Stony Brook PA Program: George's Acceptance Story (5 Acceptances)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

George applied to 10 PA programs in his first cycle, attended seven interviews, and received five acceptances — choosing Stony Brook University. He had a 3.51 overall GPA, 4,350 PCE hours across three clinical roles, and a D in Organic Chemistry Lab that he had to explain at every single interview. A professor once told him the most he'd ever be was an EMT. He starts PA school the following June.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

I attended 7 interviews, got into 5, and 2 rejections.

I will be attending Stony Brook University PA program , class of 2021. (I start next June).

In this post:

Any Red Flags?

I had a D in Orgo Chem 1 Lab and a C+ in Orgo Chem 2 Lab.. I had to explain those grades in every interview I had.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, George's outcome — seven interviews from ten applications, five acceptances — is what happens when heavy patient care experience meets a solid GPA and early preparation. His 4,350 PCE hours span three distinct settings, which gave him a range of concrete stories to draw on in interviews. His point about requesting letters of recommendation early is one applicants underestimate every year: a slow letter writer can delay your entire CASPA submission, and in rolling admissions that delay costs interview slots. Note too that he collected far more letter writers than most programs require, which gave him flexibility.

Anything you found surprising about the interviews?

Honestly, I was surprised how nice everyone was, and how they are genuinely trying to get to know you. They are not there to make you feel uncomfortable. They just simply want to get to know you and that was comforting. Luckily, I didn’t have those MMI interviews, because I really have no idea why those even exist. For Stony Brook, I had a tour of the entire facility, and 2 individual, 25 minute interviews with different faculty members.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

A professor told George the most he'd ever be in life was an EMT after he earned a D in organic chemistry lab. He was accepted to five PA programs, including his dream school. [VERIFY] Confirm Stony Brook's current PA program prerequisites and interview format.

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Were there any helpful resources you used for the interview process?

I purchased PA Interview Guide by Savanna Perry, which was definitely super helpful. I bought the electronic version and had it in my phone and just read it twice before my interviews.

Any other advice for pre-PA students?

My advice to Pre PA students is don’t get discouraged!!!! When I got a D in organic chemistry lab , I went to my professor and wanted to speak to him about my grade. He asked me what career I wanted to pursue and I told him that I wanted to become a PA and that my dream school is Stony Brook. He told me that the most I’ll ever be in life is an EMT. That was the most discouraging moments ever. So work hard guys . Study your butts off. Don’t let disappointments derail you from your goal. Grades are super important but PCE hours are JUST AS IMPORTANT!!! Don’t slack on hours! And ask for LOR as early as possible. You don’t want that to hold you back from applying early.

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @georgethepas

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education : City University of New York, Brooklyn College.
Overall GPA : 3.51
Science GPA : 3.47
GRE : 301 (Math 151, English 150, essay 4)
Total HCE hours : 580 (volunteering at a hospital, Medical Assistant)
Total PCE hours : 4,350 (Medical Assistant at a Vascular Interventional Radiology clinic, where I learned to start IVs and draw blood ; MA at a Pain Management office; PT Aide at a PT/OT rehabilitation clinic)
Shadowing hours : 240 ( ER PA-C and an ER Attending Physician, honestly loved this experience, learned a lot by observing the PA and the attending Physician)
Research hours : 38 (Emergency Medicine research At Maimonides Medical Center)
Other Volunteering hours : 265 ( At St. Vartan Cathedral in NYC)
LOR : A&P 1,2 professor, Biochem 2 professor, Organic Chem 2 professor, ER PA-C , ER- Attending, Anesthesiologist (My Previous Boss), Radiologist (My Current Boss).
How many times did I apply : 1 time
Age: 22
Gender : Male
How many programs did you apply to: 10

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Stony Brook PA program?

George was accepted with a 3.51 overall GPA and a 3.47 science GPA, including a D and a C+ in organic chemistry labs. [VERIFY] Confirm Stony Brook's current published minimum GPA requirements directly with the program.

Does the Stony Brook PA program require the GRE?

George submitted a 301 GRE (151 math, 150 English, 4 essay). [VERIFY] Many programs have revised their testing requirements — confirm the current policy before registering for the exam.

Can you get into PA school with a D on your transcript?

Yes. George had a D in Organic Chemistry Lab and a C+ in Organic Chemistry 2 Lab and received five acceptances. He noted he had to explain those grades at every interview, so prepare a direct, non-defensive answer if you have a low grade in your file.

What is the Stony Brook PA school interview like?

George described a tour of the facility followed by two individual 25-minute interviews with different faculty members, with no MMI component. [VERIFY] Interview formats change frequently — confirm the current structure with the program.

When should you ask for PA school letters of recommendation?

As early as possible. George specifically warns that waiting can delay your application, and in rolling admissions an early complete file matters. Give writers several weeks of notice along with your resume and personal statement.

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

George's story is the one to reread on a discouraging day. A professor wrote him off to his face, and he responded by building 4,350 hours of patient care experience and earning acceptances at five programs. Grades matter, hours matter, and so does refusing to let someone else's assessment become your ceiling.

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Stony Brook PA Program: George's Acceptance Story (5 Acceptances)