East Carolina University PA Program: Victoria's 4-for-4 Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Victoria applied once to 12 programs, received 5 interview offers, attended 4, and was accepted to every one. She had a 3.70 overall GPA, a 307 GRE, and 2100 PCE hours as a CNA in homecare and an emergency department plus MA work at an allergy clinic. Her father is a PA, which gave her a built-in shadowing network.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

Why PA?

Working closely with others, ability to switch specialties, work-life balance, helping underserved and rural patient populations

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Victoria’s point about practicing for both formats is more important than it sounds. A virtual interview is a different skill from an in-person one — eye contact means looking at a camera, silences land differently, and you lose most of the body language you would normally read. Practicing only one format leaves you exposed if the other is what you get. Four acceptances from four interviews suggests she prepared for both.

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

5 interview offers, attended 4, accepted to 4

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Victoria shadowed her father, a practicing PA, along with his MD, NP, and PA colleagues — then added weekly virtual shadowing on top. Existing connections are the fastest route to hours.

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Where will you be attending?

East Carolina University

Anything you found interesting about interviews?

Even if you do a lot of prep, its easy for your nerves to make you blank! Practice for both an in-person and virtual interview setting as they both feel very different and it is likely many schools will continue holding virtual interviews.

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

For interview prep I highly recommend doing a mock interview through the PA Platform. I did two and it was super super helpful! The practice gave me a lot more confidence heading into my interviews.

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Its a long journey, but I promise you it’s worth it! Be proud of yourself and enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others and ask questions.

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

Intsagram: @Victoriablau

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: NC State
Overall GPA: 3.70
Science GPA: 3.57
GRE: 307
Total PCE hours: 2100, I gained these hours by working as a CNA in homecare and in an ED, and as an MA at an allergy clinic
Total HCE hours: 180, at the allergy clinic where I worked as an MA I also did administrative and secretary work and I used these as my HCE hours
Shadowing hours: 82, I gained the majority of these hours by shadowing my dad (whose a PA) and his MD, NP, and PA colleagues. I also did virtual shadowing weekly, there are a lot of great programs online that offer this!
Volunteer hours: 120, I volunteered weekly at a local clinic that provided healthcare to underserved individuals, and this is how I gained the majority of my hours. I also volunteered with COVID-testing on campus.
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 22
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the East Carolina University PA program?

Victoria was accepted with a 3.70 overall GPA and a 3.57 science GPA. [VERIFY] ECU’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does East Carolina University require the GRE for PA school?

Victoria submitted a 307. Her post did not record a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] ECU’s current standardized testing policy directly.

How do you prepare for a virtual PA school interview?

Victoria recommends practicing for virtual and in-person formats separately, because they feel very different. Test your camera and lighting, practice looking at the lens rather than the screen, and expect the pacing of a virtual conversation to differ.

Can you shadow a family member for PA school?

Many programs allow it, though some prefer or require shadowing outside your immediate family. Victoria shadowed her father, a PA, plus his colleagues. [VERIFY] each program’s policy on shadowing relatives before counting those hours.

Is CNA work good patient care experience for PA school?

It is one of the most widely accepted PCE roles. Victoria combined CNA work in homecare and an emergency department with medical assisting at an allergy clinic for 2100 hours. [VERIFY] each program’s minimum PCE requirement.

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

Four interviews, four acceptances, and a plan to work with underserved and rural populations in a state that badly needs it. Victoria’s advice is simple and worth taking: be proud of yourself, enjoy the process, and do not be afraid to ask.

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East Carolina University PA Program: Victoria's 4-for-4 Acceptance Story