USC Keck PA Program: Rachel's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Rachel applied to 12 programs, received 8 interview invitations, attended 6, and was accepted to 2 — choosing the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She had a 3.77 overall GPA, a 3.87 science GPA, 500 PCE hours, and 800 volunteer hours. She's unusually honest about the hardest part: she lost confidence during her interviews by comparing herself to the other candidates, and thinks it cost her at a few programs.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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Why PA?

I love how the PA profession emphasizes quality patient care, and the desire to help the underserved population. I was able to volunteer in underserved areas during my time as an undergraduate, which opened my eyes and inspired me to provide access to healthcare in disadvantage areas. Another reason why I chose to pursue the PA profession was because of the flexibility of the profession. There are many areas of medicine which interest me, and I find it exciting that I would be able to switch specialties as a PA without going through the many years of training if I were to have pursued a career as a doctor. Every PA I spoke with told me their career was extremely rewarding, and I knew that was the kind of life I wanted to have.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Rachel names something applicants rarely admit and interviewers see constantly: she was intimidated by the other candidates and believes it flattened her performance at several interviews. This is worth taking seriously as a preparation problem, not just a feelings problem. The room is full of impressive people by design — that's what an interview pool is — and if meeting them shakes you, you'll present as tentative in exactly the moments that matter. Her own remedy is the right one: before you walk in, review what it took for you to earn the invitation. Her file is otherwise strong, with a science GPA above her overall and 800 volunteer hours in underserved communities that tie directly to her stated motivation.

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

I received 8 interviews, went on 6 interviews, and declined 2 of them. I was accepted into 2 programs, waitlisted for 2, and am currently waiting to hear back from 2 programs.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Rachel converted 8 of 12 applications into interview invitations, which is an excellent rate, and still describes the process as tedious and confidence-shaking. A strong application and a hard cycle are not mutually exclusive.

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Where will you be attending?

Keck School of Medicine of USC

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

I did not really expect to struggle with my confidence as much as I did during the interview process. While interviewing, I met so many amazing candidates and found myself doubting my abilities. I honestly don't think I did as well as I could have during a few of these interviews because I lacked confidence. But I also went through personal growth because of interviewing, and I learned how to believe in myself in the end. Before going into an interview, I think it is important to reflect on all of the accomplishments/struggles gone through to receive an interview. Every story is different and I cannot stress enough how you should NEVER compare yourself to anyone else.

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

For the interview process, I bought the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide book and I also bought the online course

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Completing prerequisites and applying for PA schools has been one of the most tedious processes! My advice to pre-PA students is continuously remind yourself of your reasons for wanting to become a PA. Once you recognize those reasons, keep your head down and continue to work hard in all of your classes! But also make sure to take care of yourself and find balance with school/work/volunteering. Also, NEVER compare yourself to anyone else going through this process. Every person is unique and will have their own story to tell. If you have the heart and dedication to become a PA, it will happen.

Where can we find you?

Instagram: Rach_would, surfingandscrubs

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: California State University, Fullerton
Overall GPA: 3.77
Science GPA: 3.87
GRE: 305
Total PCE hours: 500
Total HCE hours: 1,800
Shadowing hours: 54
Other Volunteer hours: 800
LORs: 4
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 24
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the USC Keck PA program?

Rachel was accepted with a 3.77 overall GPA and a 3.87 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm USC Keck's current minimum GPA requirements.

Does the USC Keck PA program require the GRE?

Rachel submitted a GRE score of 305. [VERIFY] Confirm whether USC Keck currently requires the GRE, as many programs have dropped it.

How many patient care hours do you need for the USC Keck PA program?

Rachel applied with 500 PCE hours plus 1,800 HCE hours, 54 shadowing hours, and 800 volunteer hours. Her PCE was modest, so the rest of her file carried significant weight. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current PCE requirements.

How do you stay confident during PA school interviews?

Rachel's advice is to reflect, before you walk in, on everything you did to earn the invitation. She lost confidence comparing herself to other candidates and believes it hurt her performance at a few programs. The other applicants being impressive is a given; it says nothing about whether you belong there.

Should you decline PA school interviews you don't want?

Yes. Rachel declined 2 of her 8 invitations. Interviews cost time and travel money, and declining early releases the slot to another applicant.

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

Rachel earned 8 interview invitations from 12 applications and still spent the cycle fighting self-doubt in rooms full of impressive people. She got into USC Keck anyway, and she names the lesson twice because she means it: never compare yourself to anyone else in this process. Your file got you the invitation. Walk in knowing that.

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USC Keck PA Program: Rachel's Acceptance Story