Des Moines University PA Program: Molly's 3-for-3 Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Molly applied once to 10 programs, earned 3 interviews, and converted all 3 into acceptances. She had a 3.67 overall GPA, 1600 PCE hours as a Patient Care Assistant, 615 HCE hours in undergraduate research, and 1318 volunteer hours built across undergrad and two gap years. Her 73 shadowing hours came from cold calling clinics and emailing every PA in the hospital directory.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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How many programs did you apply to?

I chose PA school because I love collaboration, lifelong learning and I love people. The backbone of this profession is the ability to work independently while also collaborating in order to provide the best care possible for your patients. I also chose this career because I love human connection, which PAs find on a daily basis with their patients and colleagues. Now as I end my first year of school, I realize that all these values of Physician Assistants still ring true and I am so proud of my profession.

In this post:

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

10 schools. 3 interviews. 3 acceptances.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, 73 shadowing hours assembled by cold calling clinics is worth more in an interview than 200 hours handed to you by a family connection, because you can talk about how you got them. Molly emailed every PA in her hospital directory and asked her managers to open doors. That persistence is a story admissions committees remember, and it is available to every applicant regardless of who they know.

Where will you be attending?

Des Moines University

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Molly converted all 3 of her interviews into acceptances. Her practical interview tip for a virtual cycle: do not forget good zoom lighting.

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Anything you found interesting about interviews:

I was amazed at how much it was an interview for us too. With COVID, it’s hard to get a good feel of the school so it was pivotal that I gain all the information about the school as possible during the interview.

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

I lived off of the PA Platform and their books. I wouldn’t have gotten in without it!

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

The interview process is terrifying – but you already did the work to get you there. Make sure to show them your true, professional self and let your passion shine through. (Oh and don’t forget some good zoom lighting!)

Where can we find you? (Instagram, TikTok, Website, etc)

Instagram – @mollypappin

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overall GPA: 3.67
Science GPA: 3.46
GRE: 308
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 1600 – I was a Patient Care Assistant on a Medical Neurology and Family Medicine floor.
Total HCE hours: 615 – I was an Undergraduate Research Assistant working on the localization of hormones in the brain.
Shadowing hours: 73 hours. I spent time cold calling clinics and emailing every PA I could find on my hospital’s directory. I also inquired with my managers at the hospital and they were able to reach out to a few PAs that they were good friends with. It was a struggle but worth it!
Volunteer hours: 1318. I volunteered at many places during my time in undergrad and my gap years. I was President of a volunteer based club, Love Your Melon. I also volunteered at the local hospital and Ronald McDonald House. Once I was in my gap years, I started volunteering on a research based team at The United Way… it was the best opportunity!
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 25
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Des Moines University PA program?

Molly was accepted with a 3.67 overall GPA and a 3.46 science GPA. [VERIFY] Des Moines University’s current published minimum GPA and the most recent accepted class averages.

Does Des Moines University require the GRE for PA school?

Molly submitted a 308 and did not take the PA-CAT. [VERIFY] whether the GRE is currently required, optional, or not accepted at Des Moines University.

How do you get PA shadowing hours if you have no connections?

Molly cold called clinics, emailed every PA she could find in her hospital’s directory, and asked her managers to introduce her to PAs they knew personally. It took persistence but produced 73 hours across her application.

Does undergraduate research count as healthcare experience for PA school?

Molly logged her 615 hours as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under HCE. Programs vary widely on whether research counts and under which category. [VERIFY] how each program on your list classifies research hours.

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

Molly applied with 1600 PCE hours as a Patient Care Assistant on a medical neurology and family medicine floor. [VERIFY] each program’s current minimum PCE requirement, which commonly ranges from none to 2,000 or more.

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

Molly is now a year into PA school and says the values that drew her in still hold. Three interviews, three acceptances, and a pile of shadowing hours she had to fight for — that combination did not happen by accident. If you are staring down a cold call list of your own, keep going. It works.

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Des Moines University PA Program: Molly's 3-for-3 Acceptance Story