South College Nashville PA Program: Anna Kate's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Anna Kate interviewed on her first cycle and was told directly that her hands-on patient care hours were the problem. She built them up — 3,744 PCE hours as a laboratory technician at a pediatric primary care office — and reapplied, earning an interview and an acceptance at South College Nashville. Her 3.88 GPA was never the issue.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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Why PA?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the medical field, saw a PA as a teenager at my local pediatrician office and loved the time and education he gave my family. I knew that I wanted to interact with my patients in the same manner. I’m also excited to work with my future class mates as a team rather than compete with them for a residency.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, being told exactly why you were rejected is a gift, and most applicants never get one. Anna Kate did, acted on it precisely, and got in. Notice also what her file demonstrates: 6,500 healthcare experience hours did not substitute for hands-on patient care. Programs draw that line deliberately, and volume in the wrong category will not cross it.

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

I was invited to interview during the first round of applications, but wasn’t accepted because of a lack of hands-on patient care hours, so of course gaining those was my next step. So far my current program, South College – Nashville, is my only interview invitation and acceptance.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Anna Kate’s interviewers asked nothing tricky or off the wall — every question was about her and her preparation. Most PA interviews are far less adversarial than applicants brace for.

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Where will you be attending?

South College – Nashville

Anything you found interesting about interviews?

No questions were “off the wall” nor tricky. I had prepared using Savannah’s interview guide, and all questions asked were related to me and my preparation for PA school.

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

My Pre-PA advisor at Georgia Southern, Pre-PA Club, Savannah’s interview guide, fellow applicant students

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Applications, interviews, and the waiting period is tough, and be prepared for a “no” because of the sheer competitiveness of the process. If told “no,” regroup and see how you can improve your application for next time. If it is your dream, keep trying!

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

Instagram- @annakate.pope Facebook – Anna Kate Hickman Pope

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Georgia Southern Univeristy
Overall GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.68
GRE: 299
PA-CAT: Did not take
Total PCE hours: 3,744. laboratory technician at a pediatric primary care office
Total HCE hours: 6,500. Volunteer lab manager and mammogram coordinator at a non profit health clinic, and pharmacy technician.
Shadowing hours: 120. Shadowing family care, pediatrics, orthopedic PA’s
Volunteer hours: 700 mammogram and lab coordinator, GSU Love Your Melon chapter
How many times did you apply?: 2
Age: 24
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the South College PA program?

Anna Kate was accepted with a 3.88 overall GPA and a 3.68 science GPA. [VERIFY] South College’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does South College require the GRE for PA school?

Anna Kate submitted a 299 and did not take the PA-CAT. [VERIFY] whether the GRE is currently required, optional, or not accepted at South College.

What is the difference between PCE and HCE for PA school?

PCE is hands-on direct patient care; HCE is healthcare work without that direct component. Anna Kate had 6,500 HCE hours and was still rejected for insufficient hands-on patient care until she built 3,744 PCE hours. [VERIFY] how each program defines and weighs each category.

Why do PA schools reject applicants after an interview?

Anna Kate was told her hands-on patient care hours were insufficient. If you are rejected post-interview, ask for feedback — it is often specific and actionable, and it tells you exactly what to fix.

Does laboratory technician work count as patient care experience?

It depends heavily on the role and the program. Anna Kate’s lab technician position at a pediatric primary care office was counted as PCE. [VERIFY] with each program before assuming a lab role qualifies as direct patient care.

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

Anna Kate got a "no" with a reason attached, and she treated it as a to-do list rather than a verdict. That is the entire difference between a first cycle and a second. Be prepared for the no, she says, and then regroup.

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South College Nashville PA Program: Anna Kate's Second-Cycle Acceptance Story