Early Assurance of Interview

Early Assurance of Interview Program

The Early Assurance of Interview (EAI) program is designed to support and prepare Harding undergraduate students for success as competitive PA applicants while giving them a firsthand look at the Harding University PA Program (HUPA). 

Through the EAI program, participants can: 

• Fast-track their admissions journey and secure an in-person interview with HUPA
• Reduce stress and gain confidence throughout the application process
• Build meaningful connections with HUPA faculty and staff
• Observe current PA students as they develop hands-on clinical skills and procedures
• Strengthen their preparation for the rigor of graduate-level education 

EAI Requirements

To be eligible for the EIA program, prospective participants must: 

• Be a currently enrolled Harding University undergraduate student
• Be in good academic standing with no disciplinary actions for misconduct

While in the EAI program, participants must:

• Meet with the HUPA Admissions Team at least once per academic year
• Participate in a minimum of four (4) PA Program-sponsored activities
• Adhere to HU Code of Conduct
• Be continuously enrolled at HU with no major gaps
• Take all, or most, of the required coursework at HU
• Receive prior approval from HUPA to take classes outside of HU
• Submit your CASPA application by September 1st of your application year

When submitting the CASPA application, participants must have:

• An undergraduate science GPA of 3.4 or higher
• A prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher
• At least 250 hours of Health Care Experience
• At least 20 hours of PA Shadowing Experience
• Received a "B" or better in all completed prerequisite coursework
• Withdrawn from or repeated only one prerequisite course

Undergraduate students at Harding University enrolled in the EAI program who have satisfactorily met all of the above requirements will be guaranteed an in-person interview with the Physician Assistant program after a review of their CASPA application. A supplemental application will also be sent, but the associated fee will be waived.

Participation in the EAI program does not guarantee a student offer.

Participation in the EAI program is not a requirement. Harding undergraduate students who have not enrolled in the EAI program but who meet the published admissions requirements will be given equal consideration to the PA Program.

In the event of a desired gap year following graduation, the Admissions Team will consider continued eligibility for the EAI guarantee of an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis as long as the applicant communicates their plans to the Admissions Team in a timely manner and has provided an acceptable reason for pursuing a gap year.

How to Apply

Fill out an official application. Here is a printable pdf listing all pertinent information to keep track of your requirements.

Sample Schedule by Semester
(if starting as a Sophomore)

Sophomore fall:

• Meet with Undergrad Advisor
• Meet with PA Admissions Team
• Attend PA event #1

Sophomore spring:

• Attend PA event #2
• Summer between Sophomore and Junior
• Get health care experience (HCE) hours 

Junior fall:

• Attend and participate in PA Virtual Information Session
• Attend PA event #3
• Meet with PA Admissions Team in fall
• Submit CASPA application by September 1

Junior spring:

• Goal of 200 PCE by end of Spring
• Attend PA event #4

Summer between Junior/Senior:

• Take GRE
• Get 20 hours of PA shadowing if not already done
• Get remaining HCE to reach 250 hours (can get all in this summer if work 25 hrs/week for 10 weeks)

Senior fall:

• Interview with PA Program
• Meet with PA Admissions Team

Senior spring:

• Have scheduled no more than one prerequisite