If you are reading this then that means you are a goal-oriented individual. First of all, let me set the record and say that graduating with honors from physician assistant school is by no means necessary to have a successful and meaningful career as a PA. However, if you’re an achiever personality type like myself (and I am assuming you are since you are reading this) then you and I both understand that it’s something you want to strive for.
Criteria for graduating with honors
The Pi Alpha Honor Society is the Physician Assistant Education Association’s (PAEA) national honor society that recognizes PA students and graduates for their academic achievement, leadership, research, and professional service in addition to a high standard of character.
To be nominated each student has to have a high GPA near the end of their program as well as achievement in areas of leadership, research, and/or community service. Initial selection is typically based on overall GPA, but the GPA is not the only criterion for nomination. All students with an overall GPA of 3.5 or greater are eligible. Faculty input is then considered regarding leadership, community or professional service, research, or other activities. The number of students nominated cannot exceed 15% of the graduating class.
For students to be nominated for the Alpha Eta Society, they must be in their last phase of training, have an overall GPA of 3.8 or better, and have shown capacity for leadership and achievement in the PA field. They also have to be recommended by faculty. The number of students nominated cannot exceed 20% of the graduating class.
My Journey to graduating with honors
I struggled in undergrad with my GPA so when I found out I was going to PA school I made a promise to myself that I would put my grades first. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do a fellowship or residency after school (yes these exist for PAs). I knew if I wanted the option to do so then the best way to set myself up for that was to finish near the top of my class. In other words, I hoped to graduate with honors from PA school. I followed through with that promise of making my grades a priority.
Fast forward 27 months when the time finally came I was ecstatic to learn that all of my hard work and sacrifice had paid off. I was not first in my PA school class but I was up there. I ended up choosing to not apply for residencies, but it was still a recognition that I could include on my resume and in my bio at my future jobs. Plus it was simply just a goal that I had set for myself and achieved, and that was such a good feeling in itself.
I don’t know for a fact that graduating with honors has helped me in my job search, but I know it hasn’t hurt. Fortunately, I have never once had a problem securing employment. To help you achieve the same, I am going to break down the three things I did that I believe made a difference throughout my time in PA school in securing this goal. These three things I did throughout my 27 months are definitely to thank for my academic success.
1. Study strategically
The most important and obvious thing you need to graduate with honors from PA school is a high GPA. The higher the better. To achieve that you need to put the work in. School needs to always take priority and come first no matter what is going on in your personal life. School should come first even if the goal is not to graduate at the top of your class. Remember, at the end of this, your future patients’ health and possible lives are going to be in your hands. That is the main reason you’re doing this.
Study smarter, not harder
When it comes to focusing on classes if you have to decide between studying for one exam over another you need to focus on the one that will impact your grade the most. Let’s say for example you have two exams for two classes that are worth the same amount of credits. One is worth 10% of your overall grade for one class and the other is worth 25% of the other class. Focus your attention on the one worth 25% of your overall grade. Or if one class is worth 5 credits and the other is worth only 2 then focus the majority of your energy on the class worth 5 credits. Simply put, be smart and strategic with where you spend your time studying. At some point or another, you will have to make choices like this.
Quickly figure out the best way for you to study
Figure out how you study most efficiently and stick with it. If it’s not working then don’t continue with your same study patterns. You need to switch things up. You may find that the way you studied in undergrad is not working the same in PA school. In undergrad, I used to make flashcards and study with other people. It didn’t take long for me to learn that was simply not going to work in PA school. I switched things up quickly after finding out that my first few grades were subpar.
This book will help you build better study habits in PA school.
Repetition is what worked for me
I knew I learned best with repetition but I was wasting too much valuable time making flashcards. I instead started printing PowerPoint slides (sorry trees) and would read and reread everything several times over. The first time I read through new material I didn’t mark on anything. I just read through it once all the way through. The second time I read through, I would highlight anything I thought was important in one color and any concepts I didn’t understand or needed to come back to in another color. The third time through I thought of possible questions that might be on an exam and underlined keywords or phrases.
Study partner or no study partner
After that, I would answer any available practice questions. My number one tip is DO NOT procrastinate on studying. Review material at different intervals. If you can start looking at material several weeks ahead and then a little bit each week it will make it so much easier on you when the time comes to cram as much as you can. Figure out if you study best by yourself or with someone else. I study best by myself until I hit a point where I feel confident with the material. Then I find a study partner a few days before so we can quiz one another and fill in any blanks. Lastly, I always study by myself the day before and morning of an exam to eliminate any distractions.
2. Connect with your professors
The professors are the ones who discuss and ultimately decide on who is graduating with honors. If you are number one in the class it may not matter you’ll get it either way but if they are deciding between you and someone else with a similar GPA then make sure you are the one with a stronger connection.
There is no need to be a teacher’s pet I just want you to participate in class. They are not going to choose someone who never said a word throughout the program. It happened to a girl in my program. Ask questions regularly and offer your opinion when the teacher asks a question. Be confident but humble. If they need volunteers for something then offer your time. (Although not at the expense of studying). During clinical rotations make sure you are still communicating with your professors to ensure you are top of mind when it comes to choosing who is graduating with honors.
3. Do not allow yourself to get burnt out.
Sleep is so important. More and more studies are being done on the negative impacts of lack of sleep. Pulling all-nighters is no longer the way to go. You need good quality sleep to absorb the information and be able to recall it at the time of the exam. Along with quality sleep, you need to take care of yourself by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Take time to get some fresh air. I lived near a state park and used to run around the lake loop during my study breaks.
PA school is long and requires stamina. You could do well at the very beginning but if you don’t keep up with good grades throughout the entire program then it won’t matter. To stay consistent you have to take care of yourself. Along with your physical health, you also need to focus on your mental health. PA school can be isolating. Besides your classmates, most people in your life won’t understand what you are going through. Make sure you spend time with loved ones when you have the time to spare and allow yourself some time to relax and rejuvenate yourself when you’re down.
If you are struggling with anxiety during school you are not alone. Remember, there is an end date and it will all be worth it. You’ve got this.
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