Many CASPA participating programs feel that they get
all the relevant applicant information they need from the CASPA
application and do not find it necessary to have a supplemental
program-specific application. Other programs find that there are
areas or specific information that is not provided through the CASPA
reporting that might be helpful to them in evaluating their applicant
pool or assist them in selecting students who are a good match for
the mission of their PA program.
1. Information unique to your institution or to the applicant
pool you are trying to attract, i.e., if your program offers more
than one training location, if the applicant is bilingual or a
re-applicant, or if your applicant pool typically has a lot of
ex-military applicants and you want more information about this
experience.
2. Your Program wants a specific type of reference submitted
in addition to the ones submitted via the CASPA application, i.e.
require a reference from a PA.
3. Having a supplemental application fee provides revenue to
support the expenses of your application process, i.e. mailing
costs, phone costs, staff time.
4. You may want an additional program-specific personal statement
from the applicant to use along with the general CASPA statement.
5. Supplemental applications can help you filter out applicants
not qualified for your program.
6. Provides an opportunity for documentation of applicant informed
consent, affirming that they understand your program's technical
standards and program requirements.
7. Gives the opportunity for an applicant to include supporting
documentation, i.e. certificates, awards, explanations for exceptions.
8. Desire of program to have more complete contact information
about current applicant employment, i.e. employer/clinic name,
address and work phone contact information.
Supplemental Application....