Western University PA Program: Alexandra's Acceptance Story

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Alexandra applied to exactly one PA program, Western University, and was accepted. She had a 3.90 overall GPA, roughly 2,000 HCE hours from a clinical microbiology lab, about 1,700 volunteer hours, and no patient care experience at the time she applied. She started hospice volunteering before her interview so she had something current to discuss, and leaned on mock interviews and deliberate conversations with strangers to prepare.

Last Updated: August 2, 2026

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

I only interviewed with Western and I got in!

In this post:

Any red flags on your application?

I had no PCE at the time and there were a couple misspelled words on my app. Get someone to proofread your personal statement and app before you send it!

In Our Experience

In our experience at The PA Platform, applying to a single program is a high-risk strategy that happened to work here because Alexandra's academic record was exceptional and Western was a genuine mission fit. If you are considering a one-school application, be honest about whether you are choosing it strategically or avoiding the cost and effort of a broader list. Her instinct to start hospice volunteering before her interview was smart — it gave her a live, current answer to the PCE question instead of an apology. And her point about proofreading is not trivial: typos in a personal statement signal carelessness in a profession where documentation accuracy matters.

Anything you found surprising about interviews?

I was surprised how short it was and how detailed the questions were, but I ended up liking it better that way. I was SO nervous leading up to it, but when I got there it was more like having a genuine conversation with the students and faculty rather than an “interview” feel.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Alexandra had zero patient care hours and no shadowing hours when she applied, and still earned an acceptance at her only school. Her nearly 1,700 volunteer hours and 3.90 GPA did the heavy lifting. [VERIFY] Confirm Western University of Health Sciences' current PCE and shadowing 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?

YES! For prerequisites I felt that teaming up with people to study was how I got through them best. I used Khan Academy for certain concepts that were harder to grasp and made fun mnemonics with my friends to help with memorizing some of the material.

For the interview I read How to “Ace” the Physician Assistant School Interview by Andrew Rodican which was very helpful in preparing me for a wide variety of questions (affiliate link). I was/am avidly on “The PA Platform” as well as getting some helpful tips from Jazmine Kwong, a PA student at WesternU who also has an incredible PA blog/instagram (@jazminek_pa). I did mock interviews with my professors and family and made it my goal to talk to ten strangers within my community about their life goals when the opportunity came (work/school/gym). This helped me quickly adapt to different personalities and connect with people I wasn’t very comfortable with. This is also important to practice for the profession itself.

Any other advice for other pre-PA students?

Ever since I was younger I dreamt of being a PA and as I got older I felt that there were a lot of people, even supervisors, who told me I shouldn’t pursue it because it’s too competitive. This really discouraged me, and I know there may be people (even yourself) that will try and do the same, but just know that if it’s your passion, find the people in your community that will help you reach your goals. I had incredible professors, supervisors, and friends who believed in me and pushed me to this point and it was just a matter of finding those individuals who have your back. So, find your people!

One thing I didn’t know is that there are non-licensed medical assistant jobs out there that are just difficult to find. I think I would have done this if I knew earlier because not only is it an incredible way to get experience, but you also get paid without having to go through the MA certification process.

Where can we find you? (website, instagram, etc)

My Instagram is @alexgionta and feel free to add me on facebook!

Need to Know:

Overall GPA: 3.90
Science GPA: 3.85
GRE: Did not take it
Total HCE hours: ~2,000- I work in a clinical microbiology lab and had some experience working in a clinical research center at a hospital.
Total PCE hours: I didn’t have any at the time of the application, but before the interview I had just started volunteering in hospice care, so I was able to bring that up in conversation.
Shadowing hours: None. Just work with PAs at my current job.
Other volunteer hours: ~1,700. I was involved in Relay for Life, Catholic Newman Club, Compton Initiative, Pomona Beautification Day, and was a Resident Advisor for three years.
LORs: 3. Two from professors I was close with and one from my supervisor from when I was a Resident Advisor.
How many times did you apply?: Once
Age: 22
Gender: Female
How many programs did you apply to? Only Western University. I didn’t quite meet the PCE for other programs just yet, and since Western was always my number one choice, I couldn’t wait to apply!

FAQ

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

Alexandra was accepted with a 3.90 overall GPA and a 3.85 science GPA. [VERIFY] Confirm Western University of Health Sciences' current published minimum GPA requirements, as stated minimums and accepted-student averages differ.

Does the Western University PA program require the GRE?

Alexandra did not take the GRE at all and was still accepted. [VERIFY] Confirm the program's current testing policy before assuming the GRE is optional for your cycle.

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

It is rare, but Alexandra did. She had no PCE at the time of application, roughly 2,000 HCE hours in a clinical microbiology lab, and a 3.90 GPA. She also began hospice volunteering before her interview so she could speak to current patient contact. Most programs have a hard PCE minimum, so check requirements carefully.

Is it a bad idea to apply to only one PA school?

It is risky. Alexandra applied only to Western because it was her top choice and she did not meet PCE minimums elsewhere, and it worked out. For most applicants, a broader list built around programs whose prerequisites and experience requirements you actually meet is the safer approach.

Do you need shadowing hours to get into PA school?

Not always. Alexandra reported no formal shadowing hours, noting only that she worked alongside PAs at her job. Some programs require documented shadowing and others do not, so verify each program's policy.

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

Alexandra's story is a good reminder that admissions committees weigh the whole file. She was missing the credential most applicants obsess over, and she made up for it with academic excellence, deep community involvement, and preparation that went well beyond reading a book. Find your people, as she puts it — and proofread your application.

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Western University PA Program: Alexandra's Acceptance Story