Low GPA to PA School: Bridget's Shenandoah University Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Bridget applied to 25 programs with a 3.13 overall GPA — the lowest in this batch — and more than 7,000 patient care hours as a respiratory therapist. She had two interview invitations at the time she shared her story, attended one, and was accepted at Shenandoah University. Her 400 shadowing hours and years of hands-on respiratory work are what made a sub-3.2 GPA survivable.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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How many programs did you apply to?

In this post:

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

So far 2 invites (interviewed at one so far & accepted)

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Bridget's application is the clearest illustration of how a licensed clinical career changes the math. With a 3.13 GPA she would struggle at many programs on numbers alone, but 7,000+ hours as a respiratory therapist is not a checkbox — it's years of independent clinical decision-making, airway management, and working alongside physicians in critical situations. Her list size reflects a smart read of her own file: 25 applications is a lot, and with a sub-3.2 GPA it's justified, because you need enough programs with holistic review or GPA flexibility in the mix. Applicants coming from RT, RN, paramedic, or RRT backgrounds should think about their list the same way.

Where will you be attending?

Shenandoah University

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Bridget's science GPA (3.16) is slightly higher than her overall GPA (3.13). That pattern usually means the non-science coursework did the damage, and it's worth flagging in your application, because programs that weight science GPA most heavily may view your file more favorably than the overall number suggests.

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Anything you found surprising about interviews?

They truly want you to be yourself!!

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

PA Resources used for my Personal Statement. Savanna's interview book, podcast, interview course, and mock interview with Erin

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Keep focus on the goal, envision what you want and continue to push yourself.

Where can we find you?

On Instagram @bridgetjanecek or Facebook!

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Texas State University BS in Respiratory Care
Overall GPA: 3.13
Science GPA: 3.16
GRE: 292
Total HCE hours: 12
Total PCE hours: 7,000+ as a respiratory therapist
Shadowing hours: 400
Other volunteer hours: 120
LORs: MD, MD (Medical director of ER I worked at ) Microbiology Professor
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 27
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Shenandoah University PA program?

Bridget was accepted with a 3.13 overall GPA and a 3.16 science GPA, supported by more than 7,000 patient care hours as a respiratory therapist. [VERIFY] Confirm Shenandoah's current minimum GPA requirements.

Can you get into PA school with a 3.1 GPA?

Yes, though it narrows your options considerably. Bridget applied to 25 programs and had an exceptional patient care record from a licensed clinical career. With a GPA near 3.0, a large list weighted toward holistic-review programs and substantial clinical experience is the realistic path.

Does respiratory therapy count as patient care experience for PA school?

Yes. Respiratory therapy is direct, hands-on patient care and is broadly accepted as PCE. Bridget accumulated more than 7,000 hours as an RT before applying.

Does Shenandoah University require the GRE for its PA program?

Bridget submitted a GRE score of 292. [VERIFY] Confirm whether Shenandoah currently requires the GRE, as many programs have dropped it.

How many PA schools should you apply to with a low GPA?

More than average. Bridget applied to 25. When your GPA is below most programs' comfort zone, volume plus careful targeting toward programs that review holistically or emphasize your most recent coursework gives you a realistic shot in a single cycle.

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

Bridget's file is worth studying if you're a licensed clinician with a mediocre transcript. She didn't try to out-argue her 3.13 — she buried it under 7,000 hours of respiratory therapy, 400 shadowing hours, letters from physicians who had watched her work including an ER medical director, and a list large enough to find the programs that would look at all of it. Her advice is short and it fits the story: keep the goal in view and keep pushing.

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Low GPA to PA School: Bridget's Shenandoah University Acceptance Story