CASPA Application Guide

If you’re planning to become a physician assistant (PA), one of your first major steps will be completing the CASPA application. CASPA, or the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants, is the platform used by most PA programs in the United States. It simplifies the process by letting you submit one application that can be sent to multiple programs.

This guide covers what CASPA is, how it works, what it costs, and important deadlines you need to know.

Looking for a pre-PA or PA internship abroad? Inquire here.

What Is CASPA?

CASPA is a centralized application system managed by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, you submit all your materials like transcripts, personal statements, test scores, and recommendation letters through CASPA. The system then sends your verified application to the PA programs you select.

It’s similar to medical school’s AMCAS or veterinary school’s VMCAS. The key advantage is efficiency: one application, multiple programs.

Why Use CASPA?

Using CASPA streamlines your application process and helps keep everything organized. Benefits include:

• Apply once, reach many programs – no need to duplicate forms for each school.
  
  

• Standardized timeline – CASPA deadlines are consistent across programs.
  
  

• Centralized updates – you can track transcript receipt, recommendation letters, and application status from one account.
  
  

CASPA Deadlines

CASPA typically runs on an annual cycle:

• Application opens: late April (April 27 for the 2024–25 cycle)
  
  

• Final deadline: early April of the following year (April 12 for 2025)
  
  

Each program may also have its own priority deadlines for early consideration, so check your schools of interest carefully.

CASPA Fees

Applying to PA school comes with costs, and CASPA is no exception:

• $184 for your first program
  
  

• $61 for each additional program
  
  

Other costs may include:

• Transcript Entry Service (PTE): $75–$150 depending on how many transcripts need to be entered.
  
  

• Supplemental program fees: Some schools charge additional fees outside of CASPA.
  
  

Fee waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants with financial need. A waiver covers the cost of two programs ($245 value).

How to Complete Your CASPA Application

The CASPA application has several components. Here’s the process step by step:

1. Create a CASPA account

Sign up on the official CASPA portal to start your application.

2. Select your programs

You must pick at least one program before uploading application materials.

3. Submit recommendation letters

CASPA requires at least two (most applicants submit three). Letters must come directly from your evaluators through the portal.

4. Send official transcripts

Every U.S. or Canadian college you’ve attended must send transcripts to CASPA—even for transferred courses. Request them early to avoid delays.

5. Enter coursework

All coursework from your transcripts must be entered into CASPA (including labs, withdrawals, repeats, and electives). Accuracy matters here.

6. Write your personal statement

You’ll submit a single essay (maximum 5,000 characters) that is sent to every program. It should highlight why you want to become a PA and what experiences prepared you for this career.

7. Verify and submit

CASPA must verify your materials before sending them to schools. Watch your application status closely to make sure nothing is missing.

CASPA FAQs

#1. What does CASPA stand for?

CASPA stands for Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants.

#2. How many programs can I apply to through CASPA?

There’s no limit, but you’ll pay for each program.

#3. When does CASPA open and close?

The application opens in late April and closes the following April.

#4. How many recommendation letters are required?

Most programs require three letters, though CASPA allows up to five.

#5. Can I edit my application after submission?

Some sections lock after submission (like coursework and essays), but you can still add new programs, update experiences, or send new test scores.

Final Thoughts

The CASPA application is your gateway to PA school, and getting it right takes careful planning. Start early, stay organized, and make sure every detail is correct before you hit submit.

If you’re also looking to strengthen your application, consider gaining guided hands-on patient care experience abroad. At Go Elective, our pre-physician assistant internships in Kenya and Tanzania give students clinical exposure, mentorship, and global healthcare experience. All of which can make your CASPA application stand out.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 18, 2025