I'm Beverly Garrison — a practicing pediatric PA-C, university professor, and mentor to hundreds of pre-PA students. I built these tools so you have the same structured, step-by-step guidance I give my own students.
A strong GPA and thousands of clinical hours aren't enough if your personal statement reads like a resume, your school list is based on rankings instead of fit, or you submit in September when interview slots filled in June. These resources give you the system to get it right.
Each resource produces a tangible, finished piece of your application — not just advice.
The complete 6-pillar system from your 12-month timeline through clinical hours, personal statement, school selection, and CASPA submission. Includes the plug-and-play workbook.
Get the BlueprintAdvanced templates for your personal statement and interview. Real essay teardowns, 15-scenario mock interview simulator, and the full MMI scenario pack.
Get the KitGet both the Blueprint and Application Accelerator Kit together. Everything you need from planning through CASPA submission.
Get BothFor students who want personalized strategy from someone who's read hundreds of applications and sat on the other side of the interview table.
Private session
A focused 60-minute strategy session. We identify the one or two things costing you the most time and energy, and you leave with a concrete action plan for the next 30–90 days.
Book a Power HourBy application
Personalized guidance through your entire application cycle — first draft to final submission. Limited spots each cycle so every student gets real attention.
Apply to Work Together
Beverly Garrison, MS, PA-C
For 30 years I've practiced as a pediatric PA and taught at the university level — and I've guided hundreds of pre-PA students through the same journey you're on now.
I built these tools because I kept seeing the same patterns: talented students with strong qualifications getting lost in the process. Not because they weren't good enough, but because nobody gave them a clear, structured path. That's what this is.
A quick 10-question assessment that shows exactly where you stand and which part of your application needs attention first.
Enter your email and get instant access. You'll receive your personalized score and a clear starting point for your application work.
Enter your access code to download your materials.
Check your purchase confirmation for your access code.
Beyond frameworks and templates — get expert strategy, essay feedback, and monthly accountability from Beverly herself.
$2,997
Your dedicated pathway to PA school acceptance. Monthly strategy sessions, personalized essay feedback, application review, and unlimited email support from Beverly.
A common misconception is that applying to 20+ schools increases your chances. In reality, the sweet spot is applying to 8-15 strategically chosen programs. Programs look for alignment with their mission, prerequisite matches, and whether your stats fall within their competitive range. Quality and fit matter far more than volume.
The CASPA cycle typically opens in late April. Since many PA programs use rolling admissions, applying early (May or June) is highly recommended. However, do not sacrifice the quality of your application or apply before you have completed necessary prerequisites just to submit early.
Common mistakes include misunderstanding program-specific deadlines, submitting unverified or incomplete transcripts, and having weak experience descriptions. Many applicants fail to adequately describe their Patient Care Experience (PCE), focusing on a list of duties rather than their impact and what they learned.
Yes, it's possible with a strategic approach. While the average accepted PA student has a cumulative GPA around 3.7 and science GPA of 3.6, many programs look at the holistic applicant. You can offset a lower GPA by showing a strong upward trend in your last 60 credit hours, accumulating high-quality Patient Care Experience hours, and writing a stellar personal statement.
Your cumulative GPA includes all college-level coursework you've taken. Your science GPA only includes courses classified under science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.). PA programs heavily scrutinize the science GPA because it predicts your ability to handle the rigorous didactic year of PA school.
While many programs list a minimum of 1000 hours, the average accepted student actually has around 2000 hours of PCE. Competitive roles for PCE include Medical Assistant (MA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Patient Care Technician (PCT).
Most successful applicants aim for 50-100 hours of shadowing. It's highly recommended to shadow PAs in multiple specialties to demonstrate a broad understanding of the profession. To find a PA to shadow, reach out to local clinics, utilize LinkedIn, or ask your own healthcare providers for connections.
Your personal statement should not be a rehash of your resume. Instead, it must answer the core question: Why do you want to be a PA? A standout essay tells a compelling, authentic story about your journey to the PA profession, demonstrating your resilience, empathy, and understanding of the PA role.
Most PA schools require at least three letters. Ideally, get letters from a practicing PA, a science professor who can speak to your academic rigor, and a clinical supervisor who has witnessed your patient interactions. Always choose someone who knows you well over someone with an impressive title who barely knows you.
Be prepared to answer: "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to be a PA instead of an NP or MD?", "Why do you want to attend our specific program?", and "What is your biggest weakness, and how are you addressing it?"
The MMI format tests your communication skills, ethical decision-making, and ability to think on your feet. The best way to prepare is to practice "thinking out loud" and discussing ethical scenarios with a mentor or peer. Do not memorize scripted answers; focus on showing your thought process and empathy.
Absolutely not! The age range for accepted PA students spans from 22 to 65. Non-traditional applicants bring unique life experiences, maturity, and diverse perspectives that PA programs highly value. Your previous career skills (leadership, communication, problem-solving) are massive assets.
If you weren't accepted, do not submit the exact same application next cycle. You need to show growth. This means rewriting your personal statement, increasing your PCE hours, taking upper-level science courses to boost your GPA, or applying to a more strategic list of schools.
With acceptance rates hovering around 10-15%, the process is highly competitive. A Pre-PA coach provides personalized strategy, helps you avoid costly application mistakes, edits your essays so your unique story shines, and conducts mock interviews to eliminate anxiety. Working with a coach can save you time, money, and the heartache of multiple application cycles.
The 6-Month Program includes personalized 1-on-1 coaching with Beverly, custom feedback on your essays, and monthly strategy sessions. The courses give you the frameworks and tools to work through independently at your own pace.
It's a 10-question assessment that evaluates your clinical experience, storytelling ability, and PA school readiness. You'll get an instant score (0-40 points), a personalized tier (Beginner, Developing, Strong, or Ready), and tailored recommendations for your next steps.