If I were planning to apply to PA school in the 2026 cycle, this is exactly what I would be working on right now. January I would get clear on my timeline and gaps. That means reviewing PA program requirements, auditing my GPA and prerequisites, and making a realistic plan for patient care hours, shadowing, and coursework. January is for planning and strategy, not panic. February I would begin personal statement prep. Not writing the final draft yet, but brainstorming stories, reflecting on my “