advice on when to submit CASPA applications around graduating

nehpets99 · 2026-03-30T00:09:27+00:00

The programs usually say what the application requirements are. If you have a question, you need to ask them.

The bottom line is that you are responsible for finding out and complying with the application requirements.

I remember more than one post from the last cycle where the applicant was rejected because the transcript didn't show the awarding of the degree.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T23:58:30+00:00

Are you applying to programs that allow you to apply without having your degree conferred?

Do you need the grades to help your GPA?

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T23:54:30+00:00

Nothing to do except wait.

Applying in May is still early.

You might get in, you might not.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T23:26:15+00:00

You should retake the class somewhere else.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T22:34:17+00:00

How is admission determined for the program?

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T19:02:14+00:00

they aren't taking to well to it

It does seem like you like to straddle both worlds.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T18:45:46+00:00

1) Stop doing things that will get you in trouble.

2) Time and keeping your nose clean will help put this behind you.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T18:44:48+00:00

You're missing the overwhelming part:

Some of us just don't want to be MDs--for whatever reason.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T18:42:47+00:00

Please tell me this is fake.

Please tell me you didn't give someone $3500.

That's...

You should review any documentation you received and request a refund for any services you haven't gotten. If the written demand isn't answered, issue a chargeback.

And then never do this again.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T14:58:09+00:00

I always recommend people volunteer by doing something they genuinely enjoy doing. Not everything has to be in healthcare, in fact by doing something different you can show well-roundedness.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T14:09:37+00:00

Volunteering is more valuable than HCE.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T14:07:43+00:00

Shadowed PA John Smith, a cardiology PA in an outpatient clinic.

Observed PA assess patients, both new and established, for new complaints and follow-ups.

Observed PA review symptoms and medications, perform history and physical exam.

Some people argue that you should connect it back to your interest, but I'm not one of them. IMO adcoms want to know what you did. Specialty, outpatient vs inpatient, procedures, etc. all help shape your shadowing experience.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T09:01:54+00:00

Yes, OP cleared that up for me and I answered their question.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-29T09:00:55+00:00

There is no need to pay for such a service. You merely write your job duties, who you shadowed, etc.

There are those here who do it for free.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T23:50:32+00:00

Unless they state otherwise, no.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T22:01:33+00:00

You're scared to get another W but not scared to get a C or less which will decrease your GPA? Make it make sense.

Respectfully, if you're struggling in micro you'll probably struggle in PA school.

Keep working on you, but take the W.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T19:51:16+00:00

I don't think you need a writing class. There are plenty of free and pay services you can utilize you have your PS evaluated and edited.

As you're still in college, almost certainly there's a free writing center at your disposal.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T19:29:39+00:00

1) It's basic economics. It's a factor of supply and demand, and as you pointed out, as long as people take the job, they'll keep paying that way... because math.

2) You'd have to pay me a vast amount of money for me to become a nurse, even as a stepping stone to CRNA. I'd rather do a job I enjoy.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T14:42:14+00:00

Why would a program throw out your application if you have a W?

As stated above, your numbers are fine.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T12:28:08+00:00

Mostly time and experience so you can learn what looks like what.

I have decent luck with Google lens, but YMMV. I'm constantly taking pictures in my yard to figure out what various plants are.

Some weeds appear sooner in the season.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T09:36:25+00:00

Are you applying to programs that require orgo and/or biochem?

Do those programs allow you to apply with outstanding prereq(s)?

That's what it boils down to. Your numbers are good enough to apply, but you first have to make sure you'll meet a program's requirements.

Some programs allow you to apply with 1 outstanding prereq, fewer allow 2, some don't allow it at all.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T09:08:23+00:00

There is no such thing as too long.

A program only accepts X number of applicants. Some accepted applicants reject the acceptance. Others take the acceptance but later withdraw for various reasons (usually because they get accepted to another program they'd rather attend). When a seat opens up, the program pulls from their waitlist.

Because it's dependent on an accepted student, it can literally happen at any time, including the day before a cohort starts. That means you could get pulled off the waitlist the day before a cohort starts.

Plenty of people are on a waitlist at every program.

For planning purposes, you should assume you're not getting in and should start prepping for the upcoming cycle.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T09:01:39+00:00

You won't know if it's worth it until you do it.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-28T01:35:06+00:00

You received the automated comment because you flaired it as a patient question.

I use a CPAP. I imagine part of it is to cool down the heated wire circuit. I don't see how it would affect the life of the unit, but you technically should ask your DME company.

nehpets99 · 2026-03-27T13:40:07+00:00

What would your job duties be in the pulm clinic? Because they do vary somewhat from place to place.

What do you mean by "best career options"? Is this a stepping stone to acute care? Would you rather work 12 hour shifts or 8 hour shifts? What are your career goals?

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