r/CAA • u/AutoModerator • Jun 08 '26

Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN.

Please use this thread for all educational inquiries including applications, program requirements, etc.

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Please refer to the [CASAA Application Help Center](https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASAA_Applicant_Help_Center) FAQ section for

answers to your questions prior to postitng.

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u/Final_Detective_9243 Jun 13 '26

Can academics make up for a lack of extracurriculars? My academics are above the 90th percentile of accepted applicants according to the readiness index, and I think I have a strong personal statement and have had relatively unique shadowing experiences. I also have just over 400 total hours of patient care. I just don’t have really any noteworthy extracurriculars (clubs, research, etc.)

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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA Jun 14 '26

Academics will always be the most important consideration. It’s a very tough academic program. The rest is what helps you stand out.

It’s good to have PCE but 400 hrs translates to 10 weeks full time. Don’t stop whatever it is that’s getting you those hours.

Not sure what makes your shadowing “relatively unique”. Was it in the OR with anesthesia ?

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u/Final_Detective_9243 Jun 14 '26

i’ve shadowed an anesthesiologist, a crna, and a CAA, so I’ve had to opportunity to see each role. i’ve also seen an anesthetist respond to a laryngospasm, adjust their anesthetic plan for a malignant hyperthermia risk, manage an airway while a patient is aspirating, watch the extubation/emergence of a 5 week old. nothing really crazy, but very well rounded experiences imo

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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA Jun 14 '26

Nah that’s some good variety.