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FAQs for the Secondary Application

When does the Program anticipate starting the program?

We anticipate the program will launch the first week in June 2024.

Why did the Program change the initial January 2024 launch timeline?

Administrative timelines related to the master’s degree approval require the Program to adhere to University-mandated timelines for processing the degree proposal. The degree proposal was submitted in early 2023 and has been making its way through the appropriate channels as expeditiously as possible. It has received favorable reviews and approvals throughout the process thus far.

Is the Program’s application for accreditation affected?

No, the accreditation status was not affected. The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the University of California San Diego Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program sponsored by the University of California San Diego.

Is a CASPA application still required?

 Yes. Submitting a CASPA application by the currently published August 1 deadline is still required.

Will the CASPA application deadline change?

 There are no changes to the existing CASPA deadline of August 1.

Will the Secondary Application deadline change?

The Secondary Application is currently disabled to comply with University of California System requirements for master’s degree approval. The application will be re-opened for 30 days when the Program receives notification of degree approval. The 30-day period will give applicants who have not yet submitted the Secondary Application time to do so. The Program will publish these new dates at a later time and notify all applicants via our website and CASPA’s email notification system.

What happens to existing Secondary Applications and fees?

Secondary Applications will be free of charge for all applicants during this admissions cycle only.  Applicants who submitted a Secondary Application this cycle and paid the fee will not have to re-apply and will receive a full refund when the link to the Secondary Application is enabled on the Program’s website. Applicants who did not submit a Secondary Application before the link was disabled in July will have 30-days to complete and submit their secondary application as described in the previous FAQ on this topic. 

Will the program still interview applicants and when will that occur?

 Admissions interviews will be scheduled as soon as the Program receives clearance to move forward with program launch. We anticipate they will occur in the late Fall or early Winter quarters. Interviews will be occur via virtual/remote technology.

Will this affect financial aid?

The launch date delay ensures that the availability of financial aid will not be affected. Master’s degree approval is a key requirement necessary to offer financial aid funds and services. The Program reminds applicants to submit their FAFSA applications between October and March to ensure their financial aid packages can be prepared expeditiously should they be offered a seat in the inaugural cohort. Apply here:  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Will this change affect other elements of the Program?

Given the Program’s significant institutional support, the Program does not anticipate any difficulties. The proposed curriculum, policies, and clinical training agreements related to the Program’s operation are unlikely to be affected.