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Modified Rolling Admissions

The NU School of PA Medicine utilizes a modified rolling admissions process that blends the benefits of rolling admissions with the structure of periodic review cycles, allowing every completed application to receive fair, thoughtful, timely, and holistic consideration.

Why Modified Rolling Admissions?

• Allows applicants to receive updates sooner than traditional single deadline processes.
• More equitable because seats are not immediately filled on a “first come, first served” basis; seats are held open until the end of the cycle.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply when their application is strongest.

How the Process Works

Screening

Verified applications are screened by admissions staff as they are received to determine if they are complete and meet the minimum requirements. If an application does not meet the minimums, an email is sent informing the applicant that they have been removed from consideration. Qualified applications are notified of their status and proceed to Evaluation.

Evaluation

The admissions committee evaluates qualified applications using a holistic framework, which considers each applicant’s experiences, attributes, academic metrics, and mission alignment.

Qualified applicants are scored for science GPA, prerequisite GPA, last 60 hours GPA, direct patient care experience (PCE), volunteering/community service, and leadership. The highest weight is given to the last 60 hours GPA, followed by prerequisite GPA, and the lowest weight is given to science GPA. PCE hours are scored based on the level of education, training, autonomy, and responsibility required in the position (high, moderate, or low quality). Volunteer/community service hours are scored based on the alignment with the program’s mission/vision. The highest value volunteer experiences are in a faith-based context or direct service to marginalized/underserved populations; moderate value experiences include serving in a medical context to non-marginalized populations as well as in an educational/ coaching capacity; and low value experiences include fundraising and environmental or animal-based service. Leadership is scored based on the number of hours reported in the experiences section.

After scoring, applications advance to Faculty Review in scheduled batches where letters of recommendation, supplemental essays (why NU and mission/vision alignment), and application score are evaluated to determine interview recommendations. Note: the time between submission and the end of a faculty review cycle can take several weeks to months depending on the timing of submission.

At the end of each review cycle, all qualified applications received to date are sorted and ranked by interview recommendation and application score. Top-ranked applicants and those awarded preferences (NU graduates and military veterans who meet the minimum requirements for admission) will be invited to participate in an on-campus interview. Applicants not immediately selected for an interview will receive an email indicating that they are either on standby for a future interview event or removed from further consideration. Applicants on standby are considered for each interview event. An invitation to interview can come at any time during the interview cycle.

Interviews

The NU School of PA Medicine utilizes the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format to offer a more holistic evaluation of applicants beyond their academic achievements by providing a comprehensive view of the applicant’s suitability and program alignment. The MMI stations test for non-cognitive traits such as ethics, grit, collaborative communication, self-awareness, academic adversity, and interpersonal skills.

Candidates will be evaluated during the entire interview process and are expected to conduct a respectful manner that is courteous to other PA applicants, students, faculty, and staff. Applicants are encouraged to seek input from advisors and counselors regarding various practices and principles of professional behavior, demeanor, and professional attire.

Interviews occur on campus only (no virtual options) during the fall and winter months. Candidates should expect to spend the day on campus participating in interviews and a variety of activities such as campus tours and Q&A sessions. Travel expenses are the applicant’s responsibility.

Candidate Selection

Upon completion of an interview event, all interviewed candidates will be ranked based on the combined scoring of the application and interview. After final review of the admissions committee and program director, formal offers of admission will be extended to the top candidates whether they interviewed at the current event or a previous one. The remaining candidates will receive notification of their status: under consideration or denial. For candidates who remain under consideration, an offer of admission can occur at any time.

At the end of the interview cycle, candidates that are not offered an initial seat will be notified electronically and given one of the following, ranked waitlist results: high alternate or alternate. The high alternate鈥痺aitlist is utilized鈥痜irst鈥痶o fill any vacancies as they arise to ensure the complete cohort is filled. The alternate鈥痺aitlist is utilized鈥痵econd鈥痶o fill any vacancies as they arise to ensure the complete cohort is filled. Both lists will remain active until the selected cohort has started the program. Applicants on standby will be encouraged to reapply in the next cycle.

A Competitive Applicant

• Demonstrates consistent academic success in prerequisite coursework, more so in their science coursework, and most particularly in their most recent 60 credit hours of coursework.
• Has at least 1,000 hours of qualifying patient care hours by the application deadline. A maximum of 5000 hours will be scored.
• Dedication to volunteer service with marginalized, underserved populations or in a faith-based context. A minimum of 10 hours is required for scoring; a maximum of 500 hours will be scored.
• Leadership through roles and positions within clubs, organizations, work, or community service. A minimum of 10 hours is required for scoring; a maximum of 1000 hours will be scored.
• Strong letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant well, have a supervisory role or are a medical provider (e.g. PA, MD, DO, NP), and can provide specific examples related to the attributes being evaluated.
• Exemplifies alignment with the program’s mission and vision.