Am I A Competitive CAA Applicant?

Am I a competitive applicant? This is a question on the forefront of most applicants' minds when trying to gain acceptance to CAA (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant) school, especially as the number of applicants has surged over the past three years.

As an applicant, you put significant time and effort into your application, so it’s a valid question! Let’s break it down.

Before we can discuss competitiveness, it’s important to understand that all requirements must be met. Each CAA program sets its own requirements, and these can change from year to year at the discretion of the program.

As a general starting point, here are some of the typical requirements at most CAA schools:

Competitiveness in an application is a combination of meeting the requirements and adding application enhancers that go beyond the minimum.

In other words, competitive applications typically include aspects that aren't required.

It’s also crucial to research the programs to which you’re applying. Explore each program’s website to see if they publish stats from their most recently accepted class. For example, Case Western posted their recent matriculants’ average GRE scores on their website here.

Provided an applicant has met all requirements, competitiveness doesn’t boil down to one singular stat. Applications are reviewed holistically, meaning every part of your application is considered before an admissions decision is made.

Now, let’s break down the various aspects of an application.

CAA programs don’t mandate specific undergraduate degrees or majors. You’re free to major in whatever interests you, as long as you complete all the prerequisite coursework.

Many pre-CAA students opt for science-heavy degrees, as those naturally align with the prerequisite requirements. Performing well in a science major signals to admissions committees that you can handle academically rigorous coursework, which suggests you'll succeed as a CAA student.

Competitive applicants typically earn higher than a C in prerequisite courses, often achieving A’s.

In addition to completing all mandatory prerequisites, competitive applicants often complete preferred prerequisite courses as well.

For example, Emory University lists both required and "strongly preferred" courses here.

Some CAA schools have minimum GPA requirements, while others don’t. Checking each program’s website or attending open-house sessions will help you see how your GPA compares to other applicants.

According to publicly available data from CAA programs in 2024, the average competitive overall GPA is 3.6.

As expected, the higher your GPA, the more competitive you are. However, an upward trend can be a powerful indicator of your growth in studying skills, which reflects positively. For example, if two applicants have the same GPA but one had Cs in their freshman year while the other had Cs into their junior and senior years, the applicant who improved over time would be considered more competitive.

Also, CAA admissions committees often break down GPA into different subcategories, such as course subject GPA and prerequisite GPA. More information about GPA calculations can be found here.

A solid test prep plan is worth your time, as most CAA programs consider your entrance exam scores during admissions decisions.

As of 2024, here are the average competitive scores:

Whether schools super score repeated exams varies, and this information is often not published publicly.

Note that some schools also require the Casper evaluation.

Applicants must have three evaluators assess them via CASAA. Three is the required number—no more, no less. For help deciding who should write your letters, you can read more here.

Each evaluator rates the applicant on a scale of 1–5 in the following categories:

The better your evaluator knows you, the stronger their assessment will be. Keep in mind that your evaluator will also write a letter of recommendation, and you won’t see what your evaluator submits to CASAA.

The personal statement essay offers a personal touch to your application. It’s your opportunity to share your motivations, aspirations, and why you’re a good fit for the anesthesiologist assistant profession.

A well-written essay can certainly enhance your application. Conversely, a poorly-written essay detracts from the competitiveness of an application.

Shadowing anesthesia professionals is an essential part of exploring the profession. Most schools require at least eight hours of shadowing, but exceeding this can be helpful. Shadowing helps confirm that anesthesia is the right career for you.

For tips on how to find shadowing opportunities, check here.

Note that shadowing non-anesthesia healthcare professionals doesn’t count toward the eight-hour minimum.

Extracurriculars add value to your application. Extracurricular activities aren't required but are "extras" that improve an application. Obtaining healthcare experience is a very impactful extracurricular when applying to CAA school.

Here are examples of roles that can strengthen your application:

Other beneficial extracurriculars include leadership roles, work experience (even if not healthcare-related), research, and volunteer activities.

Focus on activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to you, rather than trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to see.

Application strategy is personal to each individual.

Asking "Can I be more competitive?" isn’t always helpful because the answer is almost always yes. Instead, ask, "How can I enhance my application within my constraints?"

Everyone has responsibilities outside of applying to CAA school. Set realistic, time-bound goals to improve specific aspects of your application.

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