George Fox University PA Program: Divya's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Divya applied twice and cast a wide net the second time — 29 programs — which produced 4 interview offers, 2 waitlists, and an acceptance to George Fox University. She brought 3637 PCE hours, 1400 HCE hours, 228 shadowing hours, and 1470 volunteer hours, along with a Why PA rooted in stepping off the path her family expected.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

Why PA?

I am the first girl to be born into my family after 40 years and with this in mind, I knew I had certain expectations to live up to. Going into my freshman year of college as an Indian woman, I was expected to follow the regulatory path of becoming a doctor. I enjoyed learning about the wonders of medicine, but I didn’t feel that following the status quo was right for me; I wanted to create change and live beyond my boundaries. As a PA, I know that I will be able to put my efforts into breaking cultural boundaries to encourage others in pursuing the profession they love. Forever advocating for the PA profession and for my patients is where I see myself serving my purpose.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a Why PA that names a real cost carries more weight than one built on admirable generalities. Divya had to explain, to her family and to herself, why she was not becoming a physician. That is a harder essay to write and a much more memorable one to read. If your path involved disappointing an expectation, do not sand that down — it is often the most honest thing in your application.

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

4 interviews offers, (did not attend 2), 2 waitlists, 1 acceptance.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Divya’s interview at George Fox is what sold her on the program. How a school treats you on interview day is real data about how it will treat you for the next 27 months.

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

Where will you be attending?

George Fox University.

Anything you found interesting about interviews?

How welcoming PA school faculty members are and their willingness to forever support your PA education. My interview at George Fox University was absolutely amazing, and from the beginning, they treated me with the utmost care. It was clear to me that George Fox University was where I wanted to be because of this.

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

Savannah Perry’s Interview book, osmosis, virtual shadowing, and interview webinars for PA school.

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

It may seem like a long road ahead but every hurdle, adversity, and finally, accomplishment will be worth it! The PA profession is so unique and is constantly evolving in unimaginable ways, keep pursuing this beautiful journey, IT IS WORTH IT!

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

Instagram: pa.divs

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: UC Davis
Overall GPA: 3.3
Science GPA: 3.36
Total PCE hours: 3637
Total HCE hours: 1400
Shadowing hours: 228
Volunteer hours: 1470
How many times did you apply?: 2
Age: 24
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the George Fox University PA program?

Divya was accepted with a 3.3 overall GPA and a 3.36 science GPA. [VERIFY] George Fox’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages before applying.

Does George Fox University require the GRE for PA school?

Divya’s original post did not record a GRE score or a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] George Fox’s current standardized testing policy directly.

How many PA programs should you apply to as a reapplicant?

Divya applied to 29 on her second cycle and received 4 interview offers. Widening the list is a common reapplicant strategy, but it works best when paired with a genuinely strengthened application rather than volume alone.

Can you get into PA school with a 3.3 GPA?

Yes. Divya was accepted with a 3.3 overall GPA supported by 3637 patient care hours, 1400 healthcare experience hours, and 1470 volunteer hours. Deep experience can offset a GPA near a program’s floor.

Do PA schools care why you chose PA over MD?

Almost always. Divya’s answer addresses it directly, explaining why the physician path expected of her was not the right fit. Being able to articulate that comparison clearly is one of the most commonly tested points in interviews.

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

Divya wrote about being the first girl born into her family in 40 years and choosing a path nobody expected of her. Twenty-nine applications and two cycles later, she is at George Fox, planning to spend her career making that path easier for the people behind her.

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

George Fox University PA Program: Divya's Acceptance Story