Drexel University PA Program: Angela's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story
Drexel University PA Program: Angela's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
Angela applied twice, to 7 programs, and earned 3 interviews that produced a waitlist, a rejection, and an acceptance to Drexel University. She was convinced she would be reapplying for a third cycle right up until the offer came. Her experience spans medical scribing at a pediatric office, EMT work, medical assisting, genetic counseling assistance, and OT/PT aide roles.
Last Updated: August 2, 2026
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Why PA?
As a PA, I hope to expand access to medical care! I saw first hand the difference between those who have access to healthcare compared to those who do not. I hope I could help bridge the gap, and make healthcare more accessible.
How many programs did you apply to?
7
In our experience at The PA Platform, the feeling Angela describes — being certain you are headed for a third cycle while an acceptance is still in play — is almost universal among reapplicants. Decisions arrive on the program’s timeline, not yours, and silence is not the same as rejection. Keep building your file during the wait, but do not write the ending before the cycle is over.
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
3 interviews: 1 waitlist, 1 rejection, 1 acceptance.
Every Pre-PA Should Know...
Angela spent 8 months working in the emergency department shadowing the PAs there. Shadowing built into a job you already hold is the most sustainable way to accumulate hours.
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Where will you be attending?
Drexel University
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process?
The interview guide and mock interview services offered through The PA Platform!
Any advice for other pre-PA students?
Do not give up on your journey to become a PA ! I thought I was going to have to reapply for a third time before I got accepted. Remember why you are pursuing this profession, and be willing to work for it. Enjoy and trust the process! What’s meant for you will always find a way!
Need to Know:
Undergraduate education: Kean University
Overall GPA: 3.53
Science GPA: 3.59
Total PCE hours: Medical Scribe at a pediatric office, EMT, and medical assistant.
Total HCE hours: Genetic counseling assistant, OT/PT aide, and volunteering.
Shadowing hours: 32 – Family medicine and worked in the ED for 8 months shadowing the PAs
Volunteer hours: 300
How many times did you apply?: 2
Age: 30
Gender: Female
FAQ
Angela was accepted with a 3.53 overall GPA and a 3.59 science GPA. [VERIFY] Drexel’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.
Angela’s original post did not record a GRE score or a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] Drexel’s current standardized testing policy directly, as requirements change by cycle.
It is widely accepted as direct patient care. Angela combined EMT work with medical scribing at a pediatric office and medical assisting. [VERIFY] each program’s minimum PCE requirement and how it categorizes scribing, which is often counted as HCE rather than PCE.
Angela did, and was accepted on her second cycle after being sure she would need a third. The key is changing something substantive between attempts rather than resubmitting the same application.
Angela applied to 7 and received 3 interviews. A carefully matched list generally converts better than a long one, though reapplicants often benefit from widening their range slightly.
Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.
CLOSING
Angela is heading to Drexel with a clear reason for being there — closing the gap between people who can reach healthcare and people who cannot. Her closing line is the one reapplicants should keep somewhere visible: what is meant for you will always find a way.
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Accepted! Interviews: Real PA School Acceptance Stories
Reapplying to PA School: What to Change
What Counts as Patient Care Experience for PA School?
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