Spring Break Update & Summer Plans

 

Hey everyone! So, I’m currently on spring break and have had the opportunity to fully rest. I’ve decided to make some changes to my plans, and I wanted to share an update. I’ve decided to shift my focus and not take the PA-CAT. Instead, I’ll be applying solely to AA (Anesthesiologist Assistant) programs. With that in mind, I’m dedicating the next two months—April and May—to focus exclusively on studying for the GRE. My plan is to take the GRE exam in June.

One thing I’ve learned is that GRE scores are typically available within 8-12 days after the exam, which gives me a good timeline. Many schools will open their applications in June, and since Summer A classes end on June 26th, I’ll be able to apply by June 30th—still early in the application cycle. If I can score well on the GRE, I’ll have plenty of time to submit at least six applications by that date, which is a solid start!

On a fun note, this Sunday, I’m taking Gianny to SeaWorld. Since she’s 5, she gets in for free with the preschool pass, and since I’m a teacher, I also get in for free with the teacher pass. I’m really excited! I haven’t been to SeaWorld since 2017, so it’ll be a nice change of pace. Later this summer, I’m planning a trip to Disney with Gianny, and I’m hoping to visit SeaWorld and Aquatica during the trip, making it a 4-day vacation.

This summer is shaping up to be packed, but in a good way! Aside from studying and the vacations, I’m also planning on working as a medical scribe, since I won’t be teaching or doing hospital homebound work during the summer.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming up:

April: Focus on studying for the GRE and enjoy Easter weekend.
May: Wrap up the academic year, celebrate Memorial Day weekend, continue studying, and start Summer A classes.
June: Take the GRE, receive the score, submit my CASAA application, finish Summer A classes, start Summer B, and take Gianny to Disney for a 4-day vacation.
July: Continue with Summer B classes, Gianny finishes summer school, celebrate my birthday, and do back-to-school shopping.
August: Back to work as the academic year starts, Fall classes begin, and Gianny’s birthday.

It’s going to be a busy and exciting few months ahead, but I’m looking forward to what’s next!

My Official 25-26 Application Checklist

 

25-26 Application Cycle Checklist

Prerequisite Courses

Biology 2 Lab         -  Summer A’25	UTampa
Chemistry 1 Lecture     -Summer B’25	UTampa, South WPB, South Orlando, South College
Chemistry 1 Lab           - Summer B’25	UTampa, South WPB, South Orlando, South College
Physics 1 /w calculus lecture   Summer A’25	South WPB& South Orlando
Physics 1 Lab           -   Summer A’25	South WPB& South Orlando
Chemistry 2 lecture      -  Fall’25	South WPB, South Orlando, South College
Chemistry 2 Lab            -  Fall’25	South WPB, South Orlando, South College

 

Academic Calendars

Summer A’25 May 19 - June 26, 2025

Summer B’25 June 30- August 13, 2025

Fall’25 August 25- December 12, 2025

EXAMS

PA-CAT: 3/28/25

GRE: 6/18/25

CASPER: 5/29/25

Schools

NSU-Post BAC Program
MCW
NSU-FLL
NSU-JAX
NSU-Tampa
NSU-Orlando
South Orlando
South WPB
University of Tampa-PA
South College Orlando-PA
South College Atlanta-PA
South Knoxville-PA

25-26 Application Cycle Checklist

Summer Tuition Waiver	Send Transcripts-After Summer A
Shadow Verification Form January 8 Hrs.	Register for Fall courses
Receive Casper Scores	CASAA-Personal Information
Receive Gre Scores	Receive summer B grades
Receive Pa-Cat Scores	Fall courses in progress
LOR-AA	CASAA-Academic History
LOR-AA	CASAA-Supporting Information
Fall Tuition Waiver	CASAA-Resume
LOR-PA	CASAA-shadowing Forms
LOR-PA	Supplementary applications-PA Schools
Receive Summer A Grades	Send updated transcripts- Academic update December
CASAA-Licenses	CASAA-Prerequisites
CASAA- Article summary	CASAA-Program Materials
Personal Statement	Experiences*include shadowing
Achievements	Double Check/ Review Each section of app
PA-Personal Statement	PA-Academic History
PA-Personal Information	PA-Supporting Information
PA-Prerequisites	PA-Program Materials

 

 *This checklist is personalized for the schools I'm applying to, and you are welcome to copy the format it and edit it to your schools. 

Welcome March!

Here we are—officially in March. That means a brand new application cycle for CaSAA is opening, which also means I’ll be reapplying. Honestly, this isn’t exactly what I had hoped for, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t make the plans—God does. On the bright side, this gives me the chance to apply early this time around, which should work to my advantage. In addition, I’ve decided to add a few PA schools to my list of applications. I can’t help but think about how much I love surgery, and becoming a PA will allow me to do exactly that. So, without further ado, here’s my list of schools for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Let’s do this! 

 CaSAA Schools: MCW - Medical College of Wisconsin NSU - Fort Lauderdale NSU - Jacksonville NSU - Tampa NSU - Orlando South West Palm Beach South - Orlando 

 PA Schools: University of Tampa South College - Orlando South College - Atlanta South College - Knoxville These are the only schools I’ve found that don’t require healthcare experience. My background is in education, so I know it will be a challenge, but I’m ready to take it on!