Boston University PA Program: Vanessa's Acceptance Story

Boston University PA Program: Vanessa's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Vanessa applied to two programs, was invited to both interviews, attended one, and was accepted at Boston University. She had a 3.60 overall GPA, around 3.4 in science, a 315 GRE, about 1,500 PCE hours, and — notably — zero shadowing hours. Five letters of recommendation. Her advice is to pursue what genuinely interests you in undergrad rather than assembling a resume you think programs want.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026
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How many programs did you apply to?

2

In this post:

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

Invited to 2 interviews, attended 1, accepted 1

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, zero shadowing hours is the detail that makes Vanessa's application genuinely unusual. Some programs require shadowing outright, and many that don't still expect you to demonstrate you understand the profession — most commonly through observation. She was accepted anyway, with 1,500 patient care hours, a 3.60 GPA, and five letters. But applying to only two programs with no shadowing hours is a narrow path, and we'd be cautious about reading it as a template. If you can't get shadowing, be prepared to show your understanding of the PA role some other way, and check each program's requirements before assuming it's optional. Her advice about genuine involvement is sound and it's also strategic: interviewers can tell the difference between a club you loved and one you joined for your application.

Where will you be attending?

Boston University

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Vanessa had five letters of recommendation for two applications. If people who know you well are willing to write, extra letters from genuinely different perspectives can strengthen a file — though check each program's maximum, since some won't review beyond the required number.

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

PA podcasts (The Pre PA Club! As well as the PA Startup Podcast) PA School Interview Guide (book by Savanna Perry), personal statement help

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

This sounds cliché, but be you! While in undergrad, do what you love! Join clubs that you're genuinely interested in and build upon your passions.This will only make you a more interesting candidate in interviews, and make you uniquely stand out from the crowd. Don't just do things that you think will look good for PA schools if you don't enjoy them.

Need to Know:

  • Undergraduate education: Boston College, B.S. in Biology

  • Overall GPA: 3.60

  • Science GPA: Around 3.4

  • GRE: 315

  • Total PCE hours: About 1,500

  • Total HCE hours: About 200

  • Shadowing hours: 0

  • LORs: 5

  • How many times did you apply?: 1

  • Age: 23

  • Gender: Female

FAQ

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

Vanessa was accepted with a 3.60 overall GPA and roughly a 3.4 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Boston University's current minimum GPA requirements.

Does Boston University's PA program require the GRE?

Vanessa submitted a GRE score of 315. [VERIFY] Confirm whether Boston University currently requires the GRE, as many programs have dropped it.

Do you need shadowing hours to get into PA school?

Not always, but it's risky to skip. Vanessa was accepted to Boston University with zero shadowing hours. Many programs require or strongly recommend shadowing, and it's the most common way applicants demonstrate they understand the role. [VERIFY] Confirm each program's current shadowing requirements.

How many patient care hours do you need for the Boston University PA program?

Vanessa applied with about 1,500 PCE hours and about 200 HCE hours. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current PCE requirements.

What extracurriculars look good for PA school?

The ones you actually care about. Vanessa's advice is to join clubs you're genuinely interested in rather than padding your application, because real enthusiasm makes you more interesting in interviews and easier to remember.

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

Vanessa applied to two programs, got invited to both, and was accepted at Boston University with no shadowing hours on her application — an outcome that's more exception than rule. What generalizes is her advice about undergrad: build genuine interests rather than a strategic resume, because the difference is obvious in an interview and the enthusiasm is what people remember.

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You May Also Like:

  • How to Get Shadowing Hours for PA School

  • Who Should Write Your PA School Letters of Recommendation?

  • How Many PA Schools Should You Apply To?

  • What Counts as Patient Care Experience for PA School?

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