Rush University PA Program: Maciej's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Maciej applied twice — 16 programs the first cycle for a single interview that ended in rejection, then 20 the second cycle. That second round produced 4 interviews, 3 waitlists, one acceptance, and then a second acceptance off a waitlist. He brought 6256 PCE hours as an RN and PCT, a 3.35 GPA, and a 307 GRE.

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 was looking for a rigorous education that would best prepare me to practice medicine and develop my skills as an advanced practice provider. Which a PA education with their minimum 2,000 clinical hours provides. I was looking into surgical specialties which a PA education is more tailored for. Also I wanted the option of switching specialties without going back for certifications.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

1st cycle 16 programs. 2nd cycle 20 programs.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, an applicant already working as an RN sometimes assumes the nursing background speaks for itself. It does not — committees still want to hear a specific answer to why PA rather than NP, and Maciej gives one: the medical model, the clinical hour requirement, surgical specialties, and lateral mobility without new certifications. If you are coming from nursing, name that comparison directly rather than hoping the reader makes it for you.

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

1st cycle, 1 interview…waitlist.. then rejection. 2nd cycle 1 school waitlist without interview, I know strange but it exists. Then 4 interviews, 3 waitlists, 1 acceptance then another acceptance from waitlist.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Maciej was waitlisted at one school without ever interviewing. It is unusual but it happens — a reminder that program processes vary far more than applicants expect.

****INSERT FREE LEAD MAGNET FORM OR HTML BLOCK AND DELETE TEXT BOX*****

Where will you be attending?

Rush University, Chicago.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

How different and diverse the interviews are to each other. Also how welcoming each school was, and eager to meet the applicants they have chosen.

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

PA Platform ! I used all of their services which I highly recommend ! I bought the PA resource essay editing service, PA platform mock interview, and Savanna Perry personal statement guide and interview guide. Also listened to podcasts about interviewing for PA interviews as well and how to write a great essay which I found all on youtube.

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Prepare as best as you can. Utilize any resources available. This helped me relax going into interviews knowing I did the best I can to get to this point. Once you receive an interview know that that the faculty once you to knock it out of the park. Be personable, relax. Leave a good memory for the faculty to remember you by.

Where can we find you?

Instagram- @sekmaciej

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education: Governor State University
Overall GPA: 3.35
Science GPA: 3.35
GRE: 307
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 6256= 2328 RN + 3928 PCT
Total HCE hours: 0
Shadowing hours: 6 hours virtual shadowing
Volunteer hours: 68 hours total. 40 hours from 2 food pantries, 20 from YMCA volunteering, 8 from school volunteering.
How many times did you apply?: Two times
Age: 26
Gender: Male

FAQ

What GPA do you need for Rush University’s PA program?

Maciej was accepted with a 3.35 overall GPA and a 3.35 science GPA. [VERIFY] Rush University’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages before applying.

Does Rush University require the GRE for PA school?

Maciej submitted a 307 and did not take the PA-CAT. [VERIFY] whether the GRE is currently required, optional, or not accepted at Rush University.

Can an RN apply to PA school?

Yes. Maciej logged 6256 PCE hours combining 2328 hours as an RN and 3928 as a PCT. Nursing experience typically counts as strong patient care experience, but [VERIFY] each program’s specific PCE definitions and any prerequisite differences for nursing degrees.

How many PA programs should you apply to as a reapplicant?

Maciej applied to 16 his first cycle and 20 his second. Volume alone did not change the outcome — the second cycle produced 4 interviews and two acceptances because the application itself was stronger, not just because the list was longer.

Do virtual shadowing hours count for PA school?

Some programs accept them and some do not. Maciej was accepted with only 6 hours of virtual shadowing. [VERIFY] each program’s current shadowing requirement and whether virtual hours qualify.

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

Two cycles, 36 applications, five interviews, and a stack of waitlists later, Maciej is headed to Rush in Chicago. His advice holds up: prepare so thoroughly that you can walk into the interview relaxed, because the faculty genuinely want you to do well. If you want that kind of preparation, our mock interviews are built for it.

***INSERT HTML SERVICE BLOCK CTA****

Rush University PA Program: Maciej's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story