How to Prepare for PA School in Undergrad

You do not have to be a biology or chemistry major to apply to PA school. Plenty of applicants major in exercise science, health and human performance, or even history. If you are a non science major, just make sure you complete all the prerequisites required by the programs you are targeting, which takes planning your advisor can help with.

On GPA and GRE, programs get more competitive every year, and minimum required scores keep rising. Remember that the minimum required scores and the average scores of accepted students are two different things. You want your numbers in the same range as the accepted averages or higher [VERIFY]. A GPA below the accepted average does not automatically rule you out, but matching or exceeding it makes you a noticeably stronger applicant.

Most programs require a minimum amount of PA shadowing before you apply. Shadowing at least two PAs in different specialties gives you a broader look at the field and confirms your interest, and starting a few years early during summer breaks makes accumulating hours much easier.

Volunteering can count toward healthcare experience at some programs, so call and ask what each program requires. Not all volunteering needs to be clinical. Non clinical service shows what else you are passionate about. Hands on healthcare experience expectations vary widely. Some programs consider you competitive with 200-300 hours, while others require 1,000-1,500 or more, often because they cater to second career applicants. Do not let high numbers intimidate you, because there are plenty of programs with more modest requirements.

Research is not usually required, but it can boost your chances of earning an interview invitation, and being published in a scientific journal helps even more. If you cannot fit research into the school year, look into summer research at your university or summer internships for undergrads in your area.

Letters of recommendation are another piece to start early. Many students do not think about building strong professional relationships with advisors, professors, or the providers they shadow until it is time to apply. The people who genuinely know your strengths can write a far more personal and compelling letter than someone who barely knows you. And remember, every applicant has a different background, gap years included, and that is completely okay. As long as you are passionate and willing to work hard, you can get there.

Preparing for PA school in undergrad comes down to steady, intentional effort across academics, experience, and relationships, not last minute scrambling. Start early, plan ahead, and remember that gap years and unconventional paths are perfectly fine. If you want a personalized roadmap for your pre-PA years, we would love to help you build it.