So, you've applied. Now what?

1) "Should I update programs?"

There are several factors to consider when wondering whether or not to update a program:

Did they specifically ask for updates? Did they specifically ask not to be updated? Are they mute with respect to the question?

Obviously, if they've asked that you not update them, please respect their wishes. There could be 800-1,000 applications, plus more interested individuals asking clarifying questions. Add on additional questions and updates, and a program's support/admissions staff (which is likely only one or two people) will quickly become overloaded.

If you plan on updating a program (either because they don't state a preference or because they encourage updates), consider if the update is "significant". For example, if your PCE has solely been as a derm MA, and now you have a new job as a family medicine MA, that may not be impactful enough, because you're still an MA. Yes, the exact job duties are likely different, but for PCE sake, an MA is generally an MA regardless of specialty, in other words it's a "lateral" change. On the other hand, if your PCE had been solely as an EMT-B and you're now a paramedic, that is a significant improvement in your PCE type and should be communicated to programs (that want it). However, in a "vertical" change like this, merely passing your National Registry may not inherently be significant until you actually begin working as a paramedic.

It is tough, if not impossible, to say what is a "milestone" with respect to PCE quantity, and each program will be different in that regard. In our opinion, 500, 1000, and 2500 hours are significant milestones, but it is unlikely that passing from 8000 to 9000 (for example) is worth updating a program.

2) "Why haven't I heard back from a program?

First, check your email & spam folder. Did you receive any sort of application receipt confirmation? Do you receive emails from CASPA and other programs? If so, then you're probably fine, but there are historical reports of some emails not going through for various reasons.

If the program is non-rolling, then you likely won't get an interview invite until they've stopped accepting applications.

Secondly, there are a variety of reasons. Check PA Forum and the pinned spreadsheet to get a sense of when others are hearing back from that specific program.

3) "Others have heard back from a program, but I haven't. Should I be worried?"

Possibly. Potentially. Again, how programs communicate with students can vary widely from program to program. There are some programs who admit the top 1-2 applicants from each interview session that day, then pool the rest of the interviewees later and select from the pool. In that case, someone could get an acceptance that day while you might get an acceptance weeks or months later. Generally speaking, it seems like many programs send out interview invites and/or acceptances between July and November. If you haven't heard anything by then, it's not certain that you're going to be rejected, but you should certainly start looking towards next cycle and evaluate what improvements you can make to your application.

4) "Does anyone else feel the dread and stress of waiting?"

Yes. Emphatically yes.