Trevecca Nazarene PA Program: Bailey's Acceptance Story (6 of 7 Interview Invites)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Bailey applied to just 7 programs on her first cycle and received interview offers from 6 of them. She was placed on the high priority alternate list at her top choice, accepted at her second choice, declined the remaining interviews, and then got the call from her top choice 2.5 months before classes started. Her stats: 3.76 overall GPA, 3.53 science GPA, 308 GRE, and roughly 1500 PCE hours as a medical assistant.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

Your Pre-PA Bestie Blog - everything you need to know to become a PA in one place.

Why PA?

I want to be a PA because I am passionate about building relationships with patients and helping them reach their full potential. I think medicine is an awesome way to help people in a variety of ways, and I love the PA path specifically because of the ability to switch specialties throughout my career.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a 6-for-7 interview rate on a list of only 7 programs usually means the applicant did the research before hitting submit rather than applying broadly and hoping. Bailey also did something many applicants are afraid to do: she declined her remaining interviews after securing an acceptance she was happy with. If you are holding an offer you genuinely want, releasing those seats is both practical for you and gracious to the applicants behind you.

How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?

I got interview offers to 6/7 programs. My first interview was for my top choice and I was put on the high priority alternate list. My second interview was my second choice and I was accepted. I declined the following interviews. I was accepted off of the alternate list 2.5 months before classes begin!

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Bailey was accepted off her top choice’s high priority alternate list just 2.5 months before classes began. Waitlist movement happens late — stay reachable and keep your plans flexible all summer.

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Where will you be attending?

Trevecca Nazarene

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

Both of the interviews I did were very laid back. They truly want to get to know you as a person and see if you fit in with their program, they already know you as an applicant. Remember you are interviewing them too!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process?

Savanna Perry’s Pre-PA Interview Guide is a lifesaver

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Have faith in yourself and trust the process. Utilize online forums and groups for other pre-PA students, they are always filled with lots of advice!

Where can we find you?

Instagram- baileyhbarber

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education: The University of Georgia
Overall GPA: 3.76
Science GPA: 3.53
GRE: 308
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: Upon application, I had ~1500 hours, 1460 of them being a medical assistant at an urgent care and 40 being a medical assistant at an allergy and asthma office! I applied 1 week after beginning my job as an MA at the allergy clinic.
Total HCE hours: 0
Shadowing hours: I had 44 shadowing hours total. 26 from a PA in internal medicine and 18 from a PA in neurosurgery!
Volunteer hours: ~140. I volunteered at a local hospital through their college volunteer program. I also volunteered with a local youth group through a campus ministry, and as a volunteer for the nursery at my local church!
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 23
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for Trevecca Nazarene’s PA program?

Bailey was accepted with a 3.76 overall GPA and a 3.53 science GPA. [VERIFY] Trevecca Nazarene’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages before you apply.

Does Trevecca Nazarene require the GRE for PA school?

Bailey submitted a 308 and did not take the PA-CAT. [VERIFY] whether the GRE is currently required, optional, or not accepted at Trevecca Nazarene.

How many PA programs should you apply to?

There is no single right number. Bailey applied to only 7 and received interview offers from 6, which suggests a well-researched list matters more than a long one. Build your list around programs whose published requirements and class averages match your file.

How many patient care hours do you need for PA school?

Bailey applied with roughly 1500 PCE hours, almost all as a medical assistant at an urgent care, and 0 HCE hours. [VERIFY] the program’s current minimum PCE requirement and whether medical assistant work qualifies.

Do people get accepted to PA school off the waitlist?

Yes, and often later than applicants expect. Bailey was accepted off a high priority alternate list 2.5 months before classes began, after already holding an acceptance elsewhere.

How can I be featured in an Accepted! post?

Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.

CLOSING

Bailey applied a week into a new medical assistant job, to a short and carefully chosen list, and ended up with more interview offers than she needed. Her reminder that you are interviewing them too is the right mindset heading into any interview day. If you want help building a program list that fits your numbers, that is exactly what our pre-PA sessions are for.

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Trevecca Nazarene PA Program: Bailey's Acceptance Story (6 of 7 Interview Invites)