Touro University CA PA Program: Tally's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Tally applied to 8 PA programs in one cycle, interviewed at one, and was accepted to Touro University California. Her science GPA (3.21) was her weakest point — including a C in physics that wasn't even a prerequisite — but 3,000 hours of patient care experience, self-designed undergraduate research, and heavy involvement outside the classroom carried her application. Her core advice: get involved in more than just grades and test scores.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

Interviewed and accepted at 1

In this post:

Any red flags on your application?

I think the biggest red flag was that my science GPA was on the lower end. I got a C in physics and I didn’t realize at the time that it would really count for anything because it wasn’t a prereq. It definitely counted! But what I lacked in science GPA I made up for with a ton of PCE.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Tally's application is a great example of why the “non-prerequisite courses don't matter” myth costs applicants interviews. Every science course you take rolls into your CASPA science GPA, whether the program requires it or not. If you have a low grade sitting in a class you assumed was invisible, plan for a reviewer to see it — and plan how you'll talk about it. The good news is that Tally's other numbers show the offset works: 3,000 hours of PCE plus original research gave the admissions committee plenty of evidence that she could handle rigorous science.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

I actually really enjoyed the interview process and it wasn’t as scary and intimidating as I thought it would be. My school really emphasized that they wanted to look at each applicant as a whole and they wanted us to feel comfortable during the process. There was even a light breakfast and lunch provided.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Tally applied to only 8 programs and received exactly one interview — which became her acceptance. One interview is all it takes, but it also shows how thin the margin can be. [VERIFY] Check current Touro University California PA program prerequisites and minimum GPA requirements before applying.

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

I heavily utilized the PA Platform Blog and instagram! I also got advice from PA students and practicing PAs on instagram as well. Lastly, I used the book “How to Ace the Physician Assistant Interview” (Affiliate Link) by Andrew J. Rodican.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

My advice to Pre-PA students is to get involved in as many things as possible during undergrad. I know there is a lot of time being devoted to getting good grades and a good GRE score but PA schools want to see that you have other things that you’re passionate about. Aside from my volunteering and PCE, I designed and conducted my own research experiment. I didn’t have the best GPA or GRE score but got accepted because I was really involved in a lot of different things.

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)

You can find me at @the.posh.pa on instagram and [email protected]

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: I majored in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Science/Public health
Overall GPA: 3.46
Science GPA: 3.21
GRE: 303
Total HCE hours: 0
Total PCE hours: 3,000
Shadowing hours: 60
Other volunteer hours: 100
LORs: 4: one from a PA, one from an MD, one from a professor, and one from my office manager at the clinic where I got my PCE
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 23
Gender: F
How many programs did you apply to? 8

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Touro University California PA program?

Tally was accepted with a 3.46 overall GPA and a 3.21 science GPA, which she described as her application's biggest weakness. [VERIFY] Confirm Touro University California's current published minimum GPA requirements, as stated minimums and competitive averages are usually different numbers.

Does Touro University California's PA program require the GRE?

Tally reported a GRE score of 303 when she applied. [VERIFY] Many PA programs have dropped the GRE requirement in recent cycles, so confirm the current testing policy directly with the program before scheduling an exam.

Can you get into PA school with a low science GPA?

Yes. Tally was accepted with a 3.21 science GPA, including a C in physics. She offset it with roughly 3,000 hours of patient care experience, 60 shadowing hours, 100 volunteer hours, and her own designed research project. A low science GPA is a hurdle, not a disqualification, when the rest of the application is strong and you can explain the grade.

How many PA schools should I apply to?

Tally applied to 8 programs and received one interview. There is no universal number, but applying too narrowly increases risk. Look at each program's prerequisites and mission fit rather than applying broadly without a strategy.

Do non-prerequisite science classes count toward your CASPA science GPA?

Yes. CASPA calculates science GPA from course subject classification, not from whether a specific program required the class. Tally learned this the hard way with a physics grade she assumed wouldn't matter.

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

Tally's story is a reminder that admissions committees read applications as a whole. A single low grade did not define her file — thousands of hours of patient care, her own research, and genuine involvement did. If your GPA isn't where you want it, focus your energy on building the parts of your application you can still control.

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Touro University CA PA Program: Tally's Acceptance Story