How often do we get to ask Program Directors questions and get transparent answers? NOT OFTEN, so this episode will knock your socks off! Mike Huckabee, Ph.D. PA-C is the Program Director at the Mayo Clinic PA Program and a personal friend–in today’s episode we have unique access to his thoughts on pre-PA/PA applicants, application process, and more! He offers great insight to the thoughts of a program director and applications committee–how important are essays, course load, what the applications committee is really looking for…this episode has a TON of great info for new/repeat applicants. Seriously–I can’t thank Mike enough for his answers! Clinical Leadership for Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, by Michael Huckabee, Ph.D., PA-C https://amzn.to/2KNScxp Writing Your PA School Application Essay, by Chris Darst, MPAS, PA-C http://www.pastartup.co/essay Jump to a topic: 6:00–What catches the eye of PA Admissions Committee? 7:32–Showing non-cognitive variables: grit, integrity, and character 9:00–Including grit/your story in essay up front 11:33–The truth about adding additional science classes to help GPA vs. retaking lower grades 15:10–Does course load matter? (e.g., if I took a bunch of hard classes at the same time, will that make me a better candidate?) 16:46–Shadowing hours 19:15–Shadowing PA vs. MD 20:25–Essay tips: personality differences of the reader 23:25–INTERVIEW SECRETS (awesome insight here!!!!) 28:00–What truly is the applications committee looking for? 31:05–What is the purpose of on-site writing? 35:30–Advice for applicants who don’t get in (Hint: They EXPECT you to contact them!) Don’t wait: 30-day free trial of Audible with a free book of your choice! – http://www.pastartup.co/audible