Thank you for your interest in the Weill Cornell Graduate School (WCGS) Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants (MSHS PA) Program.

This page contains the following sections about the admissions process of the MSHS Physician Assistant Program.

How to Apply
Requirements
Technical Standards
Applicant Advisory Sessions
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid


How to Apply to the MSHS PA Program

Admission to the MSHS PA Program is a three-step process.

1. Initial (CASPA) Application
2. Secondary Application
3. Personal Interview

Initial application. . Initial application must be made through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) at www.caspaonline.org starting April 17th 2013. The online application must be "completed" by September 1st 2013 (11:59pm EDT. Completed" is defined as accurate and complete electronic submission ("e-submit") of initial (online) CASPA application and the receipt of all transcripts, two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one of the these MUST be from a Physician or Physician Assistant) and other supporting documents, by CASPA. ****
It is the applicant's responsibility to insure that these materials arrive at CASPA no later than September 1, 2013. Once all materials have arrived at CASPA and are processed, a CASPA-generated applicant profile will be sent to the MSHS PA Program for review. ****

NOTE: The MSHS PA Program will only consider information provided with the initial CASPA-generated applicant profile. No additional/supplemental materials (i.e. additional or late references, transcript evaluations or coursework additions) will be accepted.

Secondary application. The MSHS PA Program will evaluate the CASPA-generated applicant profile and send a secondary application to the most competitive applicants. The deadline date for returning the completed secondary application along with a $60.00 non-refundable fee will be provided on the secondary application itself.

Personal Interview. After review of the CASPA-generated applicant profile and secondary application, the most competitive applicants will be invited for an interview at the MSHS PA Program offices and classroom.

Admissions Requirements

• CASPA Application: All applicants must "complete" an online application by September 1, 2013. "Complete" is defined as accurate entry of applicant data, payments of CASPA application fee (to "e-submit"), and the receipt of all required letters of reference, transcripts and other supporting documents by CASPA. If the applicant is missing any of these components of the initial application by the September 1st 2013 deadline, the application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed by the MSHS PA Program. CASPA provides the MSHS PA Program with a "completed date" on all CASPA-generated applicant profiles. It is this completed date that the MSHS PA Program uses to determine compliance with the deadline requirement. Only CASPA-generated applicant profiles with a completed date no later than September 1st, 2013 will be reviewed.
  
  
• Degree: All applicants must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent. Consideration will be given to applicants that have completed their degree requirements PRIOR to completing their CASPA application. Any applicant that does not have a degree completed before they complete their CASPA application, may still apply, however, they must earn their degree by the conclusion of the Fall 2013 semester. The applicant must self-report this information on their initial CASPA application. Proof of degree will be required once conferred.
  
  
• Prerequisite Coursework: The minimum science requirements include: 2 (two) semesters of Biology (each course must have a lab component); 2 (two) semesters of Chemistry (each course must have a lab component), and 1 (one) semester of Microbiology. An English Composition (or college-level equivalent- rhetoric or college writing course) is also a prerequisite. Consideration will be given to applicants that have completed their prerequisite coursework PRIOR to completing their CASPA application. Any applicant that has not completed prerequisite courses before they complete their CASPA application, may still apply, however, they must satisfactorily complete the prerequisite course(s) by the conclusion of the Fall 2013 semester. The applicant must self-report this information (i.e. courses in progress or anticipated coursework) on their initial CASPA application. Grade reports and/or updated transcripts will be required once completed. The MSHS PA Program may request applicants to provide transcripts that include these courses, at any time.
  
  
• Other Coursework: Study in advanced science courses (e.g. Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, etc.) and Introductory Statistics are strongly recommended.
  
  
• Graduate Record Examination: All applicants are required to take the General GRE Aptitude Test (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical). Application to take the GRE may be made directly to: Educational Testing Service, Graduate Record Examinations, P.O. Box 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541-6000. The Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences PA Program - Designated Institution (DI) Code is: 0479. This code is necessary for applicants to have their scores sent to the PA Program. Applicants must self-report GRE test scores and percentiles (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical) on their initial CASPA application. Any applicant that does not self-report their GRE scores and percentiles (Q, V and A) on their initial CASPA application will not be considered. The MSHS PA Program does not have a minimum GRE score requirement.
  
  
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): All applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination. Application to take the TOEFL may be made directly to: Test of English as a Foreign Language, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. The Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences Institution Code Number is 2119. Applicants must report having taken the TOEFL on their initial CASPA application. Official TOEFL score reports should be sent to the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Code 2119) and received no later than September 1st, 2013 for verification.
  
  
• Computer Literacy: It is expected that all entering students possess a basic working knowledge of computer usage including applications for word processing, spreadsheet creation and presentation design (e.g. Microsoft® Word, Microsoft® Excel, and Microsoft® PowerPoint.) Instruction in the use of statistical analysis software (i.e. SPSS) will be provided to each student during the pre-clinical phase. A computer literacy assessment will be conducted of each student during orientation by the senior assessment coordinator.
  
  
• Grade Point Average: The MSHS PA Program expects its applicants to have maintained an undergraduate average of "B" or better.
  
  
• Health Care Experience: Candidates are required to have significant health care experience; however, applicants are not required to have a minimum number of hours experience. Direct patient contact experience is preferred. Shadowing of a Physician Assistant or Physician is encouraged.
  
  
• Community Service: Community service reflects dedication and support to one's community and is recommended.
  
  
• Letters of Reference: Two (2) references/letters of recommendation are required. At least one of these must be from a Physician or Physician Assistant. Note: These are part of the initial (CASPA) application. Only references included in the initial CASPA-generated applicant profile will be accepted. Late references/letters of recommendation will not be accepted by the MSHS PA Program. Go to www.caspaonline.org for details and necessary forms. NOTE: Regarding letters of reference: CASPA considers at least two (2) letters as the minimum number for a file to be considered ready to be sent to the PA Programs. As a Physician or PA letter is a requirement of the MSHS PA Program, applicants are advised to ensure that one of such letters are included among the first two letters to arrive at CASPA. CASPA-generated applications that are sent to the MSHS PA Program that do not contain a Physician or PA letter of reference will not be considered.
  
  
• Transcript Evaluation (as necessary): All candidates that are foreign graduates are required to submit a complete transcript evaluation (to American college equivalency) to CASPA. The MSHS PA Program will not review any CASPA-generated applicant profiles until all foreign transcript evaluations have arrived at CASPA and are forwarded to the MSHS PA Program by September 1, 2013. Transcript
  
  World Education Services, Inc
  P.O. Box 5087
  New York, NY 10274-5087
  Phone: 212-966-6311
  Fax: 212-739-6100
  www.wes.org
  
  Josef Silny & Associates, Inc
  7101 SW 102 Ave
  Miami, Florida 33173
  Phone: 305-273-1616
  Fax: 305-273-1338
  www.jsilny.com
  
  International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
  P.O. Box 3665
  Culver City, CA 90231-3665
  Phone: 310-258-9451
  Fax: 310-342-7086
  www.ierf.org
  
  Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 514070
  Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
  (414) 289-3400
  www.ece.org
  
  Spantran Educational Services, Inc.
  7211 Regency Square Blvd., Suite 205
  Houston, TX 77036-3197
  (713) 266-8805
  www.spantran-edu.org
  
  American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
  Foreign Education Credential Services
  One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
  Washington DC 20036-1135
  (202) 296-3359
  www.aacrao.org/
  
  
• All candidates accepted for admission must comply with Weill Cornell Graduate School and Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Program's Policies and Procedures.
  
  
• Advanced Standing: The MSHS PA Program does not grant advanced standing to applicants.
  
  
• Technical Standards: All applicants must meet our technical standards as follows:

Technical Standards

All candidates for the Physician Assistant (PA) Certificate of Completion and Master of Science in Health Sciences degree must possess the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze and synthesize data. They must have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, equilibrium, and taste. Their exteroceptive (touch, pain, temperature) and proprioceptive (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis, and vibratory) senses must be sufficiently intact to enable them to carry out all activities required for a complete PA education. Candidates must have motor function capabilities to meet the demands of PA education and the demands of total patient care.
All candidates for the Physician Assistant (PA) Certificate of Completion and Master of Science in Health Sciences degree must posses the following abilities and skills: .

1. Observation: The ability to observe is required for demonstrations, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, laboratory evidence and microbiological cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. A candidate must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, both at a distance and closely. This ability requires functional vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by a sense of smell.
   
   
2. Communications: A candidate should be able to speak, hear, and observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive non-verbal communications, describe changes in mood, activity and posture. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients including not only speech but also reading and writing. Communication in oral and written form with the health care team must be effective and efficient.
   
   
3. Motor: A candidate should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation and percussion, as well as carry out diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should have motor function sufficient to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and sensation..
   
   
4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: Problem solving is a critical skill demand of PAs and this requires all these abilities. The candidate must also be able to comprehend three dimensional relationship and the spatial relationship of structures
   
   
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: : A candidate must have the emotional health, to fully use his/her intellectual ability, to exercise good judgment, complete all responsibilities, and attend to the diagnosis and care of patients. A candidate must be able to develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and colleagues. A candidate must be able to tolerate physical and emotional stress and continue to function effectively. A candidate must possess qualities of adaptability, flexibility and be able to function in the face of uncertainty. He/She must have a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity, and a consciousness of social values. A candidate must possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems. The administration of the MSHS PA Program recognizes its responsibility to present candidates for the MSHS PA Program Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Degree and Certificate of Completion who have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. The responsibility for these technical standards is primarily placed on the MSHS PA Program admissions committee to select entering PA students who will be the candidates for the MSHS PA Program Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Degree and Certificate of Completion.
   
   

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended in 2008 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. More information about Cornell's procedures for students with disabilities can be found at the Cornell University Office of Student Disability Services website, http://sds.cornell.edu/

Applicant Advisory Sessions

Due to an overwhelming interest in the MSHS PA Program, there is significant competition for the limited number of seats each year (32). To help familiarize potential applicants with the MSHS PA Program, periodic Applicant Advisory Sessions are provided at the Program. This two-hour session includes information on the PA Profession, the MSHS PA Program, application requirements, an overview of the admissions process, and a tour of the MSHS PA Program facilities. Attendees may have an opportunity to meet current MSHS PA students and/or alumni as well.

Applicant Advisory Sessions for 2013 have been scheduled for:

• Monday, July 22, 2013 5:00pm-7:00pm

Please contact MSHSPA@med.cornell.edu to reserve a seat. (Please include Subject line:Applicant Advisory Session - 2013) A confirmation email will be sent to you prior to the session.

Tuition and Fees

Application fee

A non-refundable fee of $60.00 accompanying the secondary application is due of each applicant. This fee covers the cost of application processing and review by the MSHS PA Program admissions committee.

Tuition

The tuition for the most recently enrolled class is $24,385 for each of the three (3) "academic" years. Students are eligible for financial aid for each phase. Students also pay a graduation fee. Please note that this tuition cost is set for the current academic year and is subject to change.

If a student has pending financial aid, finance charges are waived and tuition will be deducted as the disbursement of loan money arrives.

Financial Aid For Currently Enrolled Students

Applying For Aid

The federal FAFSA form www.fafsa.ed.gov is required for federal loan programs.

Loan & Scholarship Programs

Your financial aid package will tell you what types of education loan programs you are eligible to accept. If you have remaining "unmet need," you may need private or alternative loan programs to cover all your expenses.

Approximately 90% of our students are recipients of financial aid, Federal Direct Loan Program and/or Alternative Education Loans. There are scholarships available through the various PA organizations and state agencies. In addition we maintain listings within the department regarding alternative scholarship programs available to our students. Veterans of the Armed Forces may also be eligible for benefits under the G.I. Bill.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans are available with certain terms and limits. Please refer to the Financial Aid Handbook along the left margin of this page for details.

Alternative Educational Loans Program Alternative Loans, also known as Private Loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its program.

Alternative Educational Loans Program Alternative Loans, also known as Private Loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its program.

Alternative student loans are independent of government regulation and can offer various terms for repayment, interest rates, and loan limits. The terms of these loans can vary from lender to lender and you are offered opportunity to choose the loan that fits your situation. The Weill Cornell Medical College has a list of preferred lenders.

Estimated Yearly Student Expenses Students enrolled in the MSHS PA Program and living at the college are not encouraged to bring an automobile to New York City because parking is expensive ($250-350/month) and students rarely have an opportunity to use their cars. While many clinical rotations do not require personal transportation, some do. This amount is calculated into the annual student budget. For students living "off campus" the anticipated yearly expenses are similar because the cost of parking, insuring and maintaining an automobile substitutes for the cost of room and board "on campus".

STUDENT HOUSING IS NOT GUARANTEED. Dormitory housing is occasionally available for students of the MSHS PA Program. Once a student is accepted he or she will be provided with a housing application. Estimated expenses are based on off-campus housing.

Current approximate yearly expenses for MSHS PA Program students includes, but is not limited to:

• Graduation Fee: $400.00
• Matriculation Fee: $450.00
• Graduate School Fee: 400.00
• Educational Facility Fee: $500.00
• Student Disability: $90.00
• Lodging: $1,500.00/month for off-campus housing
• Food: $4,554.00
• Books, Supplies & Equipment (incl. laptop computer): $3,500.00**
• Personal: $1,854.00
• Transportation: $1,255.00
• Student Health Fee: $1,300.00
• Health Insurance (est.): $4,680.00
• Loan Origination Fees: 3% on Federal Loans
• Network Connection Fee: $550.00

_{** includes one-time purchase of a required laptop computer.}

Note: The above is our best estimate; however, is subject to change. Each student has different needs so individual budgets will vary.