Wayne State University PA Program: Julia's Acceptance Story (3.96 GPA, 2 for 2 Interviews)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Julia had the highest GPA in this series — 3.96 overall and 3.98 science — alongside 1,700 patient care hours and 750 volunteer hours. She applied to ten programs on her first cycle, interviewed at two and was accepted at both, committing to Wayne State University while five other programs had yet to respond.

Last Updated: August 3, 2026

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

So far two, I have been accepted to both! Still waiting on responses from 5 other schools..however I have already committed to a PA school.

In this post:

Where will you be attending?

Wayne State University

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a near-perfect GPA does not on its own generate interviews — Julia received two from ten applications, the same range as applicants in this series with GPAs a full point lower. What converts is the combination: 1,700 patient care hours, 750 volunteer hours, and letters from four people who had genuinely supervised her, including the PA she worked alongside on her own unit. Grades get you past the screen. Everything else gets you the seat.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

The interviews were so different from each other. The important part is to be yourself, be confident, and try not to be intimated by the interviewers or other interviewees. It is also very important to show that you are prepared by doing mock interviews so you have an idea on what you can say to the basic questions. However, expect there to be some curve balls and questions asked that you have not thought about before..just try to answer your best!

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Julia's four letters came from a professor, her nurse manager, her volunteer supervisor and the PA on her unit — every one of them someone who had directly supervised her in a specific setting. That is a stronger set than four impressive titles who barely know you.

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

Definitely the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide by Savanna Perry, PA-C! This book helped me to feel very prepared for my interviews and answered all the questions from appropriate dress code, to answers to ethical questions, to sending thank you letters.

Need to Know:

Overall GPA: 3.96
Science GPA: 3.98
GRE: 302, 4.5 writing
Total PCE hours: 1,700 when I submitted my application
Shadowing hours: 40- with Family Practice PA and ER PA
Other volunteer hours: 750
LORs: 4: one from a professor, one from my nurse manager, one from my volunteer supervisor, and one from the PA that I work with on my unit.
How many times did you apply?: 1
How many programs did you apply to? 10

FAQ

How many PA school interviews should you expect with a 3.96 GPA?

Not necessarily many. Julia applied to ten programs with a 3.96 overall and 3.98 science GPA and received two interview invitations, both of which became acceptances. Interview rates are low across the board, which is why applying broadly matters even with excellent grades.

Is 40 shadowing hours enough for PA school?

It can be. Julia had 40 hours split between a family practice PA and an ER PA and was accepted at both programs that interviewed her. Many programs recommend rather than require shadowing, though some set a minimum. [VERIFY] Confirm Wayne State’s current shadowing requirement.

Should you do mock interviews before PA school interviews?

Julia considers it very important, specifically so you have ready answers to the basic questions and can spend your energy on the curve balls. She warns to expect questions you have not anticipated regardless of how much you prepare.

Can you commit to a PA program before hearing from all your schools?

Yes, and Julia did — she committed while five programs had yet to respond. Once you are confident in your choice, committing early secures your seat. Withdraw your remaining applications promptly afterward so other applicants can move up.

Is 1,700 hours of patient care experience competitive for PA school?

It is a solid figure that meets or exceeds the minimum at most programs, and Julia was accepted at both schools that interviewed her with 1,700 hours at the time of submission. [VERIFY] Confirm each program’s stated minimum and how it defines qualifying roles.

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

Julia's post is short because her cycle was uncomplicated: excellent grades, solid hours, ten applications, two interviews, two acceptances. The one thing worth pulling out is her letter strategy — four supervisors who could each describe her doing actual work, rather than four impressive names.

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Wayne State University PA Program: Julia's Acceptance Story (3.96 GPA, 2 for 2 Interviews)