Western University of Health Sciences PA Program: Maiya's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Maiya applied twice. On her second cycle she sent out 14 applications, received 6 interview offers, accepted 5, and finished with a waitlist and two acceptances — choosing Western University of Health Sciences. She brought a 3.8 GPA and 7,380 PCE hours. Her interviews spanned nearly every format that exists: MMI, essays, math tests, one-on-ones, and group interviews.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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Why PA?

Being a PA will allow me to give back to others in a way that fulfills me most. It's a role that's challenging yet rewarding, team-centered but also autonomous. I can utilize my clinical and interpersonal skills while thinking critically. I also have an interest in healthcare lobbying and feel the future of the profession could benefit from my activism.

In this post:

How many programs did you apply to?

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, Maiya's list of interview formats is the most complete inventory we've published, and it's worth memorizing: MMI, written essays, math or dosage calculation tests, traditional one-on-ones, and group interviews. Applicants routinely prepare only for the conversational format and get blindsided. Written components in particular catch people off guard — you may be asked to produce a timed essay on an ethical scenario with no warning. Her clinical record is exceptional at 7,380 PCE hours, and note that one of her letters came from her EMT partner, which is an unconventional but effective choice: nobody has better evidence of how you perform under pressure than the person in the ambulance with you.

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

I received 6 interview offers and accepted 5. I ultimately received 1 waitlist and 2 acceptances

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Maiya practiced mock interviews with her cousin, a psychologist, specifically to work on coming across as personable and genuine rather than rehearsed. Practicing with someone trained to read people is a sharper form of feedback than practicing with someone who just reads you questions.

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Where will you be attending?

Western University of Health Sciences

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

Each interview was so different. Programs used MMI, essays, math tests, one-on-ones, group interviews, etc. It was so important to be ready for anything! Regardless, each program made me feel as relaxed and comfortable as they could, which was helpful.

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

The Physician Assistant School Interview Guide and The Ultimate Guide to Getting into PA School are my most recommended books. Having mock-interviews with my cousin (a psychologist) helped me be more personable and genuine during my interview. A mock interview with a PA from the PA Platform was also beneficial.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Don't give up! You fail at 100% of the things you don't follow-through on. Keep going, stay committed, and remember your purpose. Take your downfalls as a stepping stone for success.

Need to Know:

Undergraduate education: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Overall GPA: 3.8
Science GPA: 3.6
GRE: 301
Total PCE hours: 7,380
Total HCE hours: 284
Shadowing hours: 40
Other Volunteer hours: 45
LORs: Four: one from my EMT partner, a PA, a Physical Therapist, and my Physiology professor
How many times did you apply?: Twice
Age: 25
Gender: Female

FAQ

What GPA do you need for the Western University of Health Sciences PA program?

Maiya was accepted with a 3.8 overall GPA and a 3.6 science GPA on her second application cycle. [VERIFY] Confirm Western University's current minimum GPA requirements.

Does Western University of Health Sciences require the GRE for its PA program?

Maiya submitted a GRE score of 301. [VERIFY] Confirm whether the program currently requires the GRE, as many have dropped it.

What formats do PA school interviews use?

More than most applicants expect. Across five interviews Maiya encountered MMI stations, written essays, math tests, one-on-one interviews, and group interviews. Prepare for all of them, and ask each program what to expect when you receive your invitation.

How many patient care hours do you need for the Western University PA program?

Maiya applied with 7,380 PCE hours, well above typical minimums, plus 284 HCE hours and 40 shadowing hours. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current PCE requirements.

Can a coworker write your PA school letter of recommendation?

Sometimes, depending on the program's requirements. One of Maiya's four letters came from her EMT partner, who could speak directly to how she performed in high-pressure patient care. [VERIFY] Confirm each program's rules on who may write letters, as some specify supervisors or faculty only.

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

Maiya's second cycle produced 6 interview offers and 2 acceptances, built on 7,380 hours of patient care and preparation broad enough to handle five completely different interview formats. If you're planning your own interview prep, treat her list as the syllabus — MMI, essays, math, one-on-ones, and group sessions — because assuming you'll get a friendly conversation is how applicants get caught out.

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Western University of Health Sciences PA Program: Maiya's Acceptance Story