Leslie Mean is a 25-year-old single white female who presents to the PA school admissions committee on her second attempt to get into PA school.
She has a 3.6 overall GPA and a 3.5 science GPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, had an SAT score of 1,200, and a GRE score of 303.
She has two years of hands-on clinical experience working as a CNA and a long history of volunteer work, which exemplifies her desire to help her community.
She is kind and considerate and has reference letters that demonstrate her maturity and strong interpersonal skills.
She was accepted into PA school on her second attempt.
Who is Leslie, and why did she get into PA School?
When asking the question: What do I need to do to get into PA school? You would be smart to talk to Leslie.
Leslie is a hypothetical PA school applicant who went on to become a PA school student, an entirely average PA school student.
She also embodies what PA schools across the country are looking for at this very moment.
How do I know this?
Because the most recent data from the PAEA semi-annual report, representing responses from over 85% of PA programs detailing characteristics of the 27,283 PA school applicants and 8,802 students accepted in PA school, show that they are filling their seats with Leslie.
As much as I like to talk about not being average and differentiating yourself from the pack, it's nice to know what average is. Average provides a baseline by which you can measure your progress, set goals, and develop an application timeline.
Does this mean you have to be just like Leslie to get into PA school?
Absolutely not, first, factors such as race, age, ethnicity, etc., are of no importance, and you certainly don't have to be female to get into PA school (I am living proof).
But it is safe to assume that most schools are looking to keep their graduation and certifying exam pass rates high. They have an incentive to take fewer risks, and because of this, anything below average is considered a risk.
Thus, take a good look at Leslie and focus on factors that you can control to differentiate yourself, like your academic standing, your experience, your volunteer activities, your references, and your essay.
If you set the bar at Leslie and end up being a Mother Theresa, I am fairly sure you will be accepted into PA school, although I have no data on religious preference and PA school acceptance rates. 🙂
What are your chances of getting into PA school?
- Approximately 27,283 people apply to PA school in any given year.
- Approximately 20% of all applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle.
- Applying to one PA program gives you about a 25% chance of acceptance while applying to 12 PA programs increases those chances to 49%. There is no statistical benefit to applying to more than 12 PA programs.
- Of the PA students accepted, more than two out of three (65.3%) (a.k.a. the majority) had applied to PA school previously.
- The average PA program's acceptance rate is 7%. However, some schools have much higher acceptance rates, while others have much lower acceptance rates. For example, the acceptance rate at Harvard Medical School is 4%, while the acceptance rate at the University of Central Florida is 65%.
So, what does an average PA school applicant who is admitted to PA school (i.e., student) look like?
Let's take a look:
In studies, the five most influential noncognitive factors known to have an effect on PA school admissions are faculty interactions, career motivation, knowledge of the PA profession, maturity, and professionalism. - Journal of Physician Assistant EducationClick To Tweet→ The average PA school student is 25 years old
- The average age of first-year students ranged between 25 and 28 for all categories
- The median age at application is 25 years old
- The median age of recently certified PAs is 27
- For the past six years, the median age of all certified PAs is 38
Age Range | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
22-23 | 21.6% |
24-25 | 24.5% |
26-27 | 22.2% |
28-29 | 17.1% |
30-31 | 10.8% |
32-33 | 3.6% |
34-35 | 1.1% |
36-37 | 0.6% |
38+ | 0.4% |
→ The average PA school student is female
The gender distribution of first-year students has started to stabilize after a 20-year trend of a gradually increasing proportion of women. In 1980, 36 percent of PAs were female. Today, 65.6% of matriculated PAs are female.
- Female: 65.6%
- Male: 32.9%
- Non-binary: 1.5%
Gender | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Female | 65.6% |
Male | 32.9% |
Non-binary | 1.5% |
As you can see, the majority of matriculating PA students are female. This is consistent with the overall trend in the healthcare field, where women make up a majority of the workforce.
There are a few reasons why there are more female matriculants than male matriculants in PA schools. First, women are more likely to be interested in healthcare careers. Second, women are more likely to apply to PA school than men. Third, women are more likely to be accepted to PA school than men.
However, it is important to note that the number of male matriculants in PA schools has been increasing in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that the PA profession is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more men are choosing to become PAs.
→ The Average PA school applicant has a bachelor’s degree
The majority of PA school applicants hold a baccalaureate degree.
- No academic degree: 8.1%
- Certificate: 0.2%
- Associates Degree: 2.6%
- Baccalaureate Degree: 70.5%
- Master’s Degree: 6.6%
- Doctoral Degree: 0.9%
→ The Average PA school applicant graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences
Most PA school applicants hold a degree in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.), but this doesn't mean you have to!
Major | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Biology | 28.4% |
Health Sciences | 19.4% |
Psychology | 16.2% |
Chemistry | 12.2% |
Sociology | 7.7% |
English | 5.2% |
Other | 9.1% |
The most common major is biology, which makes up 28.4% of all matriculated PA students. This is likely because biology provides a strong foundation in the sciences, which is essential for PA school.
Other popular majors include health sciences, psychology, chemistry, and sociology. These majors also provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in PA school and in the PA profession.
It is important to note that there is no one "right" major for PA school. PA programs are looking for applicants with a strong foundation in the sciences, but they also value applicants with a variety of experiences and perspectives.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best undergraduate major for PA school.
→ Matriculating PA students had an average of 2,669 patient contact experience hours.
PA school applicants come to the table with a variety of medical experiences, especially if they are strong applicants.
It is important to note that the amount of clinical experience required for PA school varies from school to school. Some schools may have no minimum requirement, some may have a minimum requirement of 1,000 hours, while others may require 3,000 hours or more. It is important to research the specific schools that you are interested in to see what their requirements are.
To be a successful PA candidate, you should aim to have at least 2,000 (preferably 3,000+) hours of hands-on patient experience at the time of application. This is 20-30 times more than the number of hours needed for medical school!
Experience in one of the following areas is common:
- Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Allied Health
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Radiologic Technologist
- Athletic Trainer
- Emergency Services
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Emergency Room Technician
- Miscellaneous
- Phlebotomist (that was me!)
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Volunteer
Medical Experience Statistics for PA School Applicants
Of applicants admitted to PA school, 90.5% worked in healthcare before applying to PA school. The most common healthcare experience is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) 30.4% and medical assistant (MA) 26.5%. Among those accepted, 23.3% worked as a scribe, 19.3% had experience as an EMT/paramedic, and 8.9% had experience as an emergency room technician. In addition to paid healthcare experience, 55.2% of matriculating PA students participated in volunteer community service work, such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, service-learning activities, and mission work.
Health Care Employment Prior to PA School | Percent |
Nursing assistant | 30.2% |
Medical assistant | 26.5% |
Scribe | 23.3% |
EMT/Paramedic | 19.3% |
Emergency room technician | 8.9% |
Home health aid | 8.7% |
Phlebotomist | 7.3% |
Clinical research coordinator/assistant | 7.3% |
Physical therapist/Physical therapy assistant | 5.7% |
Pharmacy technician | 4.1% |
Athletic trainer | 3.8% |
Medical technician | 3.3% |
Medical reception/records | 2.9% |
Medic or medical corpsman | 1.7% |
Radiology technician | 1.6% |
Dental assistant/hygienist | 1.4% |
Source: 2020 PAEA student report |
Average Health Care Experience Hours of Matriculating Students
According to the latest PAEA program survey and report, for those applicants accepted to PA school, the average student had 2,669 patient contact experience hours. Accepted students had, on average, 1,490 hours of “other healthcare experience,” 378 hours of community service, 1,883 hours of other work experience, and 108 hours of healthcare shadowing.
Experience | Maximum | Mean | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patient Contact Experience | 25,000 | 3,240 | 2,669 | 3,850 | 5,834 |
Health Care Shadowing | 2,807 | 215 | 108 | 152 | 231 |
Community Service | 18,000 | 719 | 378 | 515 | 938 |
Other Health Care Experience | 9,000 | 1,791 | 1,490 | 2,098 | 2,903 |
Other Work Experience | 12,651 | 2,315 | 1,883 | 2,278 | 4,200 |
* 2023-2024 Update: Some recent data suggests HCE hours are significantly declining, with a new average of 1.88 years of healthcare experience among matriculating (accepted) students.
Admissions directors Q&A: What are some of the points that are extremely impressive to you in the application?
Commitment to community, overcoming adversity, a WELL written narrative, great letters of reference from someone that REALLY knows you, ability to juggle many responsibilities simultaneously, and activities that show a particular passion for something are what we look for in a PA school applicant - Penn State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ GRE scores of those accepted into PA school tend to be in the above-average range
The mean GRE scores for matriculated PA students are 152.2 for verbal reasoning, 152.0 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.9 for analytical writing. The 25th percentile scores are 140 for verbal reasoning, 139 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.0 for analytical writing. The 75th percentile scores are 164 for verbal reasoning, 165 for quantitative reasoning, and 4.5 for analytical writing.
GRE Section | Mean | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 152.2 | 140 | 164 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 152.0 | 139 | 165 |
Analytical Writing | 3.9 | 3.0 | 4.5 |
The average GRE score of matriculated PA school students has been trending up over the years.
Year | Average Total GRE Score |
---|---|
2021 | 303.6 |
2020 | 302.2 |
2019 | 301.4 |
2018 | 299.8 |
As you can see, the GRE is the most commonly required exam for PA school admissions. This is followed by the TOEFL, the MCAT, and the SAT.
Exam | Required by |
---|---|
GRE | 57.7% |
TOEFL (Internationl Students Only) | 71.3% |
MCAT or GRE | 14.0% |
SAT | 10.0% |
ACT | 7.0% |
CASPer | 5.0% |
Competitive GRE scores average around a composite score of 300, and scores above 310 are extremely competitive. This averages to about 150 on verbal reasoning, 150 on quantitative reasoning, and 3.5 on writing.
Please note that these scores are averages of past GRE examinations, and you should consider your score competitive if they are above the 50th percentile.
Percentiles are more important than actual GRE scores. Every GRE differs in difficulty, which is why none of them can be considered equivalent, thus, necessitating the need to use a standardized ranking method.
→ The average PA school student has between a 3.5 and 3.6 overall GPA and an undergraduate science GPA of 3.5
- According to the latest PAEA program report, the average undergraduate overall GPA for PA school applicants who were accepted into PA school was 3.6. Accepted students had, on average, a science GPA of 3.5, a non-science GPA of 3.6, and a CASPA BCP (biology, chemistry, and physics) GPA of 3.5
- The average overall GPA for students who were not accepted into PA school was 3.28. Non-matriculant science GPA was 3.17.
Interesting factoid: As the age of applicants increases, their GPA tends to be lower.
GPA type | Average |
---|---|
Overall GPA | 3.6 |
Science GPA | 3.5 |
Non-science GPA | 3.6 |
CASPA BCP GPA (biology, chemistry, and physics) | 3.5 |
GPA | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
3.75 or higher | 56.5% |
3.50-3.74 | 28.5% |
3.25-3.49 | 8.5% |
3.00-3.24 | 4.5% |
Below 3.00 | 2.0% |
→ Most PA school students are Caucasian
As you can see, the majority of matriculated PA students are white. This is consistent with the overall trend in the United States, where white people make up the majority of the population.
However, it is important to note that the racial makeup of PA students is becoming more diverse. The percentage of Asian matriculants has increased in recent years, and the percentage of Hispanic/Latino matriculants is also increasing.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the racial makeup of PA students. If you are a member of a minority group, you may want to consider applying to programs that have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Race | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
White | 67.2% |
Asian | 14.3% |
Hispanic/Latino | 10.3% |
Black or African American | 5.4% |
Native American | 0.8% |
Multiracial | 2.0% |
→ What are your chances of being accepted into PA school?
- If you apply to one PA program - you have a 25% chance of getting in
- If you apply to 12 programs (or more) - you have a 49% chance of getting in
- The average number of PA programs applied to is 8
Interesting factoid: There is little statistical benefit of applying to more than 12 programs!
→ Pucker up, baby. Most PA students are single!
Most students are single (72.2%), though about a quarter are married (24.5%). A little under two percent were divorced, and 1.6% were in a domestic partnership/civil union.
Most students (92.1%) have no legal dependents. For the nearly 7.9% of students that reported having legal dependents other than themselves, the average number of dependents was two, with a range of 1 to 9 dependents.
Legal dependents | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
With | 7.9% |
Without | 92.1% |
Over 30% of respondents said they were considered dependent of their parents.
Marital Status | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Single | 72.2% |
Married | 24.5% |
Divorced | 1.6% |
Domestic Partnership/Civil Union | 1.6% |
Separated but still legally married | 0.2% |
Widowed | 0% |
→ Most PA students are from "The Burbs"
Half of the students reported spending most of their time in a suburban setting. One-quarter of respondents reported spending most of their time in a rural environment, followed by 15% in an inner-city setting.
→ Most PA students don't come from extreme riches
According to the PAEA Student Report, the median family gross income of matriculated PA students was $110,000. This means that half of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $110,000, and half had a family gross income above $110,000.
The family gross income of matriculated PA students varies widely. The 25th percentile family gross income was $85,000, and the 75th percentile family gross income was $135,000. This means that 25% of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $85,000, and 75% had a family gross income above $85,000.
Family Gross Income | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Below $85,000 | 25% |
$85,000-$110,000 | 37.5% |
$110,000-$135,000 | 25% |
Above $135,000 | 12.5% |
Admissions directors Q&A: Who is the perfect PA school applicant?
Our program will look to utilize a holistic approach to admissions. We look at academic success, life experiences, and community activities to evaluate all candidates. There is no one mold to fit the PA profession. However, PAs need strong communication skills, leadership, grit, and a willingness to support the community - Michigan State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet Students need to be well organized, know how to manage their time and outside influences, and have a genuine desire to help and care for people. PA school is rigorous, so we recommend honest conversations with family and friends ahead of your start. - CWRU PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ PA school students don't smoke pot and are not drug dealers or part of the Italian Mafia
According to the PAEA Student Report, 99% of PA programs require a background check and 92% of PA programs mandate drug testing. This means that the vast majority of PA programs require applicants to undergo a background check and drug test before they can be admitted to the program.
The background check typically includes a review of the applicant's criminal history, driving record, and employment history. The drug test typically screens for illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
The purpose of the background check and drug test is to ensure that the applicant is of good moral character and that they are not using illegal drugs. PA programs have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their students, faculty, and patients.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the background check and drug testing requirements. You should also be prepared to provide documentation of your criminal history and drug use.
Here is a table that summarizes the background check and drug testing requirements of PA programs:
Requirement | Percentage of Programs that Require |
---|---|
Background Check | 99% |
Drug Testing | 92% |
Some Important Points
It's Not Rocket Science: It is important that a candidate demonstrates reasonable aptitude in the hard sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology. It is more likely that the committee may overlook a grade of C in U.S History or Spanish I. They will be less tolerant of a marginal grade in the sciences.
Show compassion: Your GPA is stellar, and you've amassed an impressive amount of medical work experience in the little spare time you have while keeping your grades pristine, but you still get that dreaded rejection letter. Why?
You didn't do enough volunteer work. Volunteering exemplifies your desire to help your fellow man—the attribute identified by schools as one of the most integral to becoming a successful PA.
Students who have had experience in working with underserved populations, rural or diverse populations, performing volunteer service or disaster relief, or other experiences that illustrate a drive and compassion for others often stand out to the admissions committee!
The view from the top isn't that crowded
It's an easy race to the bottom, so set your sights on the top.
Many people will be set back when they read that only 25% of applicants will be accepted into PA school in any given year, but this should be good news. Being in the top 25% in any field is not nearly as hard as it sounds, simply because the majority of the competition is in the bottom 75% and has bottom 75% qualifications.
For example, you have read this entire post, so you now know what the average PA school applicant who has had some success looks like. You understand what a top 75 percent candidate looks like. Your goal now is to be better than the average 75% and exceed the top 25%.
If you aim high, you will be competing with a much smaller minority, and your odds of getting an acceptance letter will increase dramatically. It also helps if you apply to 12 programs. 😉
*Tables and data were sourced from the latest PAEA Semi-Annual Report.
jess says
I finished my associates in respiratory therapy with a 2.9 gpa
am going for my bachelors and I plan on doing much better on my gpa for my bachelors . after my bachelors I plan on also doing my pre reqs for P.A school, my question is what gpa are they going to check and will my associates gpa be considered and will it hinder me from getting into P.A school..
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
They are going to look at the trend. Blow them away with your performance over the next 2 years and sometimes this looks even better than someone who had been a 4.0 student since the beginning.
Stephen
jess says
I finished my associates in respiratory therapy with a 2.9 gpa
am going for my bachelors and I plan on doing much better on my gpa for my bachelors . after my bachelors I plan on also doing my pre reqs for P.A school, my question is what gpa are they going to check and will my associates gpa be considered and will it hinder me from getting into P.A school
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jess,
How come you can’t complete your PA prerequisites while persuing your BS? PA schools focus on the “big picture” so if you can show progress and improvement in the last two years this will be the focus of their attention. I don’t think your associates GPA will be a huge factor, unless of course it is the majority of your science GPA, which could then present a bit of a problem. But even that can be remedied in your final two years.
Stephen
Andrew says
Hey Stephen,
First off, thank you for compiling this information in an easy to read and well written article. I am a 24 year old male who is currently waiting on an interview invitation from the University of Florida and University of Alabama Birmingham. Even though I feel I am a qualified applicant, I am very nervous. I received my Bachelors degree in Health Science from UF in 2014 with a 3.73 overall and a 3.73 science gpa (CASPA calculated). I have worked in Hepatitis C research for 3 years at UF, and have been the lead FibroScan (a device which is used to help determine liver fibrosis) technician for UF Hepatology for a year and a half. I am also a nationally certified EMT (though I never worked in the field after receiving the license). I submitted 5 professional letters of recommendation to CASPA, all from current UF Hepatology practitioners, 2 from ARNPs, 2 from Doctors, and 1 from a PA. Overall, I have over 4000 research hours, 800 “Other health experience” hours, around 900 patient contact hours, 180 clinical shadowing hours, and about 120 volunteer hours (though most of these were earned while performing an Eagle Scout project when I was 17). I very much want to go to UF, but I have applied to 5 other schools as I figured I might as well see what else is out there, and gain experience from interviews at other schools. In your opinion, what do you think about my chances to get into UF this first time around? Also, from the information I have provided what would you recommend I improve if I want to be accepted at a top PA school?
Kind Regards,
Andrew
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Andrew, I think you have an extremely good chance of getting in this year. The key is to continue to demonstrate that you are a well rounded candidate in your interview. It is nerve racking for sure ? but just believe in yourself and don’t try to force your answers and give them what you think they want to hear. Be yourself, and you will do great. As far as what more you can do… I think you are right on track!
Stephen
Andrew says
Hey Stephen,
Thanks for the encouraging words and the advice, really made me feel great to hear that from someone in the field! My family, friends and co-workers have told me they think I have a good chance, but it is different coming from someone who does not know me personally. I turned in my application at the end of July and am just trying to stay positive in light of not hearing anything back yet (I know overall its early and previously accepted applicants have told me they didn’t hear anything back for 3 months). It seems as though it’s just a waiting game now, but I never have been good at being patient, gotta work on that… Again, thank you so much for your time and thoughts on the subject (plus the quick response), really made my day!
Kind Regards
Andrew
Vimmy says
Hiii stephen ,
I am really stressed out right now .. I am indian dentist .. Did bds n about to finish my internship .. I will be coming to america in 3-4 months n i am really confused about what carrier will i choose if not dds .. I hv heard getting into dds schools is real difficult.. I was thinking about doing PA .. I finished my bds with 61% i dont kw about my gpa .. I wanted to know am i eligible for PA and what are the things i should do to get into PA … Thank you for ur time ..
Christina says
Hi Stephen. I am a 36-year-old single mother who has worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 5 years before returning to school to expand my career options. My GPAs range from 3.0-3.87. I am entering my senior year at Western Washington University and would like to attend UW for their PA program. UW is the only school I would like to apply to due to the fact that I need to remain close to family while attending school. UW is highly competitive. Do you think based on the information I have provided that there’s a chance they will accept me or am I playing it too risky?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Christina,
The MEDEX program at the UW is one of the best in the country and definitely worth applying to. They tend to accept applicants with over 4 years of experience working in medicine. For this reason I think you are a very good candidate and if you present yourself well along with your strong academics you certainly have a good chance. Oregon has several good programs as well!
Will says
Hey Stephen, excellent website! I know what I’ve got to do as far as schooling, but I have minimal hours volunteering or with HCE. I don’t know any of the best routes to take and I feel if I could find something that would set me up with a lot of hours, whether at one place or spread out, my chances of being a future PA student would be significantly increased. So if you think you could provide me with a list of some things I could do and possible certifications I would need for some of them that would be amazing!
Thanks so much.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
There are many options out there you just have to find what suits your current situation best. Here is a post I wrote on the top along with a short list of ideas: https://www.thepalife.com/hce-paschool/
Shadowing of PA, NP, MD/DO
Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
Military Medic/Clinical Specialist
Corpsman
Surgical Technician
Radiologic Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant
Laboratory Technician with phlebotomy experience
Phlebotomist
Athletic Trainer
Scribe
Nursing (CNA, LPN, RN, CMA)
Certified Physical/Occupational Therapist
PT/OT Assistant
Home health with verification of job duties
Medical Interpreter
Dietician
Pharmacy Technician
Zheng Pan says
Hi Stephen! I am going to be a sophomore in college this year and I was wondering, at what year do most people apply for pa school if they plan to go after undergrad? Do they apply at the end of junior year or something? Do you have to have all of your pr-requisites done by the time you apply? If I apply at the end of my junior year, I will not have all my pre-requisites finished yet unfortunately :/ What should I do? Thank you!! I am going to be working as a CNA part time this coming year for my sophomore year at a lovely nursing home I found near my college! They are training me to be CNA certified this summer!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
I don’t have stats on this but I would say most people apply after they graduate and after they have worked for a year or two in the medical field. Now though this may be changing, especially as more and more schools offer 3+2 programs which allow you to make PA school part of your undergrad combining your bachelors and masters degrees. In this case you would be able to apply early without holding a bachelor degree. Also, all programs will soon be Masters degree programs I believe by 2020 is when the requirement takes full effect.
Stephen
Zheng Pan says
Ohh I see. Does that mean I have a less chance of getting accepted if I am younger than other applicants? Did you have more than 1 type of healthcare experience? I am planning to work at the nursing home until I graduate college so I’ll have 2.5 years of healthcare experience by the time I finish with undergrad. I’m hoping to get into PA school as soon as possible but I was thinking of taking a year off after graduation and then applying. Thank you!! 🙂
Zheng Pan says
Oh also I am not currently in a 3+2 program. I am a Psychology major fulfilling my pre-reqs for PA school on the side
Zheng Pan says
Sorry I have another question! I would really love to study abroad at some point in my college career and I was wondering if it was possible for me to take a science class abroad. Or does PA school look down on that?
Carlos Coello says
Hi Stephen,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for your excellent website and for the outstanding support that you give to all of us.
I was accepted to the PA program I applied to on the first attempt. I used the bank of questions from your website, and also read a lot of information regarding the PA profession.
I’ll start school on August 29. I also wanted to share some of my experiences during my journey to become accepted. I am convinced that even though the path to get accepted is difficult, it is not impossible to successfully overcome it.
I am also an international medical graduate, like Suhaadil (from a previous post). However, I had to re-do all the core requirements since mine were over 10 years old. I completed 91 credits in one and a half year (I could have gotten a bachelor degree in two more semesters). That was not my goal, since I already had a Master degree in Public Health acquired in the US. I wanted to see patients, I wanted to become involved in the health care service field. I wanted to do what I do best, to help people feeling better, even though they are sick and suffering.
I had to retake Biology I & II, A&P I & II, Chemistry I & II, Orgo I, Pre-calculus, College algebra, Statistics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, English Composition I & II, Spanish, Literature I, US History I, Medical Terminology, Computer Concepts, Homeland Security Topics, Sociology (2 courses), Psychology (3 courses), Anthropology, and Behavioral Sciences. I did all of that in 5 semesters. At one time I took 7 classes in one semester, (which I don’t recommend to anyone).
While taking those courses I was working full time during the first 3 semesters, then I only worked part-time.
I also did extracurricular activities, such as being one of the student government council representative for almost the entire time in college (4 semesters). I was the Veteran liaison representative (I served in the US Navy for over ten years). I founded the first science club in my college, and I am still its president. Finally, I founded, along with a fellow veteran, the first Student Veteran Chapter (SVA) in my college, and I am the co-chair of that SVA chapter.
I was part of the volunteer teams (later on I was hired) helping Sandy victims in New York. I have over 10 thousand hours of health care experience (between military and civilian).
I was actively involved (organizing and participanting) in several activities while in school: health fairs, conferences, pizza-parties, etc.
I was truly committed and poised to become a PA. I never took anything for granted. The fact that I have a medical degree never made me feel entitle to special treatment. I knew that somehow, having the medical knowledge will eventually work on my advantage. I guess that it helped, but it was not the determinant factor. I was able to get a pretty decent GPA (3.75 general and 3.60 Sciences).
I am the oldest in my class (over 40 years old), with a family and a beautiful dog to take care of.
I am writing all of these, not to brag about myself (even though I could), but to show to all of those planning to apply that the road to get accepted is hard to walk on but not impossible to cross. Some people have told me that I went the “extra-mile”. Well, I guess I had to. I was competing against over 3500 applicants for only 155 seats, split on three campuses.
During my time in college I made sure that I wasn’t an invisible student. I was known by everybody, from the janitor up to the President of the entire college system. But the only reason that that happened is because I decided to get involved from the very beginning. I didn’t want to be just another student with good grades, and that it. I wanted them to see that I had the potential to become a serious candidate, and if they accepted me, everybody would win. I worked hard to get it, and I must confess that at times I was a little bit overconfident about it, so much that I only applied to one school, (I was planning to apply to more schools the next cycle in case I wasn’t accepted the first time). I wasn’t lucky, I worked for it. I was blessed. My faith in God and the support of my family and friends kept me going even during some down/blue times, caused by unimaginable stress and other personal situations.
Stephen, your advice and the experiences shared by other students posting on this website helped me a lot during my last months before application.
My focus now is on becoming a very good PA student. I won’t be competing with anyone, anymore. I know what I am capable of doing. This time I am going to take it easy, well, not that easy. I am going to study hard, of course, I am aware that PA school is not a walk in the clouds, but I am not to overwhelm myself. I’ve learned to manage my time, and it is now when my previous medical knowledge and experience will come handy.
I wish the best to all of you considering this wonderful path and career. Good luck and God bless you.
Kind regards,
Carlos
Hamid says
Hi Carlos,
I just came to the US. I have bachelor in Medical from Afghanistan, I took my Bachelor in 2007. I am interesting to study PA. Please tell me what should I do?
Sincerely,
Carlos Coello says
Hi Hamid,
If you saw the post above, where I wrote about my experience in order to get into the PA program you can see it wasn’t easy. However, if you feel like you have what it takes to apply and get accepted just do it. First, I would recommend you to make sure you have the pre-requirements ready at least one semester before you apply. You also need to have your volunteer hours, direct medical care patient hours, excellent letters of reference from professors or medical professionals from the U.S., an excellent personal essay, and very important, to be realistic when selecting the schools you apply to.
Wei says
Hi Stephen:
Thanks for the great information being posted for PA program.
I am currently 45 years old and have bachelor(major in radiology obtained in China and master degree in Information systems obtained in the States, and I am in the Medical Assisting program and about to work at a Medical assistant in one ambulatory clinic.
After a few year later getting my experience in the medical field, do you think if it is still feasible for me to apply the PA program? Am I too old?
by the way, my GPA are all above 3.5
Thanks
Wei
Lis says
Hello Stephen,
I am currently finishing my pre requisites and trying to decided on what major to take on. What are your thoughts on a bachelors in health science or psychology?
Also, I am a pharmacy technician looking to do a medical assistant program to get experience. Do you think it will worth doing a 9 month long program? I will still be taking classes but most likely only 2 during the program.
Thank you!
Sonali says
Hi Stephen! Great website!, So I just recieved my GPA’s calculated from CASPA and i’m starting to wonder if I should pull out from the race, I was wondering If i can get some advice from you? So I have a very low CASPA undergradte science GPA a humiliating 2.4, which is almost entirely due to the fact that i have lupus and i was in and out of school a lot but i did pull up my grades a lot the my senior year. I made sure to mention this in my essay, then I went to grad school for a MS in pathology, took all grad level science classes and so my CASPA graduate science GPA is a 3.5. I have a lot patient care hours cuz i worked as a CNA for 5 years and now I’ve been working as a clinical reseacher in a VA hopstial. I have some research and publications too. I am planning to apply to at least 12 schools, So my question is should I be really worried? Should I even bother? I know you can’t predict my future but I just wanted a honest opinion Thanks so much!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Sonali,
The key to success in the application is making sure to address any and all shortcomings, show an upward trend, strong work ethic and a solid understanding of the both PA profession and the rigors associated with it. Having a lower than average GPA says nothing about you as a person or your ability to practice as a PA. You have a lot of experience, well beyond many applicants. If you can account for this and show your strengths through strong letters of recommendations, an amazing personal statement along with a demonstration of your true capabilities you have as good of a shot as any. If you don’t get in on your first try, you can contact the PA schools and ask them what they need you to do and do it… it might be as simple as repeating a couple classes.
Hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck!
Stephen
Chris says
Hello Stephen,
I hope you are well. Just looking for some honest perspective. Submitting my application with 16 years and just about 22,000 HCE hours with increasing experience as a tertiary care Flight Paramedic (NICU PICU, adult, balloon pumps, art lines etc), 5,000 volunteer hours in non profits, science GPA of 3.66, overal 3.29, and pre req of 3.8. Honest thoughts and suggestions. GRE verbal was solid, math not so much. Looking to retake GRE, but any idea where I stand as being at least competitive?
Thanks for your time,
Chris
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Chris,
Wow! You sound like the perfect candidate. I am sure, as long as you are able to present a passion and understanding of the PA profession in a reasonable manner in your personal statement you will receive several interview offers. You have such a wonderful background with so much experience and obviously impressive credentials. You will have to come back later and let us know how things work out.
Drop me a line if you ever have questions along the way, I am happy to help.
Stephen
Chris Newtown says
Hi Stephen,
We exchanged message threads back in July(I was the NICU/PICU flight paramedic. Back then you said I could drop you a line. Well, fast forward, out of the 3 schools Ive heard from, I got 1 no interview consideration and 2 interview offers. I know there are many resources on this site, but if you are still willing, I would love to take you up on your offer for any help as the interviews approach. Any time you may spare would be greatly appreacited. Thank you for your kind words back on my post, it actually was the motivation I needed to just sit back and wait for things to fall into place.
Sincerely
Chris
Jen says
Hi Stephen!
Thank you so much for this website and the plethora of wisdom (and encouragement!) you provide ? I had a quick question – why is there no additional benefit for applying to more than 12 programs? I was trying to find this on the PAEA website, but I was not able to. I was originally going to apply to 20 programs to increase my chances as much as possible, but perhaps I should save some of that money and put it towards other school costs?
Thanks in advance!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
I remember reading this statistic some time ago and wondering the same thing. It probably isn’t a great statistic because if you can financially swing it applying to more schools is like casting your line into the lake. The more times you throw your line in the water you are statistically more likely to catch a fish. Although, if you are fishing in mid-day with no bait on your hook it does not matter how many times you throw your line in the water the result will be the same – no fish. So maybe the important thing is to make sure to adjust your bait as you go, and make sure you are fishing the right stream.
Stephen
J. Peterson says
What’s the average amount of volunteer hours that people have when applying?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
That is a good question. I did a quick search and found a report stating a mean of 710 hours of “community service”. To me that sounds a bit on the heigh end but I assume also that many people use a “soft” calculation when it comes to volunteer hours.
– Stephen
Gary Barnes says
I have an overall non-science GPA of 3.08, overall science GPA of 3.59, overall GPA of 3.38, and BCP (Pre req) GPA of 3.64. I started college with low grades but finished with mostly A’s. I’m applying to 14 PA programs and wanted to know how I stack-up against other applicants or at least do you think I would possibly be invited for an interview.
Thanks!
Gary
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Gary,
Academically you have done wonderfully, great work! But as you know when it comes to applying to PA school it is the entire package that matters along with your ability to convey what you have learned and accomplished through your personal statement and during the interview. Numbers wise though you are golden 🙂
Best of luck!!
Stephen
Gabe says
Hello Stephen,
I have recently discovered that my repeating of A & P II would be averaged with my first attempt at the course, I had the understanding that the initial grade would be completely wiped. (I got a D then an A). This takes my science GPA from what would have been roughly 3.15 to anywhere from 2.84-2.91 depending on prereqs. I understand most schools ask for 3.0 minimum and my overall GPA is 3.3. I have 4 years of work experience full time as an EMT, nearly 200 hours of volunteer hours (25 out of country, all underserved), and rather strong LOR. I was wondering what your opinion was on whether I should bother applying this round or plan on improving my GPA? In your experience do schools bend a little for the science GPA or are they pretty firm? I will never blame a grade on a professor but what I can say is that I had the same study habits for the first and second attempt of the course and I had a lot of repeat classmates the second time I took the course. Overall I can say that I thoroughly regret taking the course with the first professor.
Thank you very much in advance, you are appreciated.
Gabe
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Gabe,
I was accepted to a school (Rutgers) with a lower than required overall GPA. If you have a strong application it is still a possibility. Also, there are a lot of schools that have no minimums or minimums that fall into your requirements. You can search by GPA at my sister site http://www.paschoolfinder.com. I am in the process of updating PA school finder and there are a lot of options for current applicants. Especially in the 2016/2017 application cycle and especially if you have some flexibility in your geography.
Stephen
Alyssa santos says
Stephen,
My name is Alyssa and I am going into my senior year of college at Washington state university. I’m majoring in kinesiology along with taking the pre-reqs for PA school. I get A’s and B’s. Because I am a full time student, I don’t have any hands on patient experience. I am looking at Pacific University in Oregon and UC Davis. They both required 1,000 hours of experience. My question is, what should my next step be? What would be the best way in getting these hours? And do you think it would be possible to get enough hours to apply to PA school in December 2017, in order to start in 2018?
-Alyssa
Jarrod Beachum says
Alyssa,
Looking at the math, it is possible to get 800-900 hours by the end of this year, but only if you are full time. I figured 40 hours a week for August through the end of December. You may need to do what I did. I graduated with my BS in December, 2015. Like you, I had no time for patient care (my wife is also a full-time student and we have two kids!) So, what I did was get a job in hospital (ER tech). Since January 18, I’ve gotten around 1000 hours as of today, and that’s with overtime and pickin up extra shifts. All of this is to say, it may be necessary to delay your application until you have the requirements or are very close to them. I would also suggest calling the schools directly that you are interested in and see how flexible they are in accepting planned hours, not just completed hours.
Katrina says
Thank you for your wise insight Stephen.
I am currently a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s degree in Public Health and am interested in venturing into the PA world. I have found your article truly helpful and feel fairly confident about taking the next step. I would love any more information that you could provide on your PA experience during your program and what it’s been like out in the field.
Thanks again!
Katrina
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Katrina,
The best thing you can do (if you haven’t already) is go out and shadow some PAs. This is the best way to see what a typical day is like in the life of a practicing physician assistant. Consider shadowing in more than one specialty if you can as well. As a dietician you will have a leg up – as we know, the majority of what we treat on a daily basis is the result of dietary and lifestyle decisions. Something you know a lot about!! If there is anything specifically you have a question about let me know and I will be able to give you a more streamlined answer.
Warmly,
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
Mark says
Hello Stephen,
I am like most of the others on this forum with concerns about successfully entering PA school. I have a 3.2 overall gpa and around a 2.9 science gpa, due in particular to taking courses required for medical school. I also took more classes required for the prerequisites for PA school(1 year of Physics+Lab, 1 year of O-chem +lab) and received A’s and B’s respectively. My question is, how good would my chances be considering my gpa? I spent 100 hours volunteering at the ER, 150 with under-served communities, and other meaningful events and will be working as a scribe soon. I have strong LOR’S and personal statement and graduated from a top 40 instituion with a B.S. in Psychology as a first generation college student. Thank you for your time.
Best,
-Mark
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Mark,
I was in a very similar situation as yourself, all you can do is do your best. Channel all that passion you have to love and serve into your application and see what happens. It is impossible to make predictions. Why was I admitted while other 4.0 students from Ivy League schools were place on the wait list? I am sure the 4.0 students would find plenty of criticism, they are probably the same type of people who claim minorities get into school because of quotas or affirmative action. The truth is, schools seek diversity. Diversity in thought and experience. It is not a coincidence that some of the world greatest rebel rousers have not had 4.0 GPAs or were college dropouts. Organic Chemistry and Calculus made we want to commit academic suicide, because I found them painfully boring and useless. What did excite me? Working with patients, because that has always been my passion. I can tell it is yours as well… Remember this is your greatest asset… It will carry you very far, and you will be able to change many lives. Much more than an A+ in Sophomore Physics. I am not saying academics don’t matter. But you have obviously challenged yourself academically and beyond. If you can prove this point to the admissions committee you will be on very solid ground.
Stephen
Mark says
Hello Stephen,
Thank you very much for your thoughtful and meaningful response. Your wise words from experience is definitely a blessing to not only me but to every one else on this website. Once again, thank you very much for your support and I hope you continue to inspire others as well.
Best,
-Mark