Stony Brook University PA Program: Kiara's Acceptance Story (5 Programs, 2 Acceptances)

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Kiara applied to just 5 programs — "Risky? Maybe," she says — and was offered 3 interviews, attended 2, and ended with an immediate acceptance at Stony Brook and a waitlist at Tufts that later converted. She did it with a 3.75 GPA across the board, about 2,500 PCE hours as a phlebotomist and medical assistant, and only 5 shadowing hours, all virtual because of COVID.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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Why PA?

After receiving medical care in an underserved area, I realized I wanted to be in a position that makes a difference in this type of environment. I did my research and learned how PAs have a unique role to make that difference.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

Only 5! Risky? Maybe, but I was confident in what I had to offer.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, "structured conversation" is the best two-word description of a PA school interview we have heard from an applicant. It captures both halves — there is a framework and a scoring rubric, and there is also a human across from you deciding whether they want you in their cohort. Prepare for the structure, then let the conversation happen. Kiara also does something we wish more applicants would: she flags her own weak spot and tells you not to copy it.

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

Applied to 5 programs. Offered 3 interviews. Attended 2 of those interviews – 1 immediate acceptance (Stony Brook University) and 1 waitlist that turned into an acceptance (Tufts University).

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Kiara applied with roughly 5 shadowing hours, all virtual, and says plainly that she would recommend having more. Honest self-assessment like that is rarer than a good GPA.

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Where will you be attending?

Stony Brook University in New York

Anything you found interesting about interviews?

Although both of my interviews were rather traditional in style, they were so different! I found one interview to be very relaxed and conversational, while the other was very structured and intentional. I enjoyed both interview experiences and I can’t stress the importance of thinking of the interview as a structured conversation. Your interviewers want to get to know you and how you will fit into their program so stay true to who you are!

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

Throughout the interview process, I used The PA School Interview Guide by Savanna Perry which was super helpful. I also watched some mock PA school interviews on YouTube and thought about how I would answer the questions asked. Lastly, I did a mock interview with the PA Platform.

Any advice for other pre-PA students?

My 2 best pieces of advice: 1. Don’t be afraid to take the gap year(s)! I learned so much during the year I took to gain my PCE hours and it was without a doubt, a valuable year. 2. Always ask questions and reach out. If you come across a student who attends your dream PA school, reach out and ask them how the program is from a student’s perspective. Make those connections!

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @kiaramenn

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
Overall GPA: My overall GPA and my science GPA were both a 3.75
Science GPA: 3.75
Total PCE hours: I had ~ 2,500 hours when I applied! I gained my experience by working as a phlebotomist and medical assistant for a pain management practice.
Total HCE hours: I gained 40 hours of HCE by volunteering for an occupational therapist.
Shadowing hours: Because of COVID, I only had ~ 5 shadowing hours at the time of my application, and these were done virtually. I would definitely recommend having more hours than I did!
Volunteer hours: I had ~ 115 volunteer hours. The majority of those hours came from volunteering as a mentor/tutor to international students whose native language was not English.
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 24
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Stony Brook University PA program?

Kiara was accepted with a 3.75 overall GPA and a 3.75 science GPA. [VERIFY] Stony Brook’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does Stony Brook University require the GRE for PA school?

Kiara’s original post did not record a GRE score or a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] Stony Brook’s current standardized testing policy directly, as requirements change by cycle.

Is it risky to apply to only 5 PA programs?

Kiara acknowledges it was, and it worked because she was confident her file matched what those 5 programs wanted. A short list requires much more research per program than a long one.

Should you take a gap year before PA school?

Kiara’s first piece of advice is not to fear it. She used her gap year to build roughly 2,500 PCE hours as a phlebotomist and medical assistant and calls it unquestionably valuable.

Is phlebotomy good patient care experience for PA school?

It is generally accepted as direct patient care. Kiara combined phlebotomy with medical assisting at a pain management practice for about 2,500 hours. [VERIFY] each program’s PCE definitions and minimums.

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

Kiara bet on a five-program list and walked away with two acceptances, including her top choice at Stony Brook. Her second piece of advice costs nothing and pays constantly: if you find a student at your dream program, reach out and ask what it is really like.

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Stony Brook University PA Program: Kiara's Acceptance Story (5 Programs, 2 Acceptances)