Applying to PA School is a bold step toward a career where you’ll make a difference every day—diagnosing, treating, and connecting with patients. You’ve likely poured hours into clinical work, essays, and maybe the GRE for PA School. But what if your GRE score for PA School didn’t hit the mark? Or maybe it’s decent, and you’re wondering how to rise above thousands of applicants competing for 30–50 seats per program.
Good news! The GRE test for PA School is just one piece of a complex puzzle. Many programs skip it entirely, and those requiring it weigh experience, passion, and fit just as heavily. Hopefully this will give you a better start in crafting an application that stands out—whether your GRE scores for PA School are average, outstanding, or absent. Let’s build a profile that screams “future PA.”
Why the GRE Isn’t the Whole Picture
The GRE PA School requirement once ruled admissions, but its grip is loosening. Why? PA programs need candidates who excel in clinics, not just test centers. A good GRE score for PA School can help, but 2,000 patient care hours, a heartfelt essay, or 100 hours shadowing a PA often tip the scales.
This shift mirrors holistic admissions trends. Schools like Stanford and Northeastern now offer test-optional paths, and others accept the PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test) instead. Whether you’re stressing the average GRE score for PA School or asking do you have to take the GRE for PA School, focus on what you control—hours, stories, and program fit. This guide unpacks how.
Decoding the GRE for PA School
What is the GRE for PA School? The Graduate Record Examination tests verbal reasoning (vocab, reading), quantitative reasoning (math, data), and analytical writing (essays). It’s a general benchmark, not PA-specific, which is why some schools downplay it.
What Counts as a Good GRE Score?
Here’s how GRE scores for PA School stack up:
- Average GRE score for PA School: ~300 (150 verbal, 150 quantitative, 4.0 writing).
- Good GRE score for PA School: 310–320 (155+ per section, 4.5 writing).
- Exceptional: 320+ (160+ per section, 5.0 writing).
Competitive programs like Duke may prefer 310+, but 295–305 is fine if your GPA (3.5+), hours (2,000+), and essays shine. Check physician assistant graduate program requirements on each school’s site—some post score ranges (e.g., “25th–75th percentile: 298–315”).
Is the GRE Always Required?
Do you have to take the GRE for PA School? Not necessarily. Programs like the University of Pittsburgh or Oregon Health & Science University skip the GRE exam for PA School or waive it for:
- GPAs above 3.5–3.7.
- Clinical hours exceeding 2,000–3,000.
- Prior graduate degrees (e.g., MPH, MS).
- Strong prereqs (A’s in sciences).
About 20% of PA programs are test-optional, per PAEA, and the number’s growing. Confirm requirements early—schools update policies yearly.
Handling a Lower GRE Score
A below-average GRE score for PA School (e.g., 290) isn’t fatal. Admissions review holistically. Example: A 288 with 3,000 EMT hours, a 3.8 GPA, and a killer essay trumps a 315 with 500 hours and a generic statement. Later, we’ll cover how to offset weaknesses with strengths.
Retaking the GRE: Worth It?
If your score’s below 295 and your GPA/hours are average, retaking can help. Aim for 300+. Prep 2–3 months with tools like Magoosh or ETS’s free practice tests. But don’t obsess—100 hours studying for a 5-point gain is less valuable than 100 hours in a clinic.
The PA-CAT: An Alternative Route
The PA-CAT (or pa cat, as some sites list) is a PA School exam designed for PA applicants. Unlike the GRE test for PA School, it targets sciences—anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry—mirroring PA coursework.
Why Choose the PA-CAT?
If you ace sciences (B+ or higher in prereqs), the PA-CAT showcases your readiness better than the GRE PA School test. It’s 240 questions, 4.5 hours, covering:
- Anatomy & Physiology (30%).
- Biology (20%).
- Chemistry (20%).
- Microbiology (15%).
- Others (genetics, stats, 15%).
Programs like West Liberty University accept either test, and 30 schools use the PA-CAT (2025 data). Prep with Exam Master or Blueprint; aim for 50th–75th percentile (130–140/200).
GRE vs. PA-CAT: Key Differences
- GRE: Broad skills (algebra, vocab, essays). Used for law, business, etc.
- PA-CAT: PA-focused (dissections, lab knowledge). Healthcare-specific.
Choose based on strengths. Weak in calculus? Skip the GRE exam for PA School. Struggle with biochemistry? Stick with the GRE for PA School. Some schools let you submit both—check policies.
PA-CAT Success Story: Priya’s Pivot
Priya dreamed of becoming a Physician Assistant, inspired by the compassionate care she witnessed while scribing in a bustling emergency room. With a 3.4 GPA and 1,200 scribe hours, she was a solid candidate, but her 292 GRE score fell below the 310 often sought by top PA programs.
Facing the $94,650 to $186,050 cost of PA school, she needed a way to stand out without straining her finances. When she learned her target program accepted the PA-CAT, a science-focused alternative to the GRE, Priya saw her chance. After six weeks of dedicated study, she scored 142 (80th percentile), earning a spot in a top-20 PA program. Her story shows how aligning your strengths with the right test can turn a challenge into a triumph.
Priya’s college years at a public university were defined by hard work, with B+ or better grades in science prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Her 1,200 scribe hours, spent charting patient histories and assisting PAs, gave her a front-row seat to the PA’s collaborative role. But her 292 GRE score, below the 300 average for PA school, left her anxious. “The GRE’s algebra and vocabulary felt disconnected from medicine,” she said. “I knew my science background was my strength.”
Researching options, she discovered programs like West Liberty University and Shenandoah University accepted the PA-CAT, a 240-question exam emphasizing anatomy, biology, chemistry, and microbiology.
With the PA-CAT deadline six weeks away, Priya dove into preparation. She spent $150 on Exam Master’s PA-CAT prep course, targeting anatomy (30% of the test) and microbiology (15%), where she excelled. She studied 20 hours weekly, using mornings for physiology flashcards and evenings for chemistry practice, all while maintaining her scribe shifts.
Shadowing a PA for 50 hours proved life-changing; observing a fracture reduction procedure clarified her anatomy knowledge and inspired her personal statement. In it, she wrote, “A PA’s skill in resetting a patient’s fracture showed me medicine’s power to heal—I want to wield that power.”
Priya’s effort paid off with a PA-CAT score of 142, placing her in the 80th percentile, far outshining her GRE. Her 3.4 GPA, 1,200 scribe hours, and a compelling letter from her PA mentor strengthened her application. To ease the financial burden, she applied for physician assistant grants, securing a $1,000 PA Foundation Scholarship for students with financial need. In interviews at eight programs, including Midwestern University, she highlighted her PA-CAT preparation and ER stories, linking them to her goal of serving underserved populations.
Now enrolled at Midwestern University, a top-20 program, Priya reflects on her choice. “The PA-CAT tested skills I’ll use as a PA,” she said. “My science grades and scribe experiences carried me.” Her journey proves that a strategic pivot—choosing the right test and showcasing your strengths—can overcome an average GRE score.
Takeaways for Your Application
If your GRE score is low, target programs accepting the PA-CAT, such as West Liberty University’s PA Program. Prepare for 6–8 weeks using resources like Exam Master PA-CAT. Weave your science strengths and clinical stories into your essay. Apply for PA school scholarships through PA Foundation Scholarships or explore full-tuition options at NHSC Scholarship Program. Refine your application with International Medical Aid’s PA School advising. Follow Priya’s lead and turn your strengths into success.
What Admissions Committees Value Most
The PA School test—GRE or PA-CAT—is a snapshot. Here’s what defines your application.
Direct Patient Care Experience
Clinical hours are king. Most programs require 500–2,000 hours of hands-on care; competitive applicants hit 1,500–4,000. Preferred roles:
- EMT/Paramedic: High responsibility, ~$20/hour.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Bedside care, ~$15/hour.
- Medical Assistant: Clinic skills, ~$18/hour.
- Scribe: Charting exposure, ~$14/hour.
- Phlebotomist: Technical skills, ~$16/hour).
Quality matters—EMT hours outweigh front-desk work. Log hours meticulously (dates, supervisors, tasks). Reflect on lessons—like handling a combative patient—for essays and interviews.
Turning Hours into Stories
During 1,800 CNA hours, Alex comforted a dementia patient who refused meds. By singing her favorite song, he built trust, administering the dose calmly. This story became his essay’s heart, showing empathy and problem-solving, far outweighing his 300 GRE score for PA School.
PA Shadowing
Shadowing PAs proves you understand their role—collaborative, not MD or NP. Aim for 50–100 hours across specialties:
- Primary Care: Bread-and-butter PA work.
- Surgery: Fast-paced, technical.
- Emergency Medicine: High-stakes decisions.
Quality over quantity: 60 hours with one PA who writes a detailed letter beats 200 scattered hours. Ask PAs about their day-to-day—scope, challenges, rewards—to shape your “why PA” answer. Shadowing meets many physician assistant graduate program requirements for exposure.
Finding Shadowing Opportunities
- Cold Email: Contact local clinics; explain your pre-PA goals.
- Network: Ask preceptors from clinical jobs for PA contacts.
- AAPA Events: Attend conferences ($50–$100 for students) to meet PAs.
- PAEA Directory: Lists programs with shadowing pipelines.
Letters of Recommendation
Secure 3–4 letters from PAs, professors, or supervisors who know you deeply. Ideal mix:
- PA: Vouches for your fit (40% of programs require one).
- Science Professor: Confirms academic chops.
- Supervisor: Highlights work ethic (clinical or volunteer).
Give writers 6–8 weeks and a “brag sheet”:
- Specifics: “I drew blood for 50 patients daily, earning praise for precision.”
- Goals: “I’m pursuing PA to serve rural communities.”
- Deadlines: List CASPA or school portals.
Weak letters (e.g., “they were nice”) hurt. A PA’s glowing review after 100 shadowing hours can offset an average PA School GRE.
Personal Statement
Your 5,000-character essay isn’t a resume—it’s a story. Answer “Why PA?” with:
- A Patient Moment: E.g., helping a scared child during an ER shift.
- Clarity: Why PA over NP/MD? (Hint: PAs’ flexibility, team role.)
- Goals: Link to future impact (e.g., primary care in underserved areas).
Avoid cliches (“I love helping”). Edit ruthlessly—use peers or International Medical Aid’s essay coaching. A strong essay can eclipse a 295 GRE score for PA School.
Essay Example: Carlos’s Hook
Carlos opened with a night as an EMT, stabilizing a crash victim while calming her son. He tied it to his goal: “PAs bridge medicine and compassion—I want to be that bridge.” His 302 GRE for PA School was fine; his essay got interview invites.
GPA and Prerequisites
Most programs require a 3.0 GPA; 3.4–3.7 is competitive. Sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) matter most—aim for B+ or higher. Programs also check:
- Prereqs: 8–12 courses (e.g., organic chem, stats, psych).
- Recency: Some want courses within 5–7 years.
- Trends: A 2.8 freshman year with 4.0 later shows growth.
Low GPA? Take post-bac classes (e.g., UNE Online, $300/credit). A’s in microbiology or genetics prep you for the PA-CAT and signal readiness.
Emily’s Turnaround: From 2.9 to PA School Acceptance
Emily’s college years were turbulent. A family illness during her sophomore year led to missed classes and a 2.9 GPA, far below the 3.4–3.7 needed for PA school. Feeling defeated, she considered giving up her dream of becoming a PA. But a mentor encouraged her to focus on what she could control: her future. Emily enrolled in six post-baccalaureate science courses through UNE Online, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and immunology, investing $1,800 over two years.
She studied relentlessly, earning A’s in all, boosting her cumulative GPA to 3.3 and her science GPA to 3.5.
Meanwhile, Emily worked as a medical assistant, logging 1,500 hours in a primary care clinic. One moment stood out: comforting a nervous patient during a biopsy, which became the heart of her personal statement. She also shadowed a PA for 80 hours, learning the collaborative role of PAs in rural settings.
Her 305 GRE score was solid but not stellar, so she leaned on her upward trend and story of resilience. In her essay, Emily wrote, “My challenges taught me empathy—the kind I’ll bring to every patient.” This narrative, backed by strong letters from her PA preceptor and a microbiology professor, secured acceptances at Lincoln Memorial and Shenandoah University. Emily’s journey shows that persistence and a holistic application can overcome early setbacks.
Takeaways
If your GPA is low, take 2–4 post-bac courses, focus on patient care hours, and craft a story that highlights growth.
Leadership and Service
PAs are team leaders and community builders. Show this through:
- Volunteering: Free clinics, health fairs (100–300 hours ideal).
- Leadership: Club president, shift supervisor, or mentor.
- Underserved Work: Tutoring low-income kids, rural health outreach.
Admissions love impact—quantify it: “Led 20 volunteers to vaccinate 500 patients.” Service aligns with PA values, boosting your edge
Service Impact: Aisha’s Edge
Aisha always knew she wanted to be a Physician Assistant, drawn to the role’s blend of medical expertise and patient connection. But with a 298 GRE score, below the 310 often preferred by competitive programs, and the daunting $94,650 to $186,050 cost of PA school, she worried her dream might slip away. Her undergraduate years at a state university were solid but not stellar, with a 3.4 GPA and 1,200 hours as a certified nursing assistant.
What set Aisha apart was her commitment to service, a passion rooted in her childhood in a low-income neighborhood where healthcare was scarce. Her 200 hours volunteering at a homeless shelter clinic and leadership in a $3,000 fundraiser not only shaped her as a future PA but also secured interviews at eight programs, proving that dedication can outshine an average test score.
Aisha’s volunteer journey began when she stumbled across a local homeless shelter’s health clinic during her junior year. Motivated by memories of her family’s struggles with medical access, she signed up to teach hygiene workshops, helping over 100 patients learn basics like wound care and handwashing to prevent infections.
One moment stood out: a man named James, wary of medical settings, refused to engage. Aisha sat with him, listening to his story of distrust from past hospital experiences. By sharing her own family’s challenges and explaining hygiene in simple terms, she earned his trust, helping him adopt habits that improved his health. This interaction became the cornerstone of her personal statement, where she wrote, “As a PA, I want to build bridges of trust, just as I did with James.”
Beyond teaching, Aisha saw the clinic’s supply shortages—bandages, soap, and gloves were often scarce. Determined to help, she organized a fundraiser, rallying 15 volunteers to host a community walkathon. She spent weeks securing donations, designing flyers, and pitching to local businesses, ultimately raising $3,000 to stock the clinic for six months.
Leading this effort honed her skills in communication and teamwork, qualities she highlighted in her interviews when asked, “How will you contribute as a PA?” Her supervisor at the clinic wrote a glowing letter of recommendation, noting her initiative and empathy, which carried more weight than her 298 GRE score.
Aisha’s service didn’t just strengthen her application; it opened doors to financial support. Her work with underserved populations qualified her for the PA Foundation’s William H. Marquardt Community Health Access Scholarship, a $2,500 award for students committed to community health.
She applied through the PA Foundation’s website, a resource she discovered while researching physician assistant grants. This scholarship, combined with federal loans, eased the financial burden of PA school, allowing her to focus on her studies. Aisha also tapped International Medical Aid’s essay coaching to refine her personal statement, ensuring her story resonated with admissions committees.
Her 298 GRE score for PA school, while average, was no barrier. Aisha’s 3.4 GPA, 1,200 CNA hours, and 60 hours shadowing a primary care PA built a strong foundation. But it was her service narrative—woven through her essay, letters, and interviews—that landed her interviews at eight programs, including Shenandoah University and Midwestern University, both known for valuing holistic applicants.
At Shenandoah, which emphasizes rural and underserved care, Aisha’s story aligned perfectly with their mission. She accepted an offer from Midwestern, where her scholarship and service background positioned her as a leader in their community outreach initiatives.
Aisha’s journey shows that PA schools seek candidates who live their values. Her service not only compensated for a modest GRE score but also prepared her for the challenges of PA school and beyond. For aspiring PAs, Aisha’s story offers a roadmap: seek meaningful volunteer opportunities, lead with impact, and use your experiences to tell a story that admissions can’t ignore.
Takeaways for Your Application
Start volunteering at a local clinic or shelter; even 100 hours can make a difference. Reflect on patient interactions to craft a compelling personal statement. Explore PA school scholarships like the PA Foundation’s awards at PA Foundation Scholarships or the National Health Service Corps for full tuition coverage at NHSC Scholarship Program. Use International Medical Aid’s coaching to polish your essays and interviews. Your service can be your edge, just like Aisha’s.
Five Strategies to Make Your PA School Application Unforgettable
If your GRE score is around the average of 300 or you’re targeting test-optional programs, your application needs to shine beyond test scores. Admissions committees prioritize your experiences, passion, and fit, valuing clinical hours, personal stories, and unique strengths. These five strategies will help you craft an application that stands out, whether you’re a medical assistant with 600 hours or a veteran with a unique perspective. With International Medical Aid’s support, you can build a profile that secures your spot as a future PA.
Amplify Your Clinical Experience
Clinical hours are the heart of your application, proving you can handle the demands of patient care. Most programs require 500 to 2,000 hours of hands-on experience, but competitive applicants average 2,200, according to the Physician Assistant Education Association. If you’re at 600 hours, aim for 1,500 to 2,000 by working as an emergency room technician, certified nursing assistant, or hospice aide.
Each shift builds skills and provides patient stories for your essays and interviews. For example, 500 additional hours could mean 50 meaningful interactions, like educating a patient or assisting in a procedure, showcasing your resilience and empathy.
Sofia, a pre-PA student, started with 800 hours as a phlebotomist but worried her 295 GRE score would hold her back. She took a part-time role as an ER technician, adding 1,200 hours over a year.
One night, she calmed a patient during a panic attack by sharing breathing techniques, a moment she highlighted in her personal statement about building trust. Her 2,000 total hours, combined with a 3.5 GPA, earned her interviews at a Virginia-based PA program that valued hands-on experience. To boost your hours, seek roles with direct patient contact, log every shift with details, and reflect on interactions that show your commitment to care.
Research for a Competitive Edge
Research isn’t required for PA school, but it’s a powerful way to stand out, especially for programs with academic focuses. Assisting a PA or professor on a project, such as analyzing patient data or co-authoring a paper, demonstrates initiative and critical thinking. Even 100 hours on a study, like diabetes management, adds depth to your application.
Presenting at a conference, such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants event for a $100 submission fee, can further elevate your profile and provide essay material.
Liam, a pre-PA student, spent 150 hours helping a PA research opioid alternatives. He analyzed patient recovery data, co-authored an abstract, and presented at a state healthcare conference, earning a resume highlight.
His 300 GRE score was solid but not exceptional, yet his research experience resonated with a Texas-based PA program’s mission to advance healthcare innovation, securing his acceptance. To get started, ask PAs at your clinical site or professors about research opportunities, focusing on projects tied to patient outcomes. Even small contributions can make your application memorable.
Bolster Your Academics with Additional Courses
A science GPA below 3.3 can raise concerns, particularly for programs requiring the PA-CAT, a science-focused exam covering anatomy, microbiology, and chemistry. Taking two to four extra courses, such as physiology or immunology, at a community college for $200 per credit or through online platforms, can improve your GPA and prepare you for PA school coursework. Many programs value recent academic performance, rewarding students who show growth and dedication.
Ravi, a pre-PA student, had a 3.1 science GPA due to early struggles in chemistry. Determined to improve, he enrolled in three online courses, anatomy, microbiology, and biochemistry, earning A’s and raising his science GPA to 3.4.
These courses also prepared him for the PA-CAT, where he scored in the 75th percentile. His 298 GRE score was average, but his strengthened academics and 1,500 EMT hours led to acceptance at a Tennessee-based PA program. If your GPA needs a boost, select courses that align with PA-CAT subjects or PA school prerequisites, and use them to demonstrate your academic potential.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Most PA programs require interviews, conducted in-person, virtually, or through the Multiple Mini Interview format, where you navigate ethical or teamwork scenarios. Strong interview performance can overshadow a modest GRE score, making preparation essential. Practice with mock sessions through advisors or International Medical Aid’s PA advising services.
Develop answers for common questions like “Why do you want to be a PA?” or “How do you handle an ethical dilemma?” and prepare five to seven patient stories, such as resolving a conflict or supporting a patient.
Maya, a pre-PA student, faced Multiple Mini Interviews at three schools. With a 297 GRE score, she knew her interviews were critical. She practiced 10 scenarios weekly with a mentor, mastering questions like “What do you do if a patient refuses care?”
In one interview, she shared a story of calming an agitated patient as a CNA by listening to their concerns, highlighting her empathy and problem-solving. Her confidence earned acceptances at a West Virginia-based PA program. To excel, rehearse stories that showcase your skills and align with PA values, ensuring you project poise and clarity under pressure.
Emphasize Your Unique Background
Your unique experiences can set your application apart, even with an average GRE score. Fluency in languages like Spanish or Arabic enhances your ability to serve diverse patients. Military service demonstrates discipline and teamwork. Advocacy, such as starting a health club, shows leadership and vision. Incorporate these strengths into your essays, tying them to your PA goals, for example, “My Arabic fluency will help me connect with refugee patients in underserved clinics.”
Javier, a former Army medic, had a 302 GRE score but leveraged his 2,000 hours of field medical experience and Spanish fluency. In his essay, he described treating a wounded soldier while translating for a local clinic, linking his background to his goal of serving rural communities as a PA.
He also applied for physician assistant grants, securing a $2,500 award from the PA Foundation for veterans, which helped offset PA school costs. His distinctive profile earned acceptance at a Minnesota-based PA program. Identify your unique traits—cultural ties, service, or leadership—and highlight how they prepare you for a PA career.
Takeaways for Your Application
Increase your clinical hours to 1,500 or more through roles with direct patient contact. Seek research opportunities with PAs or professors to add depth. Take extra science courses if your GPA is below 3.3 to boost academics and PA-CAT readiness. Prepare for interviews with International Medical Aid’s coaching and develop compelling patient stories. Highlight unique strengths in your essays to stand out. To manage costs, explore PA school scholarships through the PA Foundation or full-tuition options like the National Health Service Corps. Your application is your story—make it resonate with admissions committees.
Navigating PA School Exams
PA School exam means different things:
- GRE: General skills, 3–4 hours, ~$205.
- PA-CAT: Science-based, 4.5 hours, ~$200.
- Custom Tests: Some schools use essays or situational prompts (e.g., “Prioritize these patients”).
Each tests reasoning and prep, but none define you. A 305 GRE for PA School with 1,000 hours beats a 325 with 400. Balance is key.
Program-Specific Tests
Some schools add hurdles:
- Writing Prompts: “Why our program?” (500 words, on-site).
- Group Exercises: Solve cases with applicants to test teamwork.
- CASPer: Online ethics test (~$40), used by 10+ programs.
Prep for these like interviews—practice clarity and ethics
Choosing Programs Wisely
Physician assistant graduate program requirements differ. Evaluate schools on:
- Test Policies: PA-CAT, GRE-optional, or no tests?
- Mission: Urban, rural, global health?
- Cost/Aid: In-state ($50,000) vs. private ($100,000)? Scholarships?
- Outcomes: PANCE pass rates (95%+ ideal), job placement (90%+ within 6 months)?
Apply to 10–15 programs:
- Reach: Duke, Baylor (GPA 3.7+, 310+ GRE PA School).
- Target: SMC PA program, Shenandoah (3.4+, 300+).
- Safety: Midwestern, Lincoln Memorial (3.2+, 295+).
Use PAEA’s directory ($50 for full access) to compare.
Application Timeline
- 18 Months Out: Log hours, shadow, study GRE for PA School or PA-CAT.
- 12 Months Out: Draft essays, secure letters, apply for PA scholarships.
- 6–9 Months Out: Submit CASPA ($179 + $56/school), secondaries ($30–$100 each).
- 3–6 Months Out: Prep interviews, follow up on waitlists.
Frequently Asked Questions: GRE and PA School
What is the GRE for PA School used for?
The GRE for PA School assesses verbal, math, and writing to gauge academic readiness. It’s a filter, but hours, GPA, and essays often matter more.
What is a good GRE score for PA School?
A good GRE score for PA School is 310–320 (155+ per section, 4.5 writing). Above 320 is stellar; 300 works with strong experience.
Do all PA Schools require the GRE?
No. ~20% skip the GRE exam for PA School or waive for 3.5+ GPAs, 2,000+ hours. Test-optional programs grow yearly—check sites.
What’s the average GRE score for PA School?
The average GRE score for PA School is ~300 (150 verbal, 150 quantitative, 4.0 writing). Competitive applicants hit 305–315.
What’s the difference between the GRE and PA-CAT?
The GRE PA School test is general (math, vocab). The PA-CAT is science-heavy (anatomy, biology). ~30 programs accept either or both.
Can I get into PA School without taking the GRE?
Yes, if programs skip the PA School GRE. Focus on hours, essays, and GPA. PA-CAT or test-optional schools are great fits.
What if I fail the PA School test?
The PA School test (GRE, PA-CAT) is scored, not pass/fail. Low scores? Retake (2–3 tries max) or boost hours. Strong apps overcome 290s.
What is the PA-CAT?
The PA-CAT (or pa cat) is a 240-question science exam (physiology, chemistry) for PA applicants, an alternative to the GRE for PA School.
Your Path Forward - Be More Than a Number
A standout PA application isn’t about nailing the GRE score for PA School—it’s about showing who you are. Stack hours, shadow PAs, and tell a story that resonates. Whether you ace the GRE test for PA School, rock the PA-CAT, or skip tests, your dedication shines brighter.
Start today: log 50 more clinical hours, email a PA to shadow, or tap International Medical Aid’s coaching to refine essays and explore our Global Healthcare Internships for PAs.
The PA School exam is one step. Your journey to PA is the real story.
