Easiest PA Schools to Get Into in 2025 | Low GPA & GRE Options

Why This List Matters in 2025

Getting into PA school remains highly competitive—acceptance rates hover around 20%, and applicants are often held to high academic standards. But not every future PA has a perfect GPA or test score. Fortunately, several PA programs take a more holistic approach, considering life experience, patient care exposure, and personal motivation just as seriously as grades.

This guide highlights 10 of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2025 based on GPA requirements, application flexibility, and a commitment to diverse candidate backgrounds. You'll also discover how strategic experiences like global internships with Go Elective can boost your chances—even with a lower GPA.

What Is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

A physician assistant (or physician associate) is a licensed healthcare provider who works under the supervision of a physician but is trained to examine, diagnose, and treat patients independently. PAs complete rigorous training at the graduate level, often through a master’s degree program, and play essential roles in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, and specialties across the medical field.

General Requirements for PA School Admission

While each program varies slightly, most require:

A bachelor’s degree with science-heavy coursework
GRE or MCAT scores (some programs waive this)
200 to 2,000 hours of direct patient care
Letters of recommendation
A personal statement

Programs listed below have lower GPA cutoffs or flexible admissions processes, making them ideal for students building nontraditional or comeback narratives.

The 10 Easiest PA Schools to Get Into in 2025

A.T. Still University – Central Coast Campus

Minimum GPA: 2.5
Notable Features: Accepts applicants who’ve completed an ARC-PA-accredited PA program; offers 400 hours of direct care and coursework on medical ethics and healthcare systems.
Why It's Accessible: Low GPA threshold and career pathway flexibility.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Minimum GPA: 2.75
Requirements: GRE scores in the 50th percentile, personal statement, and clinical hours.
Standout: Prioritizes hands-on clinical experience and applicant resilience.

Barry University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Additional Factors: Strong clinical focus and Catholic values; GRE required.
Note: Encourages community-minded applicants and career changers.

Loma Linda University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Unique Advantage: Requires 2,000 hours of patient care; affiliated with hospitals in Southern California.
What Helps: Strong clinical background can outweigh modest academic scores.

Marquette University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Other Requirements: 200 hours of patient care, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
Good Fit For: Applicants with Jesuit-aligned values of service and equity.

Midwestern University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Holistic Focus: Emphasis on leadership, diversity, and community service.
Pro Tip: Highlight non-academic strengths in your application.

Missouri State University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Application Bonus: Streamlined rotations and close faculty mentorship.
Highlight: Encourages well-rounded candidates with life experience.

South University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Admissions Insight: Looks for team players and collaborative healthcare skills.
Tip: Strong letters from clinical supervisors can make a big difference.

George Washington University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Community-Focused: Requires 1,000 hours of patient care and a strong service background.
Edge: Ideal for students with strong volunteer records or global health exposure.

Thomas Jefferson University

Minimum GPA: 3.0
Balance of Theory and Practice: Requires 200 patient care hours and a compelling personal essay.
Advantage: Looks for applicants with lived healthcare experience and motivation.

How to Strengthen a Low GPA PA Application

Earn Competitive Patient Care Hours

Most competitive applicants log well over 500 hours. If you're below the GPA average, aim for at least 1,000 hours. Programs like Go Elective’s pre-PA internships allow students to gain direct patient interaction, shadow licensed clinicians, and observe complex cases—all in global health settings across Kenya and Tanzania.

Shadowing Abroad = Admissions Advantage

Admissions committees favor candidates who can demonstrate adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and exposure to underserved populations. Internships abroad offer precisely this kind of high-impact experience—and often generate stories that elevate personal statements and interviews.

Nail Your Personal Statement

Use your essay to explain any academic shortcomings and show how clinical experience, resilience, and a passion for patient care define your journey. Mention how internships (especially global ones) changed your view of medicine.

Common PA School FAQs

#1. Can I get into PA school with a GPA under 3.0?

Yes. Schools like Rosalind Franklin University and A.T. Still University accept applicants with GPAs as low as 2.5–2.75, provided other components (e.g., clinical hours, GRE, essays) are strong.

#2. Which classes should I prioritize for my pre-PA major?

Focus on Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology. These form the foundation for PA coursework and are required by almost all programs.

#3. Are GRE scores always required?

No. Some programs—such as St. John’s University and Springfield College—no longer require the GRE. Always check individual program requirements.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

Low GPA? That’s not the end of your PA dreams. Here’s how to move forward:

Focus on GPA-optional or holistic-review schools.
Get significant hands-on experience—ideally abroad through a program like Go Elective.
Strengthen your personal statement and test scores.
Apply early through CASPA with carefully selected programs.

Your path to becoming a physician assistant is still possible—with the right strategy and experience, you can stand out even with academic obstacles. Embrace your journey, invest in experiences that matter, and aim to serve patients with skill, empathy, and purpose.