St. Elizabeth University PA Program: Shiza's Acceptance Story (3.02 GPA)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Shiza applied once to 12 programs with a 3.02 overall GPA and a 2.89 science GPA — among the lowest in this series — and converted her single interview into an acceptance at St. Elizabeth University. She brought 1100 PCE hours as a pediatric urgent care medical assistant, 3000 HCE hours scribing in the ER and trauma/SICU, and 112 shadowing hours.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

Your Pre-PA Bestie Blog - everything you need to know to become a PA in one place.

Why PA?

I chose to be a PA because it is a great career to treat and diagnose patients. I was intrigued by the versatility, patient-centered focus, and collaborative nature of the profession. I want to learn more about the human body from a medical point of view and in turn, make a difference in someone’s life regarding his/her health.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, a science GPA below 3.0 will screen you out at a large number of programs before a human reads anything else, which makes Shiza’s single interview from 12 applications a predictable ratio rather than bad luck. The lesson is not that a low science GPA is fatal — she got in — but that it changes the math. Expect a lower interview rate, apply to more programs, research minimums obsessively, and understand that one interview may be all you need.

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

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Shiza logged 112 shadowing hours across both pediatric and adult emergency departments — more shadowing than many applicants in this series with far stronger transcripts.

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Where will you be attending?

St Elizabeth University

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

How to Ace the Physician Assistant Interview by Andrew Rodican PA-C

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

Do not give up! If it is meant for you and it is your dream to become a PA, then go for it. Do not compare yourself to any other applicant because each application is unique in its own way.

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

justpashiz on instagram

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Rutgers University
Overall GPA: 3.02
Science GPA: 2.89
GRE: 293
Total PCE hours: 1100 hours as a medical assistant at a pediatric urgent care
Total HCE hours: 3000 hours as a medical scribe in the ER and trauma/SICU and front medical assistant at a pediatric urgent care
Shadowing hours: 112 hours shadowing two PA’s in the Pediatric and Adult ER
Volunteer hours: 24 hours as a volunteer at a nature preserve in my community
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 24
Gender: Female

FAQ

Can you get into PA school with a science GPA below 3.0?

Shiza was accepted with a 2.89 science GPA and a 3.02 overall. It is possible, but many programs set a hard floor at 3.0. [VERIFY] each program’s published minimum before applying, and consider retaking science coursework to move the number.

What GPA do you need for the St. Elizabeth University PA program?

Shiza was accepted with a 3.02 overall GPA and a 2.89 science GPA. [VERIFY] St. Elizabeth University’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does St. Elizabeth University require the GRE for PA school?

Shiza submitted a 293. Her post did not record a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] St. Elizabeth University’s current standardized testing policy directly.

Does medical scribing count as patient care experience?

Most programs classify scribing as healthcare experience rather than direct patient care, which is how Shiza logged her 3000 ER and trauma/SICU scribe hours. Her PCE came separately from medical assistant work. [VERIFY] how each program categorizes scribing.

How many PA programs should you apply to with a low GPA?

More than average. Shiza applied to 12 and received one interview. A lower GPA typically reduces your interview rate, so a broader list of programs whose minimums you clearly meet improves your odds.

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

One interview out of twelve applications, and Shiza turned it into a seat. Each application is unique in its own way, she says, which is the right frame for anyone whose numbers do not look like the ones in the other stories here.

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St. Elizabeth University PA Program: Shiza's Acceptance Story (3.02 GPA)