MSHS PA Program Admissions FAQ

I am interested in becoming a PA. How do I get started?

Learning more about the PA profession is the best way to start your application process. Oftentimes applicants are asked about their knowledge of the PA profession during the admissions process. Additionally getting to know a PA will help you determine if a PA is the profession for you.

How do I apply to the MSHS PA Program?

Applying to the MSHS PA Program requires completion of an online application through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) at www.caspaonline.org. The "completion" deadline date is September 1st each year. (See the admissions section or caspaonline.org website for details.) The application process continues with a secondary application to the most competitive applicants as well as a personal interview to selected highly competitive applicants here at the MSHS PA Program office in New York City.

The "completed" CASPA application deadline is September 1st. What does "completed" mean?

"Completed" means the following:

All the components of the CASPA online application (go to www.caspaonline.org) is completed fully and accurately by the applicant. (Applicants are responsible for accurate completion of the CASPA application; therefore any errors requiring correction or modification must be done before the deadline date as well).

All transcripts for all colleges and Universities attended have arrived and have received by CASPA staff. Graduate Record Examination - General Test Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical scores are reported on the CASPA application.

At least 1 letter of reference included on the is from a Physician or Physician Assistant. This letter must have been submitted BEFORE the deadline date AND must be included in the initial CASPA mailing of the application to the MSHS PA Program.

Do you require a minimum applicant grade point average (GPA)?

No, However as the admissions process is very competitive, applicants with higher GPAs in overall and science coursework will be given consideration.

I don't see a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement for applicants on your website. What GPA would make me most competitive?

It depends on the applicant pool in a given admissions cycle. Since it is a very competitive process, GPA's and health care experience type and duration vary from year to year. To provide a perspective, the MSHSPA Program's class of 2013 had a mean overall GPA of 3.6 and a mean Science GPA of 3.5 at the time they were enrolled into the PA Program.

What are the required prerequisite courses in order to attend the MSHS PA Program?

The MSHS PA Program requires the following:

• Two full college semesters of Biology (each course must include a lab component) AND
• Two full college semesters of Chemistry (each course must include a lab component) AND
• One full semester of Microbiology AND
• One full semester of English Composition (or equivalent intensive college writing course)

Additional heath-related or advanced biology coursework is recommended but not required. Most competitive applicants have some additional science courses, including Anatomy, Physiology, and similar.

I am in college and in the process of taking (or plan to take) some of the prerequisite courses during the next semester. May I apply before completing all of the prerequisites?

Yes, Although the MSHS PA Program admissions committee encourages prerequisites to be completed as soon as possible, you may apply anytime during the admission cycle but MUST include such courses as "in progress" and/or "planned" on the CASPA application. All prerequisite courses and degree requirements must be completed by the conclusion of the Fall 2011 semester in order to be eligible to enroll in the class beginning March, 2012. The MSHS PA Program may request documentation regarding your progress in prerequisite coursework at any time during the admissions process. Please do not send any additional information to the MSHS PA Program unless requested by the MSHS PA Program Admissions Committee. NOTE: Consideration will be given to applicants that have completed their prerequisites and earned their Bachelor's degree PRIOR to completing their CASPA application.

I read that the MSHS PA Program begins classes in March. I will not have my degree until May. Will my application be considered?

No. All applicants must have all prerequisite coursework and a minimum Bachelor's degree completed by the conclusion of the Fall 2011 semester. If that is not possible, we suggest that the applicant apply during the following year's application cycle, to ensure these prerequisites and degree are completed and represented on the CASPA application. The CASPA application cycle starts in April of each year at www.caspaonline.org.

What are the components of the CASPA application?

Providing applicant demographics, healthcare experience information, entering completed "in progress" and/or "planned" coursework, submitting official transcripts and letters of reference/recommendations are among the required components. www.caspaonline.org for details and to begin your application.

Do I need to have letters of reference/recommendation to apply?

Yes. At least two letters of reference/recommendations are required for your CASPA application to be considered complete. These letters of reference/recommendations must include at least 1 from a Physician or Physician Assistant and must be included in your initial CASPA application. If the initial CASPA-generated applicant profile does not include the above, the file will not be considered for admission to the MSHS PA Program.

How much healthcare experience (HCE) is required to apply?

While HCE is required to apply - we do not have a minimum number of hours requirement. The range of healthcare experience varies significantly from several hundred hours to several tens of thousands of hours experience. The experience may be volunteer or paid, and in various settings, including hospitals, offices and clinics. NOTE: The MSHS PA Program gives preference to applicants that have experiences that include direct patient contact.

How many CASPA applications are received by the MSHS PA Program each admissions cycle?

We currently average 600-700 applications per year. This provides a very competitive applicant pool as there are only 32 available seats each year to fill.

What materials may I send to the MSHS PA Program?

No materials should be sent to the MSHS PA Program directly unless requested by the MSHS PA Program admissions committee. All application material should be sent directly to CASPA, as they will generate an applicant profile that will be forwarded to the MSHS PA Program office when complete. Any application materials sent to CASPA must arrive at CASPA prior to the September 1st deadline.

When are interviews held at the MSHS PA Program?

Interviews are offered to the most competitive applicants in writing and we are planning to start interviewing this year as soon as July, and continue through the end of the year. Interview dates and times vary each year depending on the applicant pool and number of qualified, competitive and completed applications received.

How many applicants are accepted each year?

Each year the MSHS PA Program admissions committee accepts applicants to fill 32 available seats. We require accepted applicants to send both a letter of intent to attend, as well as a non-refundable deposit to hold the offered seat. Rarely a student may be unable to attend and withdraw their application and we may offer a seat to additional qualified and competitive applicant to ensure a full class to begin in March, 2011.

Is the GRE exam required?

Yes. The Graduate Record Examination - General Exam is required of each applicant. This includes Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical components. Applicants must request GRE scores within the past 5 years (maximum) to be sent to the Weill Cornell Graduate School (school Code 2119 dept Code 5199). Students will not be considered for the MSHS PA Program if they do not have an official score from ETS.

I took the GRE over 5 years ago. Do I need to take it again?

Yes. All applicants must have taken the GRE within 5 years. The GRE scores (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical) must be self-reported on the initial CASPA application. All applicants must also request ETS to send an official score report to the Weill Cornell Graduate School prior to the September 1st deadline. (Use School code: 2119 and Dept. code: 5199)

I have a Master's degree. Do I need to take the GRE?

Yes. All applicants must have taken the GRE (within 5 years).

I am a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG). Can I apply to the MSHS PA Program?

Yes. FMGs and graduates of foreign institutions may apply through the same on-line CASPA application process as US graduates. However, transcripts MUST be evaluated and a US equivalency must be determined. This evaluation may be performed by any of the services listed in our Admissions Section. This evaluation of the foreign transcript must be sent to CASPA prior to completing the online CASPA application to ensure it is sent with the initial CASPA-generated profile to the MSHS PA Program. If English is not your native language, you must take the TOEFL examination prior to applying.

I have a foreign degree. Must I take coursework at an institution or university the United States?

While it is not required, we strongly recommend that the prerequisite coursework be completed at a US college or university.