Francis Marion University PA Program: Tayler's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Tayler applied to about 18 PA programs in one cycle, interviewed at two, and was accepted to Francis Marion University. Her science GPA was 2.9 and her GRE was 298 — both below what most applicants consider competitive — but her prerequisite GPA was 3.8 and she had roughly 5,000 volunteer hours. She's proof that a low science GPA doesn't end the conversation when other numbers show what you can actually do.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

2 (1 waitlisted, 1 acceptance)

In this post:

Where will you be attending?

Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program (I started August 20th)

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, the gap between Tayler's science GPA (2.9) and her prerequisite GPA (3.8) is the single most important detail in her application. Many programs screen on prerequisite GPA specifically, not overall science GPA, because it reflects performance in the courses that actually predict PA school success. If your cumulative science number is dragged down by older or unrelated coursework, calculate your prerequisite GPA separately — it may be far more competitive than you think, and it's worth highlighting. Her strategy of applying broadly to about 18 programs also made sense given her profile.

Any red flags on your application?

Low science GPA, my GRE wasn’t that competitive, but I met the requirement of my program.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Tayler logged around 5,000 volunteer hours — an extraordinary figure that gave admissions committees a clear picture of her character beyond her transcript. [VERIFY] Confirm Francis Marion University's current minimum GPA and GRE requirements.

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Anything you found surprising about interviews?

My interviews were pretty laid back. You can tell they wanted to know who you were as a person and not just giving you a hard time.

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 School Interview (Affiliate link)

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

You can do this! Do NOT give up. This process isn’t easy but its so worth. If you know you want to go to PA school start getting your patient care hours early. If your GPA isn’t the best that doesn’t count you out! Keep working hard but most of all enjoy the journey. One minute you will be submitting your CASPA and before you know it you will be starting PA School.

Where can we find you?

I have a blog called ministry in medicine where I talk about my journey! www.ministryinmedicine.com

Instagram: @Incomparabletay

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: The University of Texas-Austin ( B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences)
Overall GPA: 3.54
Science GPA: 2.9
Pre-req GPA: 3.8
GRE: 298
Total PCE hours: about 1550 at time of application
Shadowing hours: 70
Other volunteer hours: around 5,000 (I volunteered A LOT)
LORs: 4 (2 PA’s, 1 NP, 1 Professor)
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 24
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? About 18

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Francis Marion University PA program?

Tayler was accepted with a 3.54 overall GPA, a 2.9 science GPA, and a 3.8 prerequisite GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Francis Marion's current published minimums, and note whether they screen on prerequisite GPA, science GPA, or both.

Can you get into PA school with a 2.9 science GPA?

Yes. Tayler was accepted with exactly that. Her prerequisite GPA of 3.8 showed strong performance in the courses programs care most about, and she paired it with about 1,550 PCE hours and roughly 5,000 volunteer hours.

Does Francis Marion University's PA program require the GRE?

Tayler submitted a 298 GRE and noted that she met her program's requirement. [VERIFY] Confirm the current GRE policy and any minimum score directly with the program.

What is the difference between science GPA and prerequisite GPA?

Science GPA includes all science coursework on your transcript, while prerequisite GPA covers only the specific courses a program requires. They can differ substantially. Tayler's were 2.9 and 3.8 respectively — a gap that worked strongly in her favor.

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

Applying more broadly generally makes sense when one of your metrics is below average. Tayler applied to about 18 programs and received two interviews. Prioritize schools whose stated minimums you clearly meet and whose screening favors your strengths.

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

Tayler's numbers would have discouraged a lot of applicants from ever hitting submit. She applied anyway, to programs whose requirements she met, and started PA school that August. If your science GPA is your weak point, run your prerequisite GPA separately before you decide what you're capable of.

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Francis Marion University PA Program: Tayler's Acceptance Story