PCOM PA Program: Kerryn's Acceptance Story (5 Applications, 4 Interviews)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Kerryn applied to just 5 programs and pulled 4 interviews from them, finishing with 2 acceptances and a seat at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She had a 3.85 overall GPA, no GRE, roughly 1,200 PCE hours as a CNA at a physical rehabilitation facility, and 100 shadowing hours split evenly between virtual and in-person. Her own primary care provider is a PA.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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Why PA?

My primary care doctor is actually a PA. I had a very bad concussion my junior year of high school and I appreciated how much she was able to boost my spirits and support me during this time.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a 4-for-5 interview rate on a five-program list means the research was done before the applications went out — which is exactly the advice Kerryn gives, in three words. Her "why PA" is also a good model of specificity. She does not talk about the profession in the abstract; she talks about the provider who took care of her after a concussion. One real person and one real experience beats a paragraph of generalities.

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

4 interviews, 2 acceptances

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Half of Kerryn’s 100 shadowing hours were virtual across multiple specialties, with the other 50 in person in an orthopedic office — a practical blend when in-person access is limited.

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Where will you be attending?

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

Your interview book!!! PA School Interview Guide.

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Do your research!!!

Where can we find you? (Instagram, TikTok, Website, etc)

instagram- Kerrynmacbride Tik tok- pa_s_kmac

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
Overall GPA: 3.85
Science GPA: 3.82
GRE: N/A
Total PCE hours: ~1,200 CNA at a Physical Rehabilitation Facility
Total HCE hours: ~250 at Temple University Hospital
Shadowing hours: 100 (50 virtual multiple different specialties, 50 in person in an Orthopedic office)
Volunteer hours: 150 (Temple PrePAO, Ukrainian Nationals soccer club, Vaccinate PA, COVID-19 vaccine clinics)
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 22
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the PCOM PA program?

Kerryn was accepted with a 3.85 overall GPA and a 3.82 science GPA. [VERIFY] the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does PCOM require the GRE for PA school?

Kerryn listed her GRE as N/A and was accepted. Her post did not record a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] PCOM’s current standardized testing policy directly, as requirements change by cycle.

Is CNA work good patient care experience for PA school?

It is one of the most widely accepted PCE roles. Kerryn logged roughly 1,200 hours as a CNA at a physical rehabilitation facility. [VERIFY] each program’s minimum PCE requirement.

How many PA programs should you apply to?

Kerryn applied to only 5 and received 4 interviews. A short list works when each program is well matched to your file, which requires doing the research before you apply.

Do virtual shadowing hours count for PA school?

Many programs accept them and some do not. Kerryn split her 100 hours evenly between virtual shadowing across specialties and in-person orthopedic shadowing. [VERIFY] each program’s current policy.

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

Kerryn kept her answers short and her list shorter, and turned 5 applications into 4 interviews and 2 acceptances. Do your research, she says, three exclamation points and all. Her results suggest she took her own advice.

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PCOM PA Program: Kerryn's Acceptance Story (5 Applications, 4 Interviews)