Minute Free Consultation Direct Patient Care Experience is a Great Way to Bolster Your PA School Application Of all the requirements for successful acceptance to PA school, patient care experience is one of the most important. Many PA schools require applicants to acquire patient care experience and those that don’t, look much more favorably on applicants who have this kind of experience. Why is Patient Care Experience Important to PA Schools? There are several reasons why PA schools place such great emphasis on patient care experience: Understanding the Role: Undertaking a patient care role allows aspiring PAs to understand the immense responsibility associated with caring for someone’s life. Naturally, PA schools want to avoid admitting a student who enters the program uninformed and changes their mind midway through the program. Developing a Foundation in Healthcare: Direct patient care experience allows pre-PA students to develop basic clinical judgment and learn medical jargon, which could help them excel as a PA student.   Cultivating Teamwork Skills: Most patient care experiences involve working in a team, a concept that is at the core of the PA profession. PA schools seek applicants who are capable of effectively working as part of a healthcare team and getting along with other team members. Is Patient Care Experience the Same as Healthcare Experience? For the purposes of this article, patient care experience refers to any clinical role that involves working hands-on to care for patients (this does NOT include administrative and clerical roles). Many PA schools use the terms patient care experience,...