West Liberty University PA Program: Tanner's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Tanner applied once, to 12 programs, and came away with 3 interviews, 2 acceptances, and a waitlist. He had a 3.86 overall GPA, a 3.9 science GPA, roughly 3600 PCE hours as an ER scribe and ER technician, and a 288 GRE — proof that a lower test score does not sink a strong application.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

Why PA?

Short answer? The best thing you can do with your life, is help someone else with there’s

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a GRE score that lands below a program’s comfort zone worries applicants far more than it worries admissions committees when the rest of the file is strong. Tanner’s 288 sat alongside a 3.86 GPA and roughly 3600 hours of hands-on emergency department experience, and he still earned interviews at 3 of 12 programs and two acceptances on his first try. Build the parts of your application you control, and apply to programs whose published requirements you actually meet.

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

3, 2 acceptances, one waitlist

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Tanner’s reminder for interview day is worth taping to your mirror: they already picked you to be there. The interview exists so they can meet the person behind the application.

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

Where will you be attending?

West Liberty University

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

All online and group interviews were interesting. It was unfortunate not to be able to see the campus in person.

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

Savana Perry’s mock interviews and interview book

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Be yourself in interviews. Be confident because they picked YOU. And want to get to know the real you!

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

Instagram @tannerheiman

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education: Grand View University
Overall GPA: 3.86
Science GPA: 3.9
GRE: 288
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: About 3600, obtained thorough ER scribing & ER technician
Total HCE hours: Same as PCE
Shadowing hours: Over 100, shadowing in the ER and orthopedics
Volunteer hours: 65, volunteering with inner city youth
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 24
Gender: Male

FAQ

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

Tanner was accepted with a 3.86 overall GPA and a 3.9 science GPA. [VERIFY] West Liberty’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class average, since both shift by cycle.

Does West Liberty University require the GRE for PA school?

Tanner submitted a 288 and did not take the PA-CAT. [VERIFY] whether the GRE is currently required, optional, or not accepted at West Liberty, and whether a minimum score applies.

Can you get into PA school with a low GRE score?

Yes. Tanner was accepted with a 288 GRE. A lower score is much easier to offset when your GPA, patient care hours, and interview performance are strong — but always [VERIFY] whether a program enforces a hard GRE cutoff before applying.

Is ER scribing good patient care experience for PA school?

Tanner built about 3600 hours through ER scribing and work as an ER technician. Many programs count scribing as HCE rather than PCE, so [VERIFY] how each program on your list classifies scribe hours specifically.

What are group PA school interviews like?

Tanner’s interviews were all online and included group formats, which he found interesting though he regretted not seeing campus in person. [VERIFY] each program’s current interview format and whether it is virtual or on campus.

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

Tanner’s short answer to "Why PA?" says more than most long ones. He paired that clarity with thousands of hours in the emergency department and a first-cycle acceptance was the result. If you are preparing for interviews, our mock interview sessions give you the honest feedback that makes showing up as yourself a lot easier.

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

West Liberty University PA Program: Tanner's Acceptance Story