Wake Forest University PA Program: Marissa's Post-Bacc Comeback Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Marissa applied to 22 programs her first cycle and received no interviews at all. She retook classes, earned a 4.0 post-bacc against a 3.02 undergraduate science GPA, started a new job, and applied to 15 programs the second cycle — finishing with 3 interviews, 2 waitlists, one acceptance, and a second acceptance off a waitlist. She is headed to Wake Forest.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

Your Pre-PA Bestie Blog - everything you need to know to become a PA in one place.

Why PA?

Through working with 5 PAs every day and observing the different roles of a healthcare team, I found that PAs are devoted to developing relationships with their patients in addition to wholeheartedly observing and meeting their needs. This dedication sets them apart and instilled in me the ultimate goal to improve the health of those who are vulnerable and medically underserved. Additionally, lateral mobility within the profession is a huge asset to me, as I am interested in several specialties and would have a hard time narrowing it down to only one to work in forever!

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

First cycle-22; Second cycle-15

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, zero interviews from 22 applications is almost always an academic screening problem, not an application-writing problem. Marissa read the signal correctly. A 3.02 undergraduate science GPA was filtering her out before a human ever read her essay, and a 4.0 post-bacc is the one thing that reliably changes that. She also did the step most applicants skip: she asked programs for feedback and then actually acted on it.

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

First cycle, I received no interviews. Second cycle, I interviewed with 3 programs, was put on the waitlist at 2 programs, and accepted into one program and accepted off the waitlist at another program.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Marissa asked schools for feedback on her rejected application and found many view the request as a sign of dedication rather than an imposition. It costs an email.

****INSERT FREE LEAD MAGNET FORM OR HTML BLOCK AND DELETE TEXT BOX*****

Where will you be attending?

Wake Forest University

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

For the most part, interviewers truly want to know what makes you you! The paper version of you is what got the interview… show your personality and do not be afraid to talk! It is okay to tell endearing anecdotes and smile or laugh when appropriate. Just be yourself!

Were there any helpful resources (books, websites, apps, etc…)

My PA Resource for personal statement editing + the Pre-PA Facebook page! I was very overwhelmed writing my personal statement and felt as if i could not get all of my ideas across. My PA resource really helped me figure out how best to say what I was trying to portray in my essays by asking posing questions and giving very beneficial advice. Additionally, the pre-PA Facebook page is such a good resource for not feeling like you are alone in the pre-PA journey!

Any other advice for Pre-PA students?

Do not be afraid to ask for feedback on your application!!! A lot of schools see that as you showing dedication to getting into PA school and contributing to the profession. And if you seek advice, take it. The best thing I did was retake classes and start a new job, even though it was hectic at the time, it was worth it when I got my acceptance call!

Where can we find you?

@mmarissasimonee on instagram and twitter!

Need to Know:

Undergraduate Education: North Carolina State University
Overall GPA: 3.28 undergrad; 4.0 post-bacc
Science GPA: 3.02 undergrad; 4.0 post-bacc
GRE: 306
Total HCE Hours: ~3000; I previously worked as a direct support professional in a retirement home, a medical scribe in primary care, as well as a pharmacy tech in a free clinic.
Total PCE Hours: ~3,000; I currently work as a medical assistant in dermatology
Shadowing Hours: 16; I shadowed two NPs and one PA, both of which in primary care.
Other Volunteer Hours: ~1,000; I assisted in various volunteer projects in undergrad and currently serve as the advisory board chairman for a chapter of my sorority, as well as a medical scribe trainer for a local free clinic.
How many times did you apply? 2
Age: 26
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Wake Forest University PA program?

Marissa was accepted with a 3.28 undergraduate overall GPA and a 3.02 undergraduate science GPA, plus a 4.0 post-baccalaureate. [VERIFY] Wake Forest’s current published minimum GPA and most recent accepted class averages.

Does a post-bacc help you get into PA school?

It can, particularly when a low science GPA is what is screening you out. Marissa went from no interviews across 22 applications to 3 interviews and two acceptances after earning a 4.0 post-bacc. [VERIFY] how each program weighs post-bacc coursework against your original undergraduate GPA.

Does Wake Forest require the GRE for PA school?

Marissa submitted a 306. Her post did not record a PA-CAT result. [VERIFY] Wake Forest’s current standardized testing policy directly.

Should you ask PA schools why you were rejected?

Marissa recommends it and says many schools view the request as evidence of commitment. Ask specifically what would strengthen a future application, then act on what you hear.

Can you get into PA school after getting no interviews?

Yes. Marissa received zero interviews from 22 applications on her first cycle. After retaking classes and changing jobs, her second cycle produced two acceptances.

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

Twenty-two applications and not one interview would end most people’s pursuit of this profession. Marissa treated it as information, fixed the thing that was actually broken, and got two acceptances the next year. If you are sitting with a cycle that went badly, her path is the template.

***INSERT HTML SERVICE BLOCK CTA****

Wake Forest University PA Program: Marissa's Post-Bacc Comeback Acceptance Story