Low Science GPA to PA School: Neda's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Neda applied to fifteen programs, received one interview, and was accepted. She did it with a 3.30 overall GPA, a 3.12 science GPA, no GRE and 4,040 patient care hours built while working two jobs. Her stats and advice follow, exactly as she shared them with us.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

1 interview and was accepted.

In this post:

Any red flags on your application?

Definitely my GPA (YIKES). I didn’t have a D or F on my transcript, but I did have one C in Chemistry. Most of my science classes were B’s and I had some A’s. In my statement of purpose, I pointed out my weaknesses and during the interview the faculty members didn’t seem to be concerned, but I did have to explain how I have mentally and emotionally prepared for the rigorous few years of PA school (in my case 33 months). I explained that while I was taking my science classes I was working two jobs, shadowing PAs, and was involved in community service.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Neda's cycle is the clearest illustration of why the application count matters when your GPA is the weak point. Fifteen applications produced exactly one interview — and one interview was enough. A 3.12 science GPA will screen you out at most programs before anyone reads your statement, so the strategy is to buy yourself enough chances that one program looks past the number and meets you in person.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

My interview was designed as MMIs (multiple mini interviews), group interview and written portion. I listened to every YouTube video about PA interview tips and read every single page on AAPA website to have a good idea of the news that’s going on in the PA field. At the beginning of the MMIs I was very nervous, however after a few that I went through (total of 8), I felt more comfortable. Throughout the whole MMI process I did have to keep reminding myself that if I mess up on one I have to move on to the next with full confidence and not let that discourage me. The school that I interviewed at had a very relaxed interview environment and the faculty/staff members just wanted to get to know the true me and were not trying to trick me with their questions.

It’s very important to make sure that your answers are truthful and unique to you. Don’t memorize answers. Look up examples, but come up with your own answers. AND PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE your answers with someone to make sure you are confident.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Neda faced eight MMI stations, plus a group interview and a written component. The single most useful MMI habit is the one she names: when a station goes badly, close it and walk into the next one clean [VERIFY each program's interview format]. Stations are usually scored independently, so carrying a bad one forward costs you twice.

Free Application Timeline → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline/

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 – by Andrew J. Rodican (affiliate link)

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Physician Assistant School – by Andrew J. Rodican (affiliate link)

Aapa.org

Youtube.com

PA Platform, PA Journey, The PA Life

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

I’ve been working hard on my prerequisites, community service, and working two jobs for the past 5 years (Since 2013). It can be discouraging at times and can be very hard, BUT don’t give up. All of your hard work will pay off. Keep moving forward, keep your head up and don’t let anything/anybody stop you from pursuing your goals and your dreams.

In your personal statement show who you really are. Be unique and don’t try to write what you think the reader wants to read – SHOW YOU, BE YOU.

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: California State University of Long Beach, major: Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.30
Overall Non-science GPA: 3.36
Science GPA: 3.12
GRE: No GRE
Total HCE hours: 750 hours
Total PCE hours: 4040 hours as a medical assistant and physical therapy aide.
Shadowing hours: 80 – I have also shadowed an Orthopedic PA, Family Practice PA, and a dermatologist PA.
Other volunteer hours: 786
LORs: 3 total: I received letters of recommendation from a Family Practice PA (who I shadowed), professor, and a Podiatrist who I worked for as a medical assistant for two years.
How many times did you apply?: one
Age: 29
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? 15

FAQ

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

Neda was accepted with a 3.12 science GPA and a 3.30 overall GPA on her first cycle. She applied to fifteen programs, addressed the weakness directly in her statement of purpose, and explained the two jobs she was working while taking those science courses.

How many PA programs did Neda apply to?

Fifteen. She received one interview invitation and was accepted.

Did Neda take the GRE?

No. She was accepted without a GRE score.

How many patient care hours did Neda have?

4,040 PCE hours as a medical assistant and physical therapy aide, plus 750 HCE hours and 786 volunteer hours.

How should you prepare for an MMI interview?

Neda faced eight MMI stations alongside a group interview and a written portion. She prepared with interview videos and by reading through the AAPA website, and stresses practising your own answers aloud rather than memorising examples.

How can I be featured in an Accepted! post?

Email [email protected] to share your acceptance story and advice with other PA hopefuls.

CLOSING

One interview out of fifteen applications, and Neda converted it. If your science GPA is the thing keeping you up at night, her story is worth holding onto: the number decides how many doors open, not what happens once you are through one.

If you’ve been accepted to PA school and would like to share your story in an “Accepted!” post, send an email to [email protected].

Pre-PA Counseling — start your own acceptance story → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling/

Low Science GPA to PA School: Neda's Acceptance Story