Supplemental Application Tips from Instagram

What people may not tell you, is that after you finish your initial application to professional school, you then have to do even more applications. Be it medical school, PA school, dental school, or any other sort of professional program, there is some variation on a so called "secondary" application. For PA schools, these are generally termed "supplemental" applications.

I am one who struggles to write about herself. The questions on supplementals are hard hitting. They ask you about your downfalls and weaknesses, your strengths and what makes you unique. I personally think I am the most average person on the planet, so describing what may set myself apart to ADCOMs is difficult.

With that being said, I reached out to the amazing Instagram medical community for guidance on these applications. I was overwhelmed with the amount of support and advice that I received back.

What's the point of supplemental/secondary applications?

These applications are tailored to the individual schools that you are applying to. They want to know who you are, what sets you apart, and most importantly, why you want to attend that particular program. You need to be able to tell a school that you want to attend it, and your answer should definitely not be because "it's just another school I thought about." Schools want applicants that align with their values and ideals, and utilize these secondary applications to determine who may or may not be best suited for their program. 

Tips tips tips tips

Aaron of aaronangkor: 

• Go through them carefully. You don't want to make simple yet huge errors like putting in the wrong program name or misspelling things. Also definitely put your effort into them! 

  
  

Holly of xohollyd:

The supplementals were so hard for me too! I tried to pull from my other experiences that didn’t make the cut for my personal statement so that they could see other sides of me as well.

Lili of lilpalife:

Make sure you’re actually reading the questions they ask!! I know many people whose responses did not even answer the question at hand! - don’t be them! 

Dominique of dominique_palove:

Give examples of experience you've had that show you have potential to fulfill the program's mission! Be specific and state parts of their mission and how you're ready to be a part of it! Also keep it short and sweet

Cheryl of pa.cheryl:

Mission, mission, mission. They already know why you want to be a PA. Now tell them why you’re a good fit for the school and the program’s commitment to their community. 

Katie of katiewinfrey :

Keep organized!

Final takeaway

Supplementals and secondaries are meant for PA programs to find applicants whose ideals match up with theirs. These applications will determine whether you are a good fit for the program itself and with the other prospective students of the program. 

• Slow and steady wins the race. You don't want to be brushed aside due to simple mistakes that could have been caught with a second glance
• Pull from experiences that may not be in your personal statement. Don't repeat your personal statement. 
• Read the questions! 
• Organization is key
• The program's mission is key. Again, programs want students who align themselves with the same values.