UT Health San Antonio PA Program: Ariel's Acceptance Story
UT Health San Antonio PA Program: Ariel's Acceptance Story
By: Savanna Perry, PA-C
Ariel grew up with a PA father and an ultrasound technologist mother, and applied with a 3.93 overall GPA, 3,500 PCE hours, 2,000 HCE hours, 260 shadowing hours, and 1,000 volunteer hours. She sent nine applications, received seven interview invitations, attended two, and was accepted at both — choosing UT Health Science Center San Antonio. Both her interviews were MMI format.
Last Updated: August 2, 2026
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Why PA?
Growing up with a P.A. as a father, I was introduced to the professor at an early age. My mother was an ultrasound technologist too, so I grew up in the medical field. I always knew I wanted to be a medical provider, because it combines my love for medicine and science with my passion for education and helping people. I always looked up to my father and saw how much he truly enjoyed his job and the flexibility that it provided him, so after shadowing him (along with other medical professionals) my decision to follow in his steps and become a P.A. myself was solidified.
How many programs did you apply to?
9
In our experience at The PA Platform, growing up around the profession is an advantage that cuts both ways. Ariel's answer works because she doesn't stop at "my dad is a PA" — she shadowed him and other providers, and she articulates what specifically appealed to her about the role. Committees are wary of applicants who seem to have inherited a career choice rather than made one, so if you have a family connection, make sure your answer includes independent exploration. Her application is otherwise excellent across every category: a 3.93 GPA, 5,500 combined clinical hours, 260 shadowing hours, and 1,000 volunteer hours. Seven interview invitations from nine applications reflects that.
How many programs did you interview with and what were the outcomes?
7 interview invites, attended 2 of them, accepted at both of those 2.
Every Pre-PA Should Know...
Ariel found the pre-interview meet-and-greet dinner genuinely useful for settling her nerves and meeting faculty and students informally. If a program offers an optional evening event, go — it's low-pressure, and walking into interview day with familiar faces in the room helps.
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Where will you be attending?
UTHSCSA (UT Health Science Center San Antonio)
Anything you found surprising about interviews?
Both were MMI format. One of the schools had a "meet and greet" dinner the evening before, which I really enjoyed because it helped calm my nerves as well as allowed me to meet several of the staff members, current students/Alumni, and other applicants in a more relaxed environment before the actual interview day.
Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps) you used to get through prerequisite courses, the application or interview process?
Savanna Perry's interview prep course as well as her interview prep book from Amazon. Listening to the Pre-PA Club Podcast also helped a lot!
Any other advice for other pre-PA students?
Just be yourself! Try to practice techniques ahead of time that can help you calm your nerves and allow your true personality to shine through. Whether it be guided mediation, self help books or podcasts, herbal supplements, power poses or deep breathing exercises, and positive mantras/affirmations, all of these things helped me to train myself to keep my nerves under control enough to feel comfortable and confident on my interview days!
Where can we find you?
instagram – @PA_Leira
Need to Know:
Undergraduate education: Biology – UIW
Overall GPA: 3.93
Science GPA: 3.94
GRE: 300
Total PCE hours: 3,500
Total HCE hours: 2,000
Shadowing hours: 260
Other Volunteer hours: 1,000
LORs: PA, previous professor, and current supervisor
How many times did you apply?: 1
Age: 27
Gender: Female
FAQ
Ariel was accepted with a 3.93 overall GPA and a 3.94 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm UTHSCSA's current minimum GPA requirements.
Both of Ariel's interviews that cycle were MMI format, including UTHSCSA's. Formats vary and change between cycles. [VERIFY] Confirm UTHSCSA's current interview format.
Ariel submitted a GRE score of 300. [VERIFY] Confirm whether UTHSCSA currently requires the GRE, as many programs have dropped it.
Ariel applied with 3,500 PCE hours, 2,000 HCE hours, 260 shadowing hours, and 1,000 volunteer hours. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current PCE requirements.
Yes, if one is offered. Ariel describes the meet-and-greet dinner the evening before as calming and useful, giving her a chance to meet staff, current students, alumni, and other applicants before the formal interview day began.
Email [email protected] or use the contact form at The PA Platform to share your acceptance story.
CLOSING
Ariel had one of the strongest across-the-board applications in this batch — near-4.0 grades, 5,500 clinical hours, deep shadowing, and 1,000 volunteer hours — and it produced seven interview invitations from nine applications. Her advice is about nerve management, and the specific tip worth taking is going to the optional pre-interview dinner. Walking into an MMI having already met some of the faculty makes a measurable difference.
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