Getting into a Physician Assistant (PA) program is a huge accomplishment. You’ve spent years preparing, shadowing professionals, completing prerequisites, and acing your application. But once accepted, many students find themselves struggling under the immense pressure. Unfortunately, some even face academic dismissal.
I recently spoke with three PA students who were either forced to withdraw or were academically dismissed from their programs. These were intelligent, hardworking individuals, but they still lost their seats. The good news? Their situations were preventable.
By understanding the top mistakes that get PA students dismissed, you can avoid them and set yourself up for success. Let’s break down exactly what went wrong for these students and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Mistake #1: Trying to Handle Everything Alone
James’ Story:
James had an impressive academic background—a 3.9 GPA, 99th percentile GRE score, and thousands of clinical hours. He had never struggled academically before, so he assumed PA school would be just another challenge he could handle on his own. However, once the program began, he quickly realized that the material was much more intense than anything he had encountered before.
Determined to push through, James resorted to his usual study habits: rereading notes, making flashcards, and studying 12–14 hours a day. Despite his efforts, his test scores didn’t improve. By the time he sought help, it was too late—his GPA had already dropped below the program’s required threshold, leading to his dismissal.
Lesson Learned
- Seek help early: PA school is not like undergrad. The moment you start struggling, reach out for assistance. Meet with advisors, join study groups, and use tutoring resources.
- Change your study techniques: Rereading notes and passive studying won’t cut it. Instead, focus on active recall, spaced repetition, and practice questions.
- Don’t be afraid to admit you’re struggling: The sooner you recognize the issue, the easier it is to fix.
Mistake #2: Studying the Wrong Way
Sarah’s Story:
Sarah was no stranger to hard work. She dedicated 8–10 hours a day to studying, even sacrificing sleep. Despite this, her test scores were just barely passing. She felt frustrated—she knew the material but kept blanking on exams. She assumed she had test anxiety, but in reality, her problem was ineffective studying.
Sarah’s study techniques involved rewriting notes, rereading PowerPoint slides, and highlighting textbooks—all passive learning methods that make you feel productive but do little for retention. By the time she realized her mistake, she was already on academic probation. After failing another exam, she had no choice but to withdraw from the program.
Lesson Learned
- Studying longer is not the solution—studying smarter is.
- Use active learning techniques:
- Active recall (forcing yourself to retrieve information from memory)
- Question banks and practice exams
- Teaching the material to someone else (teach-back method)
- Simulating test conditions (timed practice tests)
- Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of passively reviewing notes, focus on high-yield, interactive study methods.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Test Anxiety and Lack of Support
Mike’s Story:
Mike was well-versed in the material. He actively participated in class discussions and contributed to study groups. But when exam day arrived, his mind went blank. His test anxiety was severe—his heart raced, his palms became sweaty, and he second-guessed every answer. This led to consistent underperformance on exams, which eventually put him on academic probation and forced him to withdraw.
Mike’s biggest mistake? He didn’t seek help. He assumed everyone else was excelling and felt ashamed to admit his struggles. Had he addressed his anxiety earlier, he might have been able to stay in the program.
Lesson Learned
- Recognize that test anxiety is real and manageable.
- Seek accommodations if necessary: Many programs offer extra time, quiet testing environments, or other resources.
- Use test-taking strategies to reduce anxiety:
- Breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises
- Practicing under timed conditions to simulate real exams
- Working with a mentor or academic coach for test strategies
- Remember, you’re not alone: Many PA students struggle with anxiety, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
How to Avoid Academic Dismissal in PA School
Now that you know what not to do, let’s focus on how you can safeguard your success.
1. Identify Your Weaknesses Early
- Track your grades from day one.
- If you’re barely passing, don’t wait—seek tutoring, meet with professors, and adjust your strategies immediately.
2. Use Active Study Methods
- Ditch passive techniques like rereading and highlighting.
- Implement active recall, question banks, spaced repetition, and practice exams.
3. Build a Strong Support System
- Find a study group.
- Connect with a PA mentor.
- Lean on peers, professors, and advisors.
4. Manage Stress and Test Anxiety
- Treat exam prep like training for a sport—practice under real conditions.
- Learn relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.
- Seek accommodations if anxiety severely impacts your performance.
5. Work with a Mentor or Academic Coach
- If you’re struggling despite your best efforts, professional guidance can be a game-changer.
- Some programs offer academic coaching, but you can also find external mentors who specialize in helping PA students succeed.
What If You’re Already on Academic Probation?
If you’re currently struggling in PA school or on academic probation, don’t lose hope. Here’s what you can do:
- Rework your study strategy immediately. If your current method isn’t working, it’s time for a new approach.
- Seek professional support. Whether it’s for test anxiety, study skills, or time management, getting help can turn things around quickly.
- Stay proactive. If your academic advisor is developing a plan to keep you in the program, follow it diligently.
Top 3 Mistakes That Get PA Students Dismissed – Final Thoughts
PA school is incredibly demanding, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Struggling doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this profession—it simply means you need a better strategy and the right support system.
If you’re looking for structured help, consider programs like PA School Prep Academy, which offers expert coaching, study strategies, and test-taking techniques to improve retention and reduce anxiety.
At the end of the day, your success in PA school isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help. By avoiding these three major mistakes, you can keep your seat, thrive in your program, and move forward toward your dream career as a Physician Assistant.
Also read: Rejection to Acceptance: Master Your PA School Application
About me:
I’m Michele Neskey, aka The Posh PA. Welcome to my YouTube channel! My mission is to provide personalized guidance, education, and motivation to build confidence and promote wellness for aspiring physician assistants and beyond.
Having been a PA for 17+ years and helped hundreds of students gain acceptance into PA school, I understand the admissions process. I know what they are looking for, and I can help you tailor every component to make you shine, giving you the BEST chance of getting accepted to a program. But it doesn’t end there. I create personalized plans for PA students and practicing PAs including test-taking strategy for the PANCE, contract negotiations, and tools to overcome and prevent provider burnout.
My goal is to get you into a physician assistant (PA) school & survive the rigorous program, help you prevent burnout as a practicing PA, and help you take care of yourself so you can be the best version of YOU for your patients, family, and most importantly YOU!