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September 10, 2024
7 min read
Contents
Physician Assistant Schools Acceptance RatesList of Top 50 PA Schools in the USAList of Top 25 PA Schools With High Acceptance RatesHow to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into PA School?FAQs
Reviewed by:
Jonathan Preminger
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/8/24
What are your chances of getting into your dream PA school? We’ll outline the acceptance rates, median GPA, and average GRE scores for programs across the US so you can determine exactly how you measure up.
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) involves a crucial first step: selecting the right program. Given the competitive and challenging nature of PA school admissions, it's essential to consider key statistics, like acceptance rates, in your decision-making process.
Familiarizing yourself with PA school acceptance rates is the key to making informed choices and strategically planning your application. In the upcoming sections, we’ll outline key stats for various PA programs and break down how to boost your chances of acceptance. Let’s get started!
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Physician Assistant Schools Acceptance Rates
In the United States, PA school admission rates are actually lower than medical school acceptance rates. While medical schools typically accept around 42% of applicants, the average acceptance rate for PA schools is only 31%. This discrepancy comes from several factors, including PA programs' high competitiveness and strict admission prerequisites.
Understanding the acceptance rates of PA programs across the country will help prospective students plan their application strategies and direct them toward institutions that best match their academic and professional goals.
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List of Top 50 PA Schools in the USA
The top PA schools comprise several institutions ranked based on their offerings and other stats. Here are the top 50 PA schools in the US.
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
Duke University Medical Center | 6% | N/A | Verbal Reasoning: 306 Analytical Writing: 4 Quantitative Reasoning: 306 |
Baylor College of Medicine | 3.27% | 3.70 | Verbal Reasoning: 161 Analytical Writing: 4.5 Quantitative Reasoning: 154 |
University of Iowa | 3.6% | 3.85 | Verbal Reasoning: 156 Analytical Writing: 4.5 Quantitative Reasoning: 157 |
Emory University | 2.7% | 3.60 | GRE not required. |
George Washington University | 41% | 3.75 | Verbal Reasoning: 158 Analytical Writing: 4.0 Quantitative Reasoning: 152 |
Oregon Health and Sciences University | 3.5% | 3.54 | GRE not required. |
Rutgers University School of Health Professions | 45% | 3.64 | GRE not required. |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
Northwestern University | N/A | 3.77 | GRE not required. |
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science | 2.2% | 3.49 | GRE not required. |
Stanford University | <2% | 3.60 | Verbal Reasoning: 158 Analytical Writing: 4.8 Quantitative Reasoning: 160 |
University of Alabama--Birmingham | 86.3% | 3.70 | N/A |
University of Colorado | 2.1% | 3.70 | GRE not required. |
University of Utah | 2.3% | >3.50 | N/A |
University of Florida | N/A | 3.60 | Verbal Reasoning: 155 Analytical Writing: 4.3 Quantitative Reasoning: 154 |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center--Dallas | 5.18% | 3.66 | Verbal Reasoning: 155 Analytical Writing: 4.0 Quantitative Reasoning: 149 |
Quinnipiac University | 72% | 3.50 | GRE not required. |
Touro University California | 6% | 3.58 | GRE not required. |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | N/A | 3.67 | GRE not required. |
Wake Forest University | N/A | 3.55 | Verbal Reasoning: 156 Analytical Writing: 4.5 Quantitative Reasoning: 153 |
Northeastern University | N/A | >3.50 | GRE not required. |
Sacred Heart University | 8.75% | 3.30 | GRE not required. |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
Seton Hall University | 39% | 3.20 | Verbal Reasoning: 153 Analytical Writing: N/A Quantitative Reasoning: N/A |
Shenandoah University | 9.3% | 3.59 | GRE not required. |
University of Kentucky | N/A | 3.66 | Verbal Percentile: 52 Analytical Percentile: 60 Quantitative Percentile: 31 |
University of Southern California | 7.45% | 3.60 | Verbal Reasoning: 154 Analytical Writing: 4.0 Quantitative Reasoning: 150 |
University of Washington | 8% | 3.49 | GRE not required. |
Butler University | 40% | 3.76 | Verbal Reasoning: 154 Analytical Writing: 4.28 Quantitative Reasoning: 153 |
Case Western Reserve University | 13..5% | 3.78 | N/A |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences | 6.6% | 3.70 | Verbal Reasoning: 159 Analytical Writing: 5.0 Quantitative Reasoning: 153 |
Drexel University | 79% | 3.64 | GRE not required. |
Eastern Virginia Medical School | 6.86% | 3.35 | GRE not required. |
Marquette University | 7.5% | 3.00 | GRE not required. |
Northern Arizona University | ~2.5% | 3.57 | GRE not required. |
Stony Brook University--SUNY | 2-3% | >3.50 | N/A |
Tufts University | N/A | 3.78 | GRE not required. |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota | N/A | 3.40 | GRE not required. |
University of Wisconsin--Madison | N/A | 3.89 | GRE not required. |
Yale University | 3% | 3.71 | Verbal Percentile: 81 Analytical Percentile: 83 Quantitative Percentile: 63 |
Arizona School of Health Sciences | 4.99% | 3.61 | GRE not required. |
Midwestern University | N/A | 3.0 | Verbal Reasoning: 158 Analytical Writing: 4.0 Quantitative Reasoning: 152 |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | 3.28% | 3.79 | Verbal Reasoning: 151 Analytical Writing: 4 Quantitative Reasoning: 150 |
University of California--Davis | <2% | N/A | N/A |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Average GRE Scores |
---|---|---|---|
University of Lynchburg | 3.6% | 3.64 | Verbal Reasoning: 153 Analytical Writing: 4 Quantitative Reasoning: 151 |
University of Texas Health Science Center--San Antonio | N/A | 3.76 | N/A |
Duquesne University | 69% | 3.00 | GRE not required. |
Saint Louis University | N/A | 3.20 | GRE not required. |
University of South Alabama | N/A | 3.65 | Verbal Reasoning: 152 Analytical Writing: N/A Quantitative Reasoning: 152 |
University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 1.9% | 3.50 | Combined Verbal and Quantitative: 305 |
Boston University School of Medicine | 1.23% | 3.48 | Verbal Percentile: 68.2 Analytical Percentile: 74.2 Quantitative Percentile: 54.8 |
List of Top 25 PA Schools With High Acceptance Rates
Interested in PA schools with high acceptance rates? We’ve put together this table of 25 programs that are easier to get into.
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Median GRE | Clinical Experience |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota | 40% | 3.4 | 310 | Required |
University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth | 45% | 3.5 | 315 | Required |
Harding University | 50% | 3.3 | 300 | Required |
University of Charleston | 48% | 3.6 | 320 | Required |
University of Lynchburg | 42% | 3.4 | 310 | Not Required |
Midwestern University (Glendale) | 55% | 3.5 | 315 | Required |
Drexel University | 38% | 3.7 | 325 | Required |
Touro University California | 47% | 3.6 | 320 | Required |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Median GRE | Clinical Experience |
---|---|---|---|---|
University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City | 50% | 3.3 | 300 | Required |
Northern Arizona University | 46% | 3.5 | 315 | Required |
Rutgers University | 35% | 3.8 | 330 | Required |
University of Alabama at Birmingham | 60% | 3.2 | 300 | Required |
University of Wisconsin – Madison | 44% | 3.6 | 320 | Required |
Hofstra University | 52% | 3.4 | 310 | Required |
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC | 49% | 3.5 | 315 | Required |
South University, West Palm Beach | 58% | 3.3 | 300 | Not Required |
PA Schools | Acceptance Rate | Median GPA | Median GRE | Clinical Experience |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville | 43% | 3.7 | 325 | Required |
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine | 56% | 3.4 | 310 | Required |
Seton Hall University | 36% | 3.8 | 330 | Required |
University of Mount Union | 53% | 3.5 | 315 | Not Required |
Butler University | 42% | 3.6 | 320 | Required |
University of Bridgeport | 45% | 3.7 | 325 | Not Required |
Franklin Pierce University | 39% | 3.5 | 315 | Required |
University of St. Francis | 50% | 3.4 | 310 | Not Required |
How Do You Increase Your Chances of Getting into PA School?
Increasing your chances of getting into PA school involves strategic planning, strengthening your qualifications, and presenting a compelling application. Here are some practical tips to enhance your prospects:
- Strive for Academic Excellence: Maintain a strong academic record, focusing on prerequisite courses required by PA programs. Aim for a GPA as close to 4.0 as possible to demonstrate your academic capability.
- Clinical Experience: Gain relevant healthcare experience through internships, volunteering, or working in clinical settings. This demonstrates your commitment to and understanding of the healthcare field.
- Strong Letters of Recommendation: Obtain compelling letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to your qualifications, work ethic, and suitability for a PA program.
- Participate in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities that display leadership, teamwork, and community involvement.
- Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Write a captivating personal statement highlighting your passion, unique experiences, and why you are a strong fit for the PA profession.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready for interviews by practicing common questions and highlighting your unique qualities and experiences. Show enthusiasm, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the profession.
- Do Your Research: Tailor your applications to programs that align with your goals, values, and strengths. Research each program thoroughly to demonstrate your genuine interest.
- Apply Early: Submit your applications as early as possible to increase your chances, as many programs follow rolling admissions.
Focusing on these tips and submitting a well-rounded application can boost your chances of securing a spot in a PA program.
FAQs: PA Schools Acceptance Rates in the USA – List and Main Stats
Do you still have questions about PA school acceptance rates? Take a look at these frequently asked questions to find answers.
1. What Is the Average Acceptance Rate for PA Schools in the US?
The average acceptance rate for PA schools in the US is 31%.
2. What Is a Good GPA Score for PA Schools?
A competitive GPA for PA school admissions is typically around 3.5 or higher. However, the acceptable GPA can vary among programs.
While some may require a minimum GPA, others consider the overall strength of the application, taking into account factors like healthcare experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
3. Is a GRE Score Important to Get Into PA Schools?
The importance of GRE scores for PA school admissions varies among programs. While some PA schools require GRE scores as part of the application, others do not consider it at all.
It's crucial to carefully review the admission requirements of each program they are interested in to determine whether the GRE is necessary.
4. How Hard Are PA Schools Compared to Med Schools?
PA schools are generally considered less academically demanding and have a shorter duration compared to medical schools. Medical schools typically have a more extensive and rigorous curriculum, a longer duration of education, and a more competitive admissions process.
5. What is the average acceptance rate for PA schools in California?
PA schools in California's acceptance rate is approximately 20%. However, rates might differ among individual programs within the state.
6. Is Healthcare Experience Necessary for PA School Admission?
Yes, healthcare experience is often considered a crucial component for PA school admission. Many PA programs seek applicants with practical experience in healthcare settings, as it demonstrates a commitment to the field and provides valuable insights into the profession.
Final Thoughts
Aspiring PA students should consider acceptance rates a vital aspect of their application strategy. Beyond maintaining a competitive GPA, obtaining strong GRE scores, and accumulating relevant healthcare experience, understanding the PA schools' acceptance rates is crucial.
Researching and selecting programs wisely, along with a well-crafted application, can significantly improve the chances of gaining admission to a PA school that aligns with both academic and professional aspirations.
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