My Journey to PA School: How I Got Accepted
My Journey to PA School: How I Got Accepted
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
I was accepted to PA school the first year I applied and now work in dermatology. My path was not flashy: I discovered the PA profession in high school, majored in biology to keep my options open, racked up shadowing and a CNA license, applied as early as possible, and prepared hard for interviews. Early applications and real interview prep made the biggest difference.
Last Updated: June 12, 2026
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How did you first learn about the PA profession?
A lot of hopeful PAs ask how I got to where I am today. I was accepted the first year I applied and now work in dermatology, which is a competitive field, so let me share what worked for me.
I first learned what a physician assistant was in high school. My dad saw a PA at his primary care office and, knowing I was interested in medicine, suggested I look into it. I was a junior and not too worried about my future yet, but once senior year hit, it was time to make some decisions.
How did you choose your major and decide on PA?
I ended up at the University of Georgia and declared biology as my major, mostly because it kept my options open. I knew I could not do much with biology alone, so it would force me to make a decision.
The idea of becoming a PA was always in the back of my mind, but I was not completely sold at first. During my first year of college I researched all kinds of paths: research, medical school, teaching, nursing, PT school, dental school, and more. In the end, PA was the route I wanted. So I started shadowing, got my CNA license, and struggled through organic chemistry while wondering if it would all be worth it. PA school has become incredibly competitive, and as a very detail oriented person I spent a ton of time researching what programs look for, so I felt prepared but still terrified when it came time to apply.
In our experience coaching applicants, the two habits that helped me most are the same ones that help our students: apply as early as the cycle allows, and practice interviewing out loud with a real PA before the real thing. My acceptance came down to preparation, not luck, and that is something you can control.
What did your application and interview process look like?
I applied as early as possible, July 1st, and applied to all of the programs in Georgia, even ones where I clearly did not meet every requirement. That fall, I got interviews at the 2 programs I was actually qualified for, MCG and South University. I prepared by doing a mock interview with a PA I had shadowed, and it was so helpful.
Interviews came and went, and I got the call that I was accepted to MCG about 15 minutes after my South University interview ended. That was an amazing feeling. I graduated from UGA in December 2011 to give myself a few months to relax before starting, which I would definitely recommend, and began the program at MCG/GRU in May 2012. The rest is history, and I am now helping patients at a job I love going to most days.
Every Pre-PA Should Know...
Applying early in the cycle matters a lot for rolling admissions, which is why I submitted on the very first day I could.
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Free Application Timeline -> https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline/ [INSERT FREE LEAD MAGNET FORM OR HTML BLOCK HERE AND DELETE THIS TEXT BOX]
Listen: Welcome to The Pre-PA Club Podcast - Meet Your Host, Savanna Perry
Welcome to The Pre-PA Club. I'm Savanna Perry, PA-C, and this is where it all starts.
Welcome to The Pre-PA Club. I'm Savanna Perry, PA-C, and this is where it all starts.
In this first episode I'm introducing myself and telling you why this show exists. I talk about how I landed on PA instead of medical school, what my path through school actually looked like, and how all of that turned into The PA Platform.
There's a lot of confusing, contradictory advice floating around about getting into PA school. My goal here is to give you straight answers in one place.
What I cover
Why I chose PA over medical school
My background and how I got through PA school
How The PA Platform started and who it's for
Why shadowing and healthcare experience carry so much weight on your application
What you can expect from this podcast going forward
Resources
Have a question you want answered on the show? Send it my way. And if this helped you, leave a review. I actually read them.
Follow The Pre-PA Club: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All episodes
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Need to Know:
I was accepted on my first application cycle and now work in dermatology
I discovered the PA profession through a family member's appointment
I chose biology to keep my options open, then committed to PA
Shadowing and a CNA license built my patient care experience
I applied as early as possible for rolling admissions
A mock interview with a practicing PA made a big difference
FAQ
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Pre-PA Counseling -> https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling/ [INSERT HTML SERVICE BLOCK CTA HERE AND DELETE THIS TEXT BOX]
CLOSING
Everyone's road to PA school looks a little different, but early action and honest preparation show up in almost every success story. If you are mapping out your own journey, our free application timeline can help you plan each step, and a mock interview is one of the best ways to walk in feeling ready.
You May Also Like:
Preparing for Interviews for PA School
What is a PA?
How to Stay Sane in PA School
The PA Job Search: What to Look For
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