Should I mention my kids on the CASPA personal statement?

Should I mention my kids on my CASPA personal statement?

Whether or not to mention kids on the CASPA personal statement is a FAQ by PrePA moms. Often worried that motherhood will somehow make them a less desirable candidate. Before moving any further, let me make one thing perfectly clear – being a mother is not a disadvantage, it’s an asset. Raising a human being is not for the faint of heart and has taught many invaluable skills while on the job. Skills that make you an excellent candidate for PA School and future provider. It is important to determine what your hesitations are and make your case against them by highlighting the qualities motherhood has taught you. Below, I’ve addressed some of the most common concerns to help get you started.

It is unprofessional to mention my family

Talking endlessly about your kids is not only unprofessional but annoying. BUT, Simply stating that you are a parent is straightforward and displays confidence that you have this under control. Don’t believe me? Read what faculty members on the admissions panel have to say about parents applying to PA School.

This could be a reason to disqualify my application

Illegal! While questions can be raised in regards to any potential conflicts with your responsibility as a student – disqualifying you solely on these grounds or asking direct questions about your marital status and family is prohibited by the EEOC.

They will question my commitment

As far as commitment goes, you are probably amongst some of THE MOST committed applicants. Mostly because you have too much to lose. Getting here took a great deal of planning and sacrifice. Communicating that shows that you are fully aware of what is expected of you as a student and are ready to take on the responsibilities. Just another reason for mentioning your kids on the CASPA personal statement.

They will question my ability to complete the program?

You are not only able and capable … What you have to offer is life experience!

a) Time Management

Long story short, You can handle the stress of juggling more than one job at a time while remaining calm under pressure. Parenting has taught you the art of multitasking. Play dates, doctors appointments, balancing checkbooks, meal prep, soccer practice … and that’s just a typical Wednesday afternoon. You’re no stranger to managing your time efficiently, pretty much second nature at this point.

b) Interpersonal Skills

Calming temper tantrums, mediating sibling rivalry, playing peacemaker, mending broken hearts, negotiating vegetables with toddlers and adjusting parenting styles according to each child’s personality – parenting has taught you relationship management and how to use discernment. Reading people’s vibes is an asset that will surely be of great use both in school and in practice.

c) Service & Leadership

In order to be a great leader, you must serve. As moms we love, guide ,serve and lead our children into adulthood. Leadership and service are skills that you have acquired whether you realize it or not. For the working mom – regardless of occupation – what have you learned and had exposure to? Describe how your work experiences have prepared you for the career you have chosen. If you don’t have much work experience, talk about your work in the community. For instance, serving as a Sunday School teacher, organizing mommy and me classes, PTA membership, coaching little league, being the ultimate soccer mom. Whatever you have done has somehow prepared you for a career in healthcare. Determine how and emphasize it.

d) Attributes

Maturity, strength, self-sufficiency and compassion are all attributes of a great provider that you have gained as a mother. Allow all of them to shine through in your personal statement so that who you are and what you have to offer as both a student and PA-C is clear.

Overall,

the purpose of the personal statement is to give faculty an opportunity to get to know you better. Kind of difficult to do that if you leave out such a huge part of your life – motherhood. Your concerns are valid and there may be a program out there that will write you off because you are a parent. That shouldn’t stop you from showcasing the strengths and qualities covered above. On the other hand, if a program would disqualify your application because you are a mom it is probably not a program that you should attend.

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