University of Mount Union PA Program: Bethany's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Bethany applied to PA school twice. On her second attempt she sent nine applications, was invited to four interviews, and accepted an offer from her number one choice — the University of Mount Union — after interviewing there first. She had zero patient care hours, a 143 quantitative GRE, and a retaken A&P II. She describes the six to eight months between cycles as the hardest she has ever worked.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

I was invited for 4 interviews but only interviewed at 1. It was my number 1 choice and the first one I received an interview invitation for. I will be attending the University of Mount Union starting in May!!

In this post:

Any red flags on your application?

No patient care experience, low GRE scores, re-took A&P II because I had received a C.

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Bethany's file shows how much a strong scribe record can carry. With 2,955 HCE hours scribing for a physician and zero patient care hours, she needed programs that either counted scribing toward experience requirements or didn't set a PCE minimum — and she found four that invited her to interview. Note also that she accepted her first offer and withdrew from three remaining interviews. That's a legitimate choice when a program is clearly your top pick, and it frees interview slots for other applicants. Her reapplicant framing is the most valuable part: two choices, and she picked the harder one.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

My interview experience was phenomenal. It was very laid back and I felt like I was able to connect with several people. Rather than it feeling like the other interviewees and I were competitors, it felt like we were trying to make friends. In addition, one of my interviews was with the director of the PA program. Most of our conversation was her answering my questions about the program and PA profession. I loved this part because it felt like I was given the chance to interview them a little about their program.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Bethany had a 143 quantitative GRE score — among the lowest we've published — and a 3.89 overall GPA. Programs read the whole file. [VERIFY] Confirm Mount Union's current GRE and PCE requirements.

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

Helpful books: Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs (2018) (affiliate link) and The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Physician Assistant School by Andrew J. Rodican (affiliate link).

For personal statement review and interview prep I used the PA Platform and it was the best decision I ever made. If I could recommend one thing to an applicant that would be it. It was so helpful working through my personal statement with a PA and receiving their feedback. After reading the same thing so many times it can be difficult to see where changes need to be made, but they know exactly what to look for.

For the mock interview, I was able to work with a PA who has been an instagram role model to me, s/o @thepa_life. She completely calmed my nerves and made me feel confident going into my first interview.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

If you are a re-applicant this is for you! I felt very discouraged when I knew I did not get into PA school the first time I applied. However, I knew that I had two choices: I could go a different route and pursue a different career, or do absolutely everything I could to make sure I was chosen the next time. I worked very hard through out college to make this dream my reality, but I never worked harder than I did the 6-8 months between applying the first time and applying the second time. If you’re going through the same thing, I encourage you to work hard to gain experience, improve your grades or GRE scores, make connections with people and job shadow, and continue to learn about the PA profession. Not only will this enhance your application, but it will also allow you to grow as a future PA. Believe in yourself. You can do this!

Where can we find you?

Instagram: @bethany_mart1n (Feel free to DM me with any questions!)

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: BS in Public Health at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Overall GPA: 3.89
Science GPA: 3.46
GRE: Verbal 149, Quantitative 143, Analytical Writing 3.0
Total HCE hours: 2,955 (Medical Scribe, Oncology Volunteer)
Total PCE hours: 0
Shadowing hours: 91 (Emergency Department, Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, ENT)
Other volunteer hours: 342 (volunteering with people with disabilities at a horse barn, pet therapy at a nursing home facility, Exceptional Adventures volunteer)
LORs: Physician I work as a medical scribe for, Volunteer Coordinator for Volunteer Program I participated in for 3 years, Anatomy and Physiology professor.
How many times did you apply? 2
Age: 24
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? 9

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the University of Mount Union PA program?

Bethany was accepted with a 3.89 overall GPA and a 3.46 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Mount Union's current published minimum GPA requirements directly with the program.

Can you get into PA school with no patient care experience?

At some programs, yes. Bethany had zero PCE hours but 2,955 HCE hours as a medical scribe and oncology volunteer, and received four interview invitations. Most programs do require patient care experience, so confirm each school's policy and how it classifies scribing.

Does the University of Mount Union PA program require the GRE?

Bethany submitted a 149 verbal, 143 quantitative, 3.0 analytical writing GRE. [VERIFY] Confirm the current testing policy and any minimum score before registering.

What should you do between PA school application cycles?

Everything you can. Bethany calls the six to eight months between her cycles the hardest she has ever worked — gaining experience, improving grades and GRE scores, making connections, and shadowing. She notes this doesn't just improve your application, it makes you a better future PA.

Should you get your personal statement professionally reviewed?

Bethany considers it the single best decision she made. After reading your own draft repeatedly it becomes hard to see what needs to change, and someone who knows what programs look for can identify problems you've stopped noticing.

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

Bethany was rejected, gave herself two options, and chose the one that required six months of hard work. Her second cycle produced four interview invitations and an acceptance at her first choice — which she took before even attending the other three.

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University of Mount Union PA Program: Bethany's Acceptance Story