If you are applying to Physician Assistant (PA) school, you will likely need to submit reference letters as part of your application. A reference letter is a document that attests to your skills, experience, and character, and is typically written by someone who knows you well. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a strong reference letter for PA school, along with seven examples you can use as a starting point. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about reference letters for PA school.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for PA School
When writing a reference letter for PA school, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be specific, detailed, and provide examples of your skills and abilities. Here are some tips:
1. Use a Professional Tone
When writing a reference letter, it’s important to maintain a professional tone. Use formal language and avoid slang or casual expressions.
2. Focus on Specific Skills and Abilities
As a letter writer, focus on the specific skills and abilities of the applicant that make them a good candidate for PA school. Provide specific examples to back up your claims.
3. Give Context
Give context to your observations about the applicant. Explain how you know the applicant and in what capacity you have worked with them.
4. Keep it Concise
A reference letter should be one or two pages at most. Keep your letter concise and focused, and avoid rambling or including irrelevant information.
5. Make it Personal
While a reference letter should be professional, it should also have a personal touch. Make sure to write in a way that is warm and supportive, and highlights the applicant’s unique qualities.
6. Edit and Proofread
Before submitting a reference letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
7. Offer to Answer Questions
At the end of your letter, offer to answer any questions the admissions committee may have about the applicant. This shows that you are invested in the applicant’s success and are willing to provide additional support.
Seven Examples of Reference Letters for PA School
Example 1: Leadership Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your Physician Assistant program. As Jane’s supervisor for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of watching her develop into an exceptional leader.
Jane has a unique ability to inspire and motivate those around her. She takes on new challenges with enthusiasm and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her teammates.
Overall, I believe that Jane has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that she will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 2: Clinical Experience
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of supervising John during his clinical rotations, and I can attest to his exceptional clinical skills and knowledge.
John is a quick learner who is able to handle complex cases with ease. He has a calm and confident demeanor that inspires trust in his patients and colleagues alike.
Overall, I believe that John has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 3: Research Experience
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on several research projects, and I can attest to her exceptional research skills and knowledge.
Sarah is a meticulous researcher who is able to handle complex data sets with ease. She has a keen attention to detail and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the accuracy and completeness of her work.
Overall, I believe that Sarah has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that she will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 4: Interpersonal Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Davis for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past two years, and I can attest to her exceptional interpersonal skills.
Emily has a warm and engaging personality that puts patients and colleagues at ease. She is an excellent communicator who is able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that is easy for everyone to understand.
Overall, I believe that Emily has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that she will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 5: Work Ethic
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mark Brown for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of working with Mark for the past four years, and I can attest to his exceptional work ethic.
Mark is a hardworking and dedicated individual who is always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done right. He is able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and is always looking for ways to improve efficiency and productivity.
Overall, I believe that Mark has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Emily Davis
Example 6: Compassion
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Rachel Johnson for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of working with Rachel for the past two years, and I can attest to her exceptional compassion for others.
Rachel is a deeply empathetic individual who is able to connect with patients on a personal level. She is able to provide comfort and support to those who are going through difficult times, and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their wellbeing.
Overall, I believe that Rachel has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that she will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Mark Brown
Example 7: Problem-Solving Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Lee for admission to your Physician Assistant program. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past year, and I can attest to his exceptional problem-solving skills.
Michael is a creative and resourceful individual who is able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. He is able to work well under pressure and is always looking for ways to improve patient care.
Overall, I believe that Michael has the skills, experience, and character to excel in your program, and I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the field of medicine.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be more than happy to provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Rachel Johnson
Frequently Asked Questions about Reference Letters for PA School
What should a reference letter for PA school include?
A reference letter for PA school should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills and character, along with an explanation of your relationship with the applicant. The letter should be well-organized, concise, and written in a professional tone.
Who should I ask to write a reference letter for PA school?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and abilities. This could include a supervisor, professor, or healthcare provider who you have worked with closely.
How many reference letters do I need for PA school?
Most PA programs require two to three reference letters. Check with each individual program to see how many letters they require.
Can I submit additional reference letters?
Some programs may allow you to submit additional reference letters, but it’s best to check with the program first. In general, it’s better to submit only the number of letters requested.
Should I waive my right to see my reference letters?
It’s generally recommended that you waive your right to see your reference letters, as this shows the admissions committee that you trust your references and value their honest opinion.
What should I do if a reference letter is negative?
If you receive a negative reference letter, it’s important to address the issue head-on. Reach out to the reference and ask for their honest feedback. If there are factual errors or inaccuracies in the letter, you can try to correct them. If the issue is more subjective, it may be best to ask another reference to write a letter instead.
Conclusion
Reference letters are an important part of the PA school application process, and can help provide insight into your skills, experience, and character. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a strong reference letter that will help you stand out from the competition. Remember to ask your references early and provide them with all the information they need to write an effective letter. Good luck!