Getting into physician assistant (PA) school is highly competitive. A key part of your application is securing strong letters of recommendation that highlight your skills, abilities and fit for the profession. This article provides tips on how to get excellent PA school letters of recommendation.
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal letter written by someone who can vouch for your qualifications PA school applications typically require 3 letters of recommendation
These letters serve several purposes
- Provide an external perspective on your skills, work ethic, personality and fit for a career as a PA.
- Highlight your academic preparation, clinical experience, communication abilities and other relevant qualities.
- Offer information that may not be clear from just your transcript and resume.
Letters of recommendation help PA school admissions committees get a well-rounded view of who you are and why you’ll make an excellent PA.
Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
It’s important to strategically choose your letter writers. Avoid asking random professors or acquaintances. The best letters come from people who know you well professionally or academically.
Consider asking:
- Science professors: Especially ones who taught major pre-req courses. They can speak to your academic abilities.
- Healthcare supervisors: Ask doctors, PAs, nurses or others who oversaw your work in a clinical setting. They can highlight your patient care skills.
- Advisors or mentors: People who guided your academic path like an undergrad advisor or volunteer coordinator can emphasize your passion and drive.
Other options are managers, physicians you shadowed, professors in non-science courses, community leaders and healthcare professionals you’ve volunteered with.
Aim for a diverse mix of recommenders who can discuss different aspects of who you are. Don’t ask 3 doctors who all supervised you in the same clinic.
When to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
It’s crucial to request letters early, ideally 3-4 months before your application deadline. This gives your recommenders plenty of time.
Don’t ask just a few weeks before you need to submit. Rushed letters tend to be generic, vague and weaker. The best letters take time to craft.
Give your recommenders at least 1 month to write the letter. Send them polite reminders as the deadline gets closer.
How to Ask for a Strong Letter
Don’t just casually say “Can you write me a recommendation letter?” This often leads to ineffective letters. Use these strategies to get excellent PA school references:
- Ask in person. Schedule a meeting or ask at the end of a clinical rotation or class. Discussing face-to-face makes a stronger impression.
- Share your background. Provide details on your experiences, interests, goals and why you want to become a PA. This gives them material to incorporate.
- Give them your resume/CV. This summarizes key info like your education, clinical hours, skills and more.
- Explain why you asked them. Say specifically why you think they can write a compelling letter based on their understanding of your strengths.
- Provide instructions. Give guidance on how to submit the letter and the deadline. Offer to send reminders as the date nears.
- Follow up. After they agree, follow up with a thank you note. You can also send one once they submit the letter.
This approach helps the letter writer understand why you want to be a PA and how they can help you achieve this goal.
What Makes a Strong PA School Letter of Recommendation?
A generic letter just states basic facts about how long the person has known you and broad praise about your work ethic. Avoid this trap by helping your recommenders write a detailed, vivid letter highlighting your assets.
Here are elements of an impactful PA school recommendation letter:
- Anecdotes illustrating your strengths. For example, describe how you calmed an anxious patient or identified a problem no one else noticed. Use 1-2 vivid stories.
- Specific skills that will make you an excellent PA. These may include your patient care abilities, critical thinking, communication style, empathy, work ethic, leadership skills and ability to work on a team. Provide concrete evidence.
- Commitment to becoming a PA. Discuss your motivation and preparation for the field. Note any key experiences that fueled your interest like patient interactions, overcoming healthcare challenges and interactions with PAs.
- Academic qualifications. Include GPA (especially science), courses taken and academic successes. Science professors can emphasize your stellar performance in their classes.
- Fit with the PA profession. Explain how your personality, values and drive align with the role of a PA. Highlight your maturity, compassion, flexibility and other PA-relevant traits.
- Potential for success. Stress your capacity to excel in rigorous PA coursework and clinical rotations. Discuss how you have the skills to thrive in this career.
A detailed, well-written letter covering these areas can have a big influence on your acceptance.
Letter of Recommendation Etiquette and Tips
Follow these etiquette tips out of respect for your recommenders:
- Give them options. It’s fine to politely decline if they seem hesitant or too busy. Offer to find someone else.
- Make it easy. Provide any forms, instructions on submitting letters and a short deadline. Send reminders if needed.
- Show gratitude. Thank them sincerely for their time and support, both when they agree and once they submit the letter. Send a handwritten note or small gift.
Additionally:
- Review programs’ letter requirements. Some use a standard form, page limits or other guidelines. Ensure letters follow policies.
- Keep them up-to-date on your plans. Let them know if you decide not to apply in that cycle or make other changes.
- Don’t insist they exaggerate. It’s fine to suggest positive areas to emphasize, but avoid pressuring them to embellish or lie.
- Consider a letter packet. Provide a synopsis of your activities, skills and goals to inform their writing. But avoid overly scripting their letter.
Put thought into whom you ask for letters and how you approach them. With preparation and guidance, your recommenders can produce persuasive letters that convey why PA school is the ideal next step for you.
