Dominican University of California PA Program: Alissa's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Alissa applied to PA school twice. On her second attempt she sent 12 applications, received five interview invitations, attended three, and finished with two acceptances — enrolling at Dominican University of California. Her transcript included C's in general and organic chemistry and an F in molecular biology, which she retook for a B. She brought 4,320 PCE hours as an ED scribe and dermatology medical assistant.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

5 interview invites, attended 3 interviews, 2 acceptances, and 1 rejection

I am currently attending Dominican University of California’s MSPAS Program, class of 2020!

In this post:

Any red flags on your application?

Cs in general and organic chemistry, an F in molecular biology (which I retook and got a B)

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, an F on a transcript feels like a permanent disqualification to the applicant and reads very differently to an admissions committee when it is followed by a retake and a strong subsequent record. Alissa's framing is the right one: retaking isn't only about the number, it's about actually knowing the material when didactic year starts. She reports doing well as a PA-S1 specifically because of that foundation. Her interview-day observation about stamina is also practical — a six-hour day with tours, group activities, and writing assignments tests endurance as much as preparation, and the afternoon interview is often the one that decides your outcome.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

Interview days were super long and each one lasted from about 8am to 2pm. I quickly learned that it was important to maintain my energy levels throughout the day because the faculty had all sorts of activities planned for us (a tour, breakfast/lunch, group activities, writing assignments, meeting current students, and the actual interview itself). One of my interviewers yawned during my afternoon interview, so be prepared to stay upbeat for the entire day (bring some snacks, stay hydrated, whatever works for you)!

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Alissa declined two of her five interview invitations and still walked away with two acceptances. Her 4,320 PCE hours combined ED scribing with hands-on medical assisting. [VERIFY] Confirm Dominican University of California's current prerequisite and PCE requirements.

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

How to Ace the Physician Assistant Interview (affiliate link) by Andrew J. Rodican helped me to formulate answers general interview questions, asking current PA students about their past interview experiences, and emailing schools directly about prerequisites. Also, it’s really helpful to do mock interviews, especially if you have interview nerves like I do. I practiced with my boss, my coworkers, a PA that I shadowed, my best friends, my mom — practice makes perfect! On that note, don’t memorize your answers, because you don’t want to sound rehearsed.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

If you failed a class or have a lower GPA, you can still get into PA school! Retaking courses that you got low grades in and taking additional science courses not only shows admissions your academic improvement, but it will also help you solidify your foundational science knowledge. I’m so glad I retook classes because now as a current PA-S1, I am doing well and I understand concepts better than I did before! Good luck 🙂

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @alissalaura_ (DM me with any questions you have!)

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education: University of California, Irvine — B.S. Biological Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.36
Science GPA: 3.25
GRE: 304 (V 150, Q 154, W 5.0)
Total HCE hours: 572 hours — volunteering at a hospital, ED, and in hospice
Total PCE hours: 4320 at time of application — ED scribe, medical assistant at a dermatology clinic
Shadowing hours: 112 hours — 2 different internal medicine PAs
Other volunteer hours: ~400 hours through sorority philanthropies
LORs: dermatologist (my boss), physiology professor (I got an A in this class), and my previous supervisor who I worked for 6 years as a lifeguard
How many times did you apply?: 2 times
Age: 26
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to?: 12 programs

FAQ

Can you get into PA school if you failed a class?

Yes. Alissa earned an F in molecular biology, retook it for a B, and received two PA school acceptances. Programs want to see that you addressed the failure and can handle the material now. Retake the course and be prepared to discuss it honestly.

What GPA do you need for the Dominican University of California PA program?

Alissa was accepted with a 3.36 overall GPA and a 3.25 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Dominican's current published minimum GPA requirements directly with the program.

Does Dominican University of California's PA program require the GRE?

Alissa submitted a 304 GRE (150 verbal, 154 quantitative, 5.0 writing). [VERIFY] Confirm the current testing policy before registering for the exam.

How long is a PA school interview day?

Often most of a day. Alissa's ran roughly 8am to 2pm and included a tour, meals, group activities, writing assignments, meeting current students, and the interview itself. Plan for stamina — bring snacks and stay hydrated, since afternoon sessions can be the hardest to stay sharp for.

Should you memorize answers for a PA school interview?

No. Alissa did extensive mock interviews with her boss, coworkers, a PA she shadowed, friends, and her mother, but specifically warns against memorizing answers because rehearsed responses sound artificial. Practice the substance, not the script.

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

Alissa's transcript had the two things applicants fear most — multiple C's in chemistry and an outright F. She retook what she needed to, built more than 4,000 hours of patient care experience, and applied a second time. Two acceptances later, she credits those retakes for how well she's doing in PA school now.

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Dominican University of California PA Program: Alissa's Acceptance Story