MSPAS FAQs - Application & Interview - Prospective Students - Western University of Health Sciences

Physician Assistant (MSPAS)

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MSPAS FAQs - Application & Interview

How many applications do you receive, interviews do you grant, and applicants do you accept in an average year?
How can I request a primary application packet?
How can I request a secondary application packet?
May I turn in more than the required number of recommendation letters?
How does the committee decide which applicants are offered seats?
How and when will I know if I've been invited for an interview?
When are acceptance letters and final notifications mailed?
Do you have an early decision process?
I am a re-applicant; how can I improve my application or chances to get in?

How many applications do you receive, interviews do you grant, and applicants do you accept in an average year?

We typically receive more than 400 applications a year, and grant 200-250 interviews to seat a class of 98.

How can I request a primary application packet?

Primary applications are available from the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Primary applications must be requested from CASPA, completed and returned to CASPA (or filed electronically). Once everything is submitted and verified, CASPA will electronically submit your information to Western University's admissions office. Upon receipt of your CASPA application in our office you will be notified via e-mail and by postcard with instructions on how to complete and submit our supplemental application. Please note: it typically takes the application service (CASPA) two months to process your primary application and send it to the admissions offices you indicate on your application, so file your application early and check your status frequently!

How can I request a secondary application packet?

Once everything is submitted and verified, CASPA will electronically submit your information to Western University's admissions office. Upon receipt of your CASPA application in our office you will be notified via e-mail and by postcard with instructions on how to complete and submit our supplemental application.

Can I turn in more than the required number of recommendation letters?

Yes. However, it is advisable to limit the number to one-two extra since a total of three-four well-chosen recommendations will usually paint a clear picture of the candidate, and additional recommendations will only add to the committee members' reading time.

How does the committee decide which applicants are offered seats?

The admissions committee works hard to select the best candidates for the program. To make this decision they consider a range of information including academic credentials, community service background and information gleaned from the personal interview.

How and when will I know if I've been invited for an interview?

Interviews are held in in late February and early March. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified by email in late January or early February.

When are acceptance letters and final notifications mailed?

Acceptance letters are typically mailed in early April.

Do you have an early decision process?

No. There is no early decision program.

I am a re-applicant. How can I improve my application or my chances to get in?

Take a critical review of the information that you mailed the admissions office and see if there are any obvious voids. For example, maybe you had one or two low grades that lowered your overall and/or prerequisite GPA, or maybe you weren't involved in community service, or merely forgot to include it on your application. You would be surprised at how much you can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your application simply by looking at it from an admissions perspective.

If you had a low grade, especially in a science course, you should consider retaking that class, since we will recalculate your GPA with the new higher grade when we receive the new transcript. It's important to realize that sometimes there isn't one obvious thing that you can change to be admitted. Every case is different and every year the competition is different. Above all else, it is important to realize that we receive applications from many highly qualified applicants each year and are only able to offer acceptances to 98. If this is the path you are committed to, then keep trying!

Last Updated:05/09/2008

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