Trine University PA Program: Lauren's Acceptance Story (3 Programs, 2 Interviews)
Trine University PA Program: Lauren's Acceptance Story (3 Programs, 2 Interviews)
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
Lauren applied to only 3 programs, interviewed at 2, and was accepted to Trine University. She had a 3.87 overall GPA, a 3.9 science GPA, and 1200 PCE hours across ophthalmology assisting, caregiving for a stroke patient, and phlebotomy. Her interest in medicine began at 12, when her brother spent five weeks in a coma.
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 become a PA because of the compassion and love PAs bring into the medical field. Also, for the love of medicine and curiosity I have. My brother was in a coma for 5 weeks when I was 12 and that’s when my interest in medicine began.
How many programs did you apply to?
3
In our experience at The PA Platform, a three-program list is the narrowest we see, and it only works when your numbers clearly clear each program’s bar. Lauren’s 3.87 and 3.9 did. What stands out more is her 9 shadowing hours — a reminder that shadowing requirements vary so widely that a figure which would disqualify you at one program is a non-issue at another. Check every program’s requirement individually rather than assuming a universal standard.
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
I interviewed with 2 programs. Michigan state and Trine University. I got accepted into Trine and declined from Michigan State.
Every Pre-PA Should Know...
Lauren’s path to medicine started at 12, when her brother spent five weeks in a coma. The origin stories that hold up in interviews are usually the ones you did not choose.
****INSERT FREE LEAD MAGNET FORM OR HTML BLOCK AND DELETE TEXT BOX*****
Where will you be attending?
Trine University
Anything you found interesting about interviews?
I was surprised by how relaxed and easy going it was at Trine.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, webinars, etc) you used to get through prerequisites courses, the application or interview process?
The podcast for this account helped me a lot;)
Any advice for other pre-PA students?
Keep with it, retake classes if you need to, and your time will come if your heart is in it:)
Where can we find you? (Instagram, TikTok, Website, etc)
My instagram is @laurenlanczki
Need to Know:
Overall GPA: 3.87
Science GPA: 3.9
Total PCE hours: 1200 hours! I was an assistant at an ophthalmology office, a caregiver to a stroke patient, and a phlebotomist.
Shadowing hours: 9 and I shadowed an infectious disease PA!
Volunteer hours: 200 and i volunteered at a food pantry.
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 22
Gender: Female
FAQ
Lauren was accepted with a 3.87 overall GPA and a 3.9 science GPA. [VERIFY] Trine’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.
Lauren’s post did not record a GRE score or a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] Trine’s current standardized testing policy directly, as requirements change by cycle.
It varies enormously by program. Lauren was accepted with only 9 hours shadowing a single infectious disease PA. [VERIFY] each program’s specific shadowing requirement before assuming a low number is acceptable.
It is generally accepted as direct patient care. Lauren combined phlebotomy with ophthalmology assisting and caregiving for a stroke patient to reach 1200 PCE hours. [VERIFY] each program’s PCE definitions and minimums.
It is a very narrow list with little margin for error. It worked for Lauren, whose GPA cleared her programs’ requirements comfortably, but most applicants benefit from a broader range.
Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.
CLOSING
Three applications, two interviews, one acceptance, and a story that started in a hospital room when she was twelve. Lauren’s advice is short and holds up: keep with it, retake what you need to, and your time will come if your heart is in it.
***INSERT HTML SERVICE BLOCK CTA****
You May Also Like:
Accepted! Interviews: Real PA School Acceptance Stories
How Many Shadowing Hours Do You Need for PA School?
How to Choose Which PA Programs to Apply To
What Counts as Patient Care Experience for PA School?
The Pre-PA Newsletter
Real PA admissions updates, new free resources, this week's podcast, and the one thing to focus on this week of the cycle.
Your email address is safe with us .We never share your information with anyone