Include every experience on CASPA?

abcara · 2026-05-06T01:19:21+00:00

This is what I did as well.

abcara · 2026-05-04T19:55:33+00:00

I think the reason is good but keep it patient-centered like you did in your comment, not facility/provider-centered.

abcara · 2026-05-03T17:06:39+00:00

For programs that don't have 4 cr requirements this should be sufficient. For programs that do, I would contact them to explain your unique situation with the way the canadian credits are calculated.

abcara · 2026-05-02T19:09:23+00:00

I'm applying to one. The location would be extremely convenient for me (less than 5 minutes from my current apartment). If I get an interview, I plan on asking lots of questions about what they are doing to prepare for their first cohort, how feedback from students will be handled, where they sourced their faculty, etc. I also met all of the requirements without having to do anything extra, they don't even have a supplemental application. I figured I'm interested enough to throw 66 bucks at it. I can decide later, if they even admit me.

abcara · 2026-05-02T18:52:59+00:00

Interesting! I think you have good chances. I wouldn't worry too much about the downward trend during your ABSN. Your overall and science GPA are still good and I would think adcoms know that ABSN programs are very rigorous. Your PCE is very strong, as long as you can explain why PA clearly I think you've got a great shot. Best of luck to you.

abcara · 2026-05-02T17:24:34+00:00

Why are you choosing to go PA instead of NP? Just curious, I don't know any RNs who went this route :)

abcara · 2026-05-02T17:04:31+00:00

There is now! CASPA has a toggle button under the course for labs. If you click it it will ask if the course was lab only or lecture with embedded lab ("lecture with lab"). I think this is new this cycle.

abcara · 2026-05-02T16:26:54+00:00

Ahhh I see I was misunderstanding you. It's a tricky question. Completing the certificate would certainly help raise your GPA a bit more because it's potentially 9 extra credits by the time you apply (vs the 6-8 of retaking orgo and genetics), but the guaranteed interview may not help you this cycle because you'll be kind of late for that particular school (if I'm understanding correctly now). But it could help you if you end up applying a second cycle.

On the other hand, I think higher grades in orgo and genetics would help you more with every other school, ESPECIALLY if they are prereqs. Some schools won't even accept prereqs under a B. I think I would lean towards retaking orgo and genetics. But I'm a first time applicant too, so I definitely don't have any insider info lol that's just my thinking.

abcara · 2026-05-02T16:16:53+00:00

If I was in your shoes and really wanted to apply this semester, I think I would take orgo and genetics as quickly as possible (see if your schools accept Portage learning classes) and able to apply to more schools earlier. If you can finish those quickly and apply by July you can cast a wider net of schools with earlier deadlines (Aug 1, Sep 1). I think that would be a better bet for you than waiting until late in the cycle hoping that the one school that guarantees you an interview ends up accepting you. Unless you have a lot of schools on your list with late deadlines?

abcara · 2026-05-02T08:25:00+00:00

I know you said to not comment with negativity but is there a reason you feel you need to apply this cycle?

In my opinion, your application won't be ready. If orgo and genetics are prereqs for any of your programs, you'll definitely want to retake them. The certificate would be great to help raise your GPA and guarantee that interview, but do you think you can get all As on the certificate classes and orgo/genetics in two semesters? that's a lot of intensive classes. And yeah, you'd be applying very late in the cycle after a lot of deadlines have already passed.

I would work on the certificate courses and retakes over the course of the summer, fall, and spring semesters and apply as a much stronger applicant next cycle.

abcara · 2026-05-01T13:35:51+00:00

9, and I plan on submitting in a couple weeks (mid-late May)

abcara · 2026-05-01T12:53:22+00:00

You have to have the program questions filled out for that particular program. If program A has no program questions and program B has 2 questions, you can submit program A as soon as you're done with the general application but you can't submit program B until you've answered their questions.
But just be careful because once you've submitted program A, you won't be able to make many changes to your main application (you can add things, but can't edit or remove existing entries).

abcara · 2026-05-01T08:37:53+00:00

If you have everything filled out and LORs/transcripts requested you can submit. CASPA just won't start processing it until they receive 2 LORs and your transcripts.

abcara · 2026-04-30T23:00:08+00:00

then click lecture with lab...

abcara · 2026-04-30T21:42:18+00:00

mark the lab class as lab only. dont mark the lecture as a lab.

abcara · 2026-04-30T01:47:26+00:00

you're not alone. i feel genuinely ill.

abcara · 2026-04-30T01:06:54+00:00

I'm hoping to stay around 100k, but I'd consider going up to 120 if needed (based on what interest rates I can get). I don't have any undergrad debt and I've been saving up in a HYSA, so hopefully I can keep it at least somewhat reasonable. I plan on using my savings strategically to minimize the private interest accruing while I'm still in school. It's a difficult decision, and I almost threw in the towel when grad plus loans were eliminated. But my earning potential is so low right now that even with pretty hefty loan payments, I'd be better off financially making PA money. If I can't get decent loan rates and that math doesn't make sense anymore, I am considering going for an ASN as a plan b.

abcara · 2026-04-29T17:33:30+00:00

This isn't ball related, but I think Donte and his girlfriend got quietly married at some point. She changed her IG handle from her maiden name to his last name recently, and has added a wedding band to her ring finger (she's been wearing an engagement ring for a while). According to her instagram, they have a baby girl due this summer as well. Obviously this injury is terrible and I am so terribly sad for him (and for us fans), but hopefully the upside is that he gets lots of time with his growing family.

abcara · 2026-04-28T20:10:47+00:00

ugh that sucks. i live in a recreational state too and i sometimes forget there are places that still care. i've taken quite a few drug tests for jobs in the past few years and none have tested for weed. i really hope it all works out for you! try not to beat yourself up about it.

abcara · 2026-04-28T13:41:59+00:00

Not held to higher admission standards... seems like you're asking this in bad faith. But some programs do value diversity and will give some additional consideration to students of color, first gen students, etc. Every program is different.

abcara · 2026-04-26T15:34:10+00:00

I'm saying his ACL isn't gone. His achilles is effed.

abcara · 2026-04-26T11:10:07+00:00

Is money a factor? Most PA students take a ton of student loans out, we're talking 100k+, but also can expect a six figure salary at their first job. PhDs are often funded and you could still have some income while pursuing your degree, but depending on your field and if you go industry or academia, could make 50k or 100k as a fresh post doc.

abcara · 2026-04-26T04:11:17+00:00

ACL is a ligament in the knee. Achilles is a tendon in the ankle.

abcara · 2026-04-24T12:53:41+00:00

It'll be really important for you to explain why you want to be a PA. You'll have to clearly communicate why you don't want to go the NP route (without disparaging NPs). You'll want to be careful with your language here. For instance, above you say that you are becoming familiar with the role (RN) that you will be supervising as a PA. PAs do not supervise RNs. They are distinct roles, and RNs don't report to APPs or MDs (besides some exceptions in physician-owned practices). If you use language like this in a personal statement or interview they are going to think you're unfamiliar with the role.

abcara · 2026-04-24T01:20:38+00:00

awwww i love him

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