5 Essential Tips for Thriving in Your First Year of PA School

July 29, 2025

Practical advice from a Tufts PA student on staying focused, managing stress, and building confidence from day one.

Hi! My name is Evan Chen, and I’m a first-year PA student at Tufts. Looking back, I can honestly say this has been one of the most challenging yet transformative periods of my life. The pace is intense, and the expectations are high. But through endless hours of studying and moments of frustration, I’ve learned so much—not just about medicine, but about myself. Here are some tips and pieces of advice that have helped me throughout the year:

Know When It’s Time to Stop

Our brains are like sponges—they can only absorb so much information before they hit a limit. We’ve all had that moment where we read the same sentence over and over, and it just won’t stick. When that happens, I’ve learned to tell myself to stop and take a break. Whether it’s a short walk, a snack, a power nap, or a quick stretch, do something that isn’t studying. This gives your brain time to consolidate what you’ve just learned. While pushing through fatigue might feel noble, it actually reduces how much we retain.

Imposter Syndrome

“Imposter Syndrome” is the feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt despite being competent. It’s common among high achievers—especially PA students. That inner voice saying, “I don’t belong here” or “I feel stupid” is something many of us struggle with, including me. The most important step in addressing Imposter Syndrome is acknowledging it. Remember: you were chosen to be in PA school for a reason. You didn’t sneak in—you earned your seat through hard work and dedication. You’ll have bad days. You’ll make mistakes. That doesn’t mean you don’t belong. Talk to classmates who may be feeling the same way. It helps normalize the experience and reminds you that you’re not alone.

“What Brings You Joy?”

Free time can feel like a myth during PA school. With constant exams, assignments, and studying, it may seem like there’s no time for anything else. I once came across a psychiatrist who asked his patients, “What brings you joy?” I think that’s an important question to ask ourselves from time to time. Remember who you were before PA school. I still recall our program director, Beth, telling us on the first day of orientation to keep doing the things we loved before PA school. If you went to the gym regularly, keep going. If you played an instrument, don’t stop. It took a while for Beth’s words to sink in. I kept making excuses about needing to study and not having time. But in reality, you have more free time than you think—just maybe not as much as before. The key takeaway: don’t let PA school cloud the things that bring you joy. We often get so caught up in being students that we forget there’s life outside of school.

Learn How to Learn

Everyone learns differently. Coming into PA school, I knew I had to change my study habits to keep up with the pace and rigor. PA school is often described as “drinking from a fire hydrant” because of the overwhelming amount of information. What worked for me in undergrad didn’t work here. It took me a whole semester to figure out what did. Some people like studying in groups; others prefer studying alone. Some use flashcards, while others “brain dump” onto a whiteboard. Personally, I like teaching the material—to a stuffed animal, in my case. It helps me solidify my understanding and identify gaps. What’s important is finding what works for YOU. It may take trial and error, but it’ll save you time and effort in the long run.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Being prepared is key—not just for exams, but for life. Cramming isn’t effective. Give yourself enough time to study, and aim to study a little bit each day. Even 1–2% daily progress is better than nothing or cramming at the end. Outside of academics, build habits that support your success, like meal prepping. It eliminates the daily “What should I eat?” stress and lets you focus on other things. While takeout or instant ramen might be tempting, think about what your body needs.

PA school is challenging. It will test you—not just academically, but mentally, emotionally, and physically. But it’s through these challenges that we grow into the people we aspire to be. You won’t know everything, and that’s okay. You’re a PA student—but more importantly, you’re a human being. Never forget the privilege and responsibility of the profession you’re stepping into. You’re becoming someone who will change and save lives.

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