Applying to PA School Without the GRE? What You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

If you’re researching physician assistant (PA) schools, you’ve probably come across a common question: Do I need to take the GRE to apply? The good news? Many PA programs no longer require the GRE. And some have dropped it entirely from their admissions process.

Whether you're trying to save time, money, or avoid standardized testing, this guide breaks down what to know before applying to GRE-optional or GRE-free PA schools. We’ll cover the pros and cons, what schools look for instead, and how to strengthen your application. Especially if you're planning to apply without test scores.

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Quick Overview: What Is the GRE and Why Do Some PA Schools Require It?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It was historically used by PA programs as a benchmark for academic ability.

But in recent years, many schools have begun dropping the GRE requirement due to concerns about:

Limited predictive value for success in PA school
Bias and accessibility issues for underrepresented or non-traditional applicants
An overall shift toward holistic admissions

Today, a growing number of programs evaluate candidates based on GPA, healthcare experience, personal statements, and interviews — without relying on standardized tests.

How Many PA Schools Don’t Require the GRE?

As of 2024, more than 120 accredited PA programs in the United States do not require the GRE. That’s nearly half of all programs listed by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).

These schools either:

Do not require the GRE at all
List the GRE as optional
Waive the GRE requirement for applicants with a certain GPA or prior graduate degree

You can search for GRE-optional programs through the PAEA Program Directory.

Pros and Cons of Skipping the GRE

Pros

Saves time and money (GRE costs $220+ plus prep materials)
Less stress for non-test takers or applicants with test anxiety
Lets you focus on patient care hours and GPA instead
More equitable for international, first-gen, and non-traditional students

Cons

Fewer school options if you’re set on a specific program that requires the GRE
No test scores to balance out a lower GPA
Some admissions committees may still view the GRE as a sign of academic readiness

Tip: If your GPA is below a 3.3 or your science grades are shaky, a solid GRE score could still boost your overall profile.

What PA Schools Look for Instead of GRE Scores

Skipping the GRE doesn’t mean you can apply unprepared. In fact, GRE-optional schools often focus even more on these components:

#1. GPA (Overall and Science)

Most competitive PA applicants have:

3.5+ overall GPA
3.4+ science GPA

If your GPA is on the lower side, use your personal statement and letters of recommendation to explain any trends or setbacks.

#2. Patient Care Experience (PCE)

This is often the most critical piece of your application. Competitive programs prefer:

1,500 to 3,000 hours of PCE
Direct, hands-on work (CNA, EMT, MA, scribe, etc.)

Programs also value diverse settings — including international experience. Global internships like those offered by Go Elective in Kenya and Tanzania allow pre-PA students to gain shadowing and clinical hours in real hospital environments.

#3. Strong Letters of Recommendation

Request letters from licensed healthcare providers who can speak to your professionalism, work ethic, and clinical aptitude. For international internships, For international internships, learn how to get a letter of recommendation from abroad.

#4. Personal Statement

Your PA school personal statement should explain:

Why you want to be a PA
What experiences led you here
How you're prepared for the rigors of PA training

Check out our full guide on What to Include in Your PA School Personal Statement (With Examples).

#5. Interview Performance

Programs may use MMI-style or traditional interviews to assess your communication skills, professionalism, and ethical decision-making. GRE-optional schools may weigh this even more heavily.

Sample GRE-Optional PA Schools to Consider

Here are a few accredited PA programs that do not require the GRE (as of 2025):

Drexel University PA Program (Philadelphia, PA)
University of Tampa (Tampa, FL)
Midwestern University (Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL)
Samuel Merritt University (Oakland, CA)
South University (Savannah, GA)
Yale School of Medicine Online PA Program (Online/Hybrid)
MCPHS University (Boston, MA)

Note: Always confirm the latest admissions criteria on each school’s official website, as requirements may change year to year.

Should You Still Take the GRE "Just in Case"?

It depends on your strategy. Consider taking the GRE if:

You want to keep all schools on the table
You have a low GPA and need another way to demonstrate academic ability
You’ve done well on standardized tests in the past and feel confident

But if you’re applying only to GRE-free programs — and your GPA, experience, and statement are strong — you can skip it without hurting your chances.

Strengthen Your Application Without the GRE

If you’re going the GRE-free route, admissions committees will expect strength in other areas. Here’s how to boost your profile:

#1. Gain Diverse Clinical Experience

Choose opportunities that expose you to different medical environments. Consider an international pre-PA internship with Go Elective, where you can:

Shadow licensed PAs, nurses, and doctors
Rotate through departments like emergency, pediatrics, and surgery
Log patient care hours in high-volume public hospitals
Build cultural competence and adaptability

Learn more about Physician Assistant Internships Abroad

#2. Craft a Strong, Focused Personal Statement

Start early and revise often. Be specific, reflective, and genuine. Demonstrate what sets you apart and what makes you a future PA.

#3. Secure Outstanding Letters of Recommendation

Ask mentors who truly know your work. If they’re from an overseas rotation, make sure they can submit a professional, clear, and timely letter — with Go Elective's help if needed.

Final Thoughts: You Can Get Into PA School Without the GRE — But Preparation Still Counts

Skipping the GRE doesn't mean your path to PA school will be easier. It simply shifts the focus to other parts of your application. Your experiences, grades, character, and clinical exposure.

If you’re building a strong, well-rounded application, especially with global healthcare experience under your belt, you can absolutely succeed without standardized test scores.

And if you're still looking to add meaningful experience that sets your application apart, check out Go Elective's pre-PA programs in Africa — designed to prepare you for PA school and beyond.

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