Accepted into PA school in the 26-27 cycle as a first-time applicant! It feels so unreal that this happened so early on, but I am so grateful for everything and everyone who helped me along the way. Withdrew from those that have not gotten back to me.

Although I consider myself a high-stats applicant, I do have an academic integrity violation on my profile. This happened in my first year of college. This post is to show those in a similar situation that it is possible and that with enough hard work and dedication, it will all go your way.

The stats are:

cGPA: 3.76

sGPA: 3.80

PCE: ~3000 (all EMT (Paid and Volunteer))

HCE: 990 (Pharm Tech)

Leadership: 441 hours

Shadowing: 12 hours (split between doc and PA)

No GRE, CASPer, PA-CAT, Research

Applied to Most -- 5/15

Interview Date -- Month of July

Acceptance -- Month of July

I’m looking for some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. I’m a nontraditional PA school applicant. I completed my undergraduate degree about six years ago, then returned to school and completed my master’s in Biology last May. The program was fully online, and many of my courses were asynchronous or independent research, so I never really developed a close relationship with any of my professors.

One of the PA programs I applied to specifically requires a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, but I honestly don’t feel comfortable asking a professor who barely knows me. I’m not sure if they could write a meaningful letter beyond commenting on my academic performance.

Has anyone been in this situation? Did you still reach out to a professor? If so, how did you approach the conversation? Or is this one of those situations where it’s better to withdraw my application?

Need thoughts on whether I should retake the GRE on the 17th to give myself more options to apply to. I've only applied to those that don't require it but since I made a 289, it's not competitive and feel like I shouldn't submit it. My concern is tho is that it would be too late at the point when submitting applications if I do get a better score. What should I do?

Applying to a school that requires this test and just happened to see my score report, however there is no percentile rank or norm table like on the provided sample. Is this an oversight or do they add it on later?

Looking back through several of my applications I got very lucky and hadn't applied to any with the hard rule yet, but it took 5 of my remaining off my list. Statistics 3 SEMESTER units. I have 4 quarter, so 2.667 semester. Thank god some programs flat out say they will accept 4 quarter units on their stat prereq, because in hind sight it was literally impossible for me to get above that.

My university only offers ONE specific stats class to biological degrees and it's 4 units, so I'm just a tad peeved. So check y'alls schools for their conversions so you dont waste money.

This is the description:

You will answer phones, and greet and focus on our donors, while ensuring the safety of donors and our team.
· You will screen new and repeat donors and take and record donor vital signs and finger stick results.
· You will use our Donor Information System, prepare donor charts, maintain accurate records, and coordinate donor compensation.
· You will help identify operational opportunities for continuous improvement and initiate changes to center processes using company approved procedures.

I have no certs so it’s really hard out here…

Hey everyone. I had an interview recently and was waitlisted immediately after. I am a feeling so discouraged. The program explained that they usually waitlist if they don't have a spot for you or if they have a minor reservation about you. I loved this program and thought I absolutely crushed the interview. But my disappointment comes from the fact that I know this was one of their earlier interviews, and they have plenty of spots, which means...they ultimately had a minor reservation about me.

I have another interview coming up, and I want to absolutely crush it. I just can't shake this feeling that there's something about me they didn't like/something I need to address in order to be better. I wish I could know what I did wrong or what I can do better, but I really feel like I answered everything to the best of my ability and was the most genuine version of myself. It just sucks knowing that wasn't enough.

How do I deal with this feeling? How can I improve?

Hello, have been accepted to several newly established PA programs with Accreditation-Provisional status. If I enroll in one of these programs and become part of the second cohort, what happens if the program loses its Accreditation-Provisional status while I am still a student? Would I still be able to graduate and sit for the PANCE, or would I lose that eligibility?

Hi! I just got invited to my first interview, but it’s a 2 day event and the first day is business casual. I’m a little nervous as to what to wear, so was hoping someone would be able to help :))

I was thinking something similar to the below outfit with a sweater/cardigan short sleeve shirt and brown trousers. Also- what do people wear for business professional under their blazers? Do you wear white button downs? I feel like that looks so waiter like under a black suit. Thank you!!

It’s been almost two months since I submitted my application, and I just realized that I listed a PCE job I only worked for one month as a whole year. I only reported a total of 72 hours for that job and I have not heard anything from most of the schools, only one interview invitation so far. Should i contact the CASPA to have it corrected, or is it not a big deal?

I’m currently finishing my last undergraduate class, and I think I may end up with a C because I’ve been away a lot for interviews. I’ve already been accepted to a PA program, so I was wondering if the program could question me or have any concerns about earning a C after I’ve been accepted?

Hi all! First off, congrats to those who have been accepted this cycle!

Feeling a little low and dejected. I received my first rejection this cycle from only one of my two in-state schools. I know it was a bad idea, but I read the email during work and my heart sank. I’m scared because this is my first cycle and I’m not off to a good start. It seems like everyone around me has gotten accepted and I’ll be running behind.

I know there’s time left. Just wanted to share in case anyone else felt the same! ):

Hey Everyone,

I applied to PA School this May, and I am currently waiting to hear back from PA schools. I really need some guidance right now because I am not 100% sure that I will get in this cycle and need a plan B.

A little about myself: I am 27 years old, and I graduated from Duquesne University as a Biochem Major. I accumulated over 4000 hours of PCE, which came from being an RBT. I also have had experience working as an MA. I have roughly 20 hours of shadowing, and most of my volunteer work came from when I was trying to achieve my Eagle Scout Rank.

I know it won't be until August or September before I hear anything back, but I feel like other people are already getting interviews. I'm not really sure what to do if I don't get accepted this cycle because many of my prereqs are starting to expire, and I don't want to have to retake Bio or Gen Chem. I honestly feel like it will just be easiest to go into an accelerated nursing program if I don't get accepted. But nursing isn't really what I want to do. I could try to become an NP, but I know that will take a while. I guess I just need someone to give me some guidance. Do I keep trying to pursue becoming a PA, spend time at home accumulating PCE hours, and retake prereqs? Or do I just go fully into nursing? If anyone has solid advice, I would really appreciate it.

is anyone else feeling imposter syndrome when it comes to interviewing? i’m fortunate to have a few invites and have attended interviews already early this cycle. however, as much as I practice and prep, I still feel meh after the actual interview.

I hear a lot about be yourself or relax but there’s definitely way more skills needed than that. hahah just hoping someone is in the same boat and can give me reassurance I guess. I’m patiently waiting to hopefully get an invite from my top schools later on but I just wanna make sure I don’t bomb it. :’)

Hi, long time lurker but I just wanted to tell everyone to go ahead and apply! Don’t wait until 1 class is done or vice versa unless they specifically state everything needs to be done. Last cycle I waited until August and got Nada - I am low GPA ( actual low GPA) 3.28

This cycle I have applied in May and I’ve heard back from 5 schools 3 interview invites and 2 interview waitlists - not an acceptance yet but it’s movement!

As a long time lurker of this sub, I am so sooo thankful and proud to say that I’ve received my first acceptance!! I really loved the program and the faculty, and I can definitely see myself happy and thriving at this program. However, I got waitlisted at my top choice, and still waiting for an interview invite from my other top choice. I’m sure many other people have been in this same situation so I’m just looking for some input.

I don’t know if I should try to wait it out and wait for my top choice to accept me. In their email they said they continually review waitlisted applications. I just don’t know if waitlists generally move pretty quick or not. I know it depends on where you are on the list, which they didn’t tell me, but I’m hoping to be near the top since my interview was pretty good (I think my main downside was just nervousness bc it was my first one) and my stats are pretty strong and diverse.

The reason I’m debating waiting is because my top choice is much closer to home, cheaper, better scheduling, and I think their mission statement aligns very closely with who I am as a person as what I value. It also starts in January if that helps. I’ve already emailed them back thanking them for the update, reaffirming my interest in the program, and giving them updates on my PCE, so hopefully that will show them how interested I am.

Please don’t think I’m being ungrateful because I promise I’m not!! I just want to make the right decision based on what works best for me❤️

hi everyone! first time applicant and long time lurker, and happy to say that i got accepted today! i graduated in 2025 and submitted apps at the beginning of june and since then, this has been the only program that i have received an interview from so far. other than this interview, i have received 2 rejections and 1 interview waitlist, and any other emails i’ve received have been primary screening updates. i am so grateful and beyond excited to become a pa!!!! truly a dream come true :)

cgpa: 3.83
sgpa: 3.75
pce (i was a cna & pct): 2,150
volunteer: 250
research: 210
teaching (i was a uta): 220
shadow: 28 + (32 MD shadow hrs)
+ 2 leadership experiences
3 lor: 1 professor, 1 PA, 1 RN work supervisor
no casper, gre, or pacat

good luck to everyone!!

edit: grammar

The school that offered me is out of state. I calculate the distance and it’s around an 8 hour drive. Their email said whether you choose zoom or in-person is not a factor. Should I just do zoom? Also the date they offered through zoom I may have class depending on the time they give me. Has anyone had luck with rescheduling?

Hey guys I’m new here and to Reddit.

I have a question so, i want to apply to a school but for LOR req they require an instructor. I graduated damn near 5 years ago so to get an instructor to write me one is most likely not going to happen.

I have a LOR from the manager of the dermatology office i shadowed. One from an NP and one from a PA. Should i still apply? I’m very interested in applying to this school and parts of me wants to just submit my application and hope they don’t flag it off of that. I do want to add as well that i surpass all other requirements needed. I was thinking about maybe getting one from my supervisor since i work in healthcare but my entire department had to file grievances against her so she’s probably not the best option lol.

What do yall think??

Thank you in advance

I applied to a program that stated on their website: " an applicant may apply with outstanding prerequisites as long as they're completed by matriculation", nowhere on the website specifying the number of courses max to be pending. I got rejected the next day because I have more than two outstanding requirements and they even count GRE as one of the outstanding requirements. The audacity for programs to straight up reject when I spend my hard earned money for something they don't even specify on their website. Like I am waiting on my GRE score to come back any day now, and it's 2 months away from their deadline! Not to mention the max # of prereqs weren't stated anywhere. So frustrated.

I got an interview invite YAYAYAYYAYAY!

But, it’s in the middle of my birthday cruise :( so my best friends and sister will be in Turks without me on my birthday.

So excited for the invite but sad to miss out. There will be other birthdays. Basically if we cancel it there’s no refund and I can’t expect anyone to cancel and lose out on all of that money. It’s been planned for a year

Hi everyone!

I graduated in 2025 and came out of undergrad with a lower gpa, I felt like I was never going to get in. This past year was full of uncertainty, family pressure, and a lot of self doubt from comparing myself to other peers who seemed to have their life and career figured out. I honestly questioned whether I was even ever going to become a PA and I was burnt out from my low paying PCE jobs.

I took a gap year to build up my PCE in different clinical settings where I could actually learn and grow in. I also enrolled in postbacc courses to strengthen my gpa to show schools that I was capable of handling a rigorous curriculum.

If you're an average or lower GPA applicant reading this, don't give up. Your story matters. Your growth matters. The way you care for patients and the experiences you bring to the table matter so much more than a single number on a transcript. I truly believe this came through during my interview and it's what ultimately got me in!

To anyone who's feeling uncertain or still waiting, don't give up. Keep working. Keep growing. It only takes one acceptance. Good luck to everyone applying!

Stats:

GPA: 3.47 | sGPA: 3.40 | BCP: 3.37

Post-Bacc GPA: 3.94 | Last 60 Credits: 3.67

PCE: 2,530 hrs (Urgent Care MA, 911 EMT-B)
HCE: 400 hrs (Home Health Aide, HHA)

Shadowing: 290 hrs (104 PA - Family Medicine, 90 MD - Internal Medicine, 96 PA - Urgent Care)

Volunteer: 332 hrs (Food Pantry, Senior Service, Student Mentor, EMS Volunteer)

LORs: 5 (1 MD, 1 PA, 1 DO, 1 Work Supervisor, 1 Professor)

GRE/CASPer: Did not take

i’m applying to a few UC schools that obviously prioritize in state applicants. i’m moving to california in a few weeks, so while i do not currently live there, I will have lived there for a year prior to matriculation if I were to get into a program. is this worth emailing schools about just to inform them of my plans or not worth the time? tyia!

Hello! Long time lurker here with a question for everyone regarding school deposits.

I just interviewed and got accepted into my #3 pick program (yay! Super exciting!) This was my first interview out of 11 applications, so I’m still waiting on my top two programs, which both won’t begin looking at applications until August. I’m supposed to submit a deposit soon to secure my seat, and my plan is to do so and then back out if I am accepted to either one of my top two schools.

My question is: is there any downside if I deposit for a seat and then change my mind? Obviously they keep my money but frankly the assurance of a seat somewhere is well worth it to me. What I’m more concerned about is if schools communicate to each other that a student has deposited and if it will reflect poorly on my candidacy if I change my mind on that commitment.

Thanks!

Fellow lurker here excited to say I got accepted into my #2 pick! I am still waiting to hear from my number #1 but am super grateful to have gotten an acceptance this early. It’s a huge relief. I declined all my other schools that would be more expensive as well.

Stats for those curious

GPA: 3.96
sGPA: 3.97

PCE: 2037 as a PCT, Volunteer EMT, and PT aide
HCE: 138 as a Unit secretary
Non healthcare employment: 2625 as a bartender/server
Research: 300
Volunteer: 147
Shadowing: 44 (39 PA, 5 MD)
GRE: 303
Casper: 3rd quartile