One step along the path to PA school is to choose who you will ask to be a reference for your application. For some, this is one of the more daunting parts of the process, as you select the people you think will give you the most powerful recommendations and then actually ask them!
Here are some tips
Check requirements for the number of references and the balance of health care providers and academic references.
CASPA allows five references to be submitted; will schools that only require three still read all five? How many references need to be from health care providers, and how many need to be from academic sources? Here at Duke, we require three references - but will accept five - with at least one from a health care professional.
Choose people who can best speak to your ability as a health care provider or student.
Quality over quantity: If a school only requires three references, it is better to have three solid choices than five generic ones.
Depth over title: Schools would much rather read references from people who really know you and worked by your side than the medical director you met once. Direct supervisors are a great choice, but the key word is “direct.” The substance of the reference matters much more than fancy titles.
Give your references the information they need.
Even if you have followed all the advice and found people who worked closely with you, have known you for years, and you believe will speak highly of you, giving them information that will help them tailor their words is still a good idea. Tell them exactly what the reference is for, note specific qualities the program values, key experiences, why you believe they would be an excellent reference for you, and any particular goals you have.
Note: You are not telling them how to structure or write their reference; you are just ensuring they have the relevant data.
Pink Flag Warnings
There are some things to avoid when dealing with your recommendation letters. Some are more serious than others, but they’re all good to take to heart.
Asking family members to write reference letters.
No family members! Do not ask family members to write references for you. Whether you worked with them in a clinic, took care of them personally, or just think they really really like you, this is a major no-no.
Asking patients or former patients to write letters.
It might be tempting to ask a patient you have gotten to know well and over a long period of time, to write a letter on your behalf. Most schools would see this as a major boundary violation. Instead, consider asking a colleague to write a letter with that patient/provider relationship in mind.
References who say they have known you for a very long time but don’t seem to actually know you beyond the superficial.
This goes back to quality over quantity.
Not waiving your right to access your evaluations/recommendations.
Sometimes, it is so difficult to click that button that waives your right to access the praise you (hope) is being heaped upon you. Many admissions committees will notice if that box isn’t checked, however, because, to them, it means your evaluator may have felt pressured to please you rather than giving their honest opinion.
Asking people to write letters if you are unsure they will speak highly of you.
This one should be pretty obvious. But it can also go back to not asking people who are less appealing references just because you want to send in more – unnecessary - letters.
Ultimately, we know some people take more time and put more effort into writing recommendations than others. Generic recommendations will not necessarily break your application, but great recommendations can make it!
The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.
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