100+ PA Schools That Don't Require GRE: A Comprehensive List

Are you planning to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) but are hesitant to apply because of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)? Fortunately, you have plenty of PA schools to choose from that don't require the GRE.

In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive list of PA schools in Pennsylvania that don't require the GRE, along with explanations and detailed information about each institution and their admission process.

What Is the GRE?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that many graduate programs, including some PA schools, use to assess applicants. Think of it as one more way for admissions committees to measure your readiness for the rigors of advanced study.

The GRE can greatly impact your application. A strong GRE score can help offset a lower GPA, strengthen a competitive application, or even unlock scholarship opportunities at some programs.

The exam is multiple-choice (plus a writing section) and focuses on three core skill areas:

• Analytical Writing: Measures how well you can articulate complex ideas clearly and support your arguments logically.
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyze written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and interpret meaning.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates your skills in basic math, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

List of PA Schools That Don’t Require the GRE

If you're aiming to become a physician assistant (PA) but want to avoid the added hurdle of the GRE, you're in luck!

Many excellent PA programs across the U.S. no longer require GRE scores as part of their admissions process. Instead, these schools focus on factors like academic performance, healthcare experience, and personal qualities.

Below, you’ll find over a list of over a hundred PA schools that waive the GRE requirement, giving you more flexibility as you plan your applications.

Northeast

• Bay Path University (MA)
• Canisius College (NY)
• D’Youville College (NY)
• Daemen University (NY)
• Drexel University (PA)
• Duquesne University (PA)
• Franklin Pierce University (NH)
• Hofstra University (NY)
• King’s College (PA)
• Le Moyne College (NY)
• MCPHS Boston (MA)
• MCPHS Worcester (MA)
• Mercy College (NY)
• Misericordia University (PA)
• New York Institute of Technology (NY)
• Northeastern University (MA)
• Pace University (NY)
• Pennsylvania College of Technology (PA)
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PA)
• Quinnipiac University (CT)
• Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
• Rutgers University (NJ)
• Sacred Heart University (CT)
• Saint Elizabeth University (NJ)
• Saint Francis University (PA)
• Seton Hill University (PA)
• Slippery Rock University (PA)
• St. Bonaventure University (NY)
• Stony Brook University (NY)
• SUNY Downstate (NY)
• The CUNY School of Medicine (NY)
• Thomas Jefferson University (PA)
• Touro College – Bay Shore (NY)
• Touro College – Manhattan (NY)
• University of Bridgeport (CT)
• University of New England (ME)
• University of Saint Joseph (CT)
• Westfield State University (MA)
• Wagner College (NY)

Midwest

• Augsburg University (MN)
• Bethel University (MN)
• Central Michigan University (MI)
• Concordia University (WI)
• Concordia University Ann Arbor (MI)
• Franklin College (IN)
• Northwestern College (IA)
• Northwestern University (IL)
• University of Dayton (OH)
• University of Findlay (OH)
• University of Wisconsin – Madison (WI)
• Valparaiso University (IN)
• Western Michigan University (MI)

South

• Advent Health University (FL)
• Army Medical Center of Excellence (TX)
• Christian Brothers University (TN)
• Eastern Virginia Medical School (VA)
• Gannon University Ruskin (FL)
• Lipscomb University (TN)
• Miami-Dade College (FL)
• Northeastern State University (OK)
• Oklahoma City University (OK)
• Pfeiffer University (NC)
• Presbyterian College (SC)
• Samford University (AL)
• Shenandoah University (VA)
• Sullivan University (KY)
• Towson University (MD)
• Union College (KY)
• University of Florida (FL)
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore (MD)
• University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (OK)
• University of South Dakota (SD)
• University of Tampa (FL)
• University of Texas – Health Science Center at San Antonio (TX)
• University of the Cumberlands (KY)
• Xavier University of Louisiana (LA)

West

• A.T. Still University (AZ)
• California Baptist University (CA)
• California State University Monterey Bay (CA)
• Charles R. Drew University (CA)
• Colorado Mesa University (CO)
• Dominican University of California (CA)
• Loma Linda University (CA)
• Marshall B. Ketchum University (CA)
• Mayo Clinic (AZ)
• Oregon Health & Science University (OR)
• Pacific University (OR)
• Samuel Merritt University (CA)
• Southern California University of Health Sciences (CA)
• Touro University California (CA)
• University of California – Davis (CA)
• University of La Verne (CA)
• University of Nevada, Reno (NV)
• University of North Dakota (ND)
• University of the Pacific (CA)
• University of Utah (UT)
• Western University of Health Sciences (CA)
• Wichita State University (KS)

If you're wondering how late you can take the GRE for MBA applications, you can read "How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?" article by Mihir G.

• Also read: Top 50+ Free Resources for GMAT & GRE Practice

What Is a Good GRE Score for PA School?

While more PA programs are dropping GRE requirements, if you’re applying to a school that still requires it, you’ll want to aim high.

Generally, a competitive composite GRE score for PA programs falls between 300 and 310.This typically breaks down to:

• Verbal Reasoning: 150+
• Quantitative Reasoning: 150+
• Analytical Writing: 3.5+

Some programs don’t list a specific cutoff but expect applicants to score above the 50th percentile across sections. Scoring higher than half the other test-takers is a strong signal to admissions committees that you're academically ready for the rigor of PA school.

If your GRE score is below 300, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but you’ll need to compensate with a strong GPA, outstanding clinical hours, and a powerful personal statement.

What GPA Do You Need for PA School?

Most PA programs require a minimum cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 4.0.

This is pretty standard across accredited schools, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

However, the minimum GPA is just the starting line. In reality, admitted students often have significantly higher GPAs. Plus, many schools have separate GPA requirements for:

• Overall cumulative GPA
• Science-specific GPA
• Prerequisite GPA

If your GPA is on the lower side (closer to 3.0), focus on building exceptional clinical experience, securing strong recommendations, and nailing your interview to stay competitive.

Average GPA of Accepted Students

Recent statistics reveal that accepted PA students typically have:

• Overall Cumulative GPA: 3.6–3.9
• Science GPA: 3.5
• Non-Science GPA: 3.6

These numbers show that while a perfect GPA isn’t required, strong academic performance, especially in science-heavy coursework, really matters.

If your science GPA is a bit lower, consider taking a few post-bacc or upper-level science courses to strengthen your transcript before applying.

Average GPA of Non-Accepted Students

For students who don’t get into PA school, the average cumulative GPA tends to hover around 3.1–3.2.

But GPA alone doesn’t tell the full story. Many factors can contribute to a non-acceptance, including:

• Limited or weak clinical experience
• Low GRE scores (if required)
• Poorly written personal statement
• Weak letters of recommendation
• Unpreparedness during the interview

Read: How to Become a Physician Assistant

5 Tactical Tips to Get Into PA School Without Taking the GRE

You now know which PA programs don’t require the GRE. But simply skipping the test won’t guarantee admission. You’ll still need to build a strong, well-rounded application. Here are five actionable ways to boost your chances:

1. Focus on High-Impact Prerequisite and Upper-Level Science Courses

PA programs are extremely coursework-heavy, often demanding even more prerequisites than medical schools. Beyond meeting basic requirements like biology and chemistry, aim to stack your transcript with upper-level sciences such as immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, or genetics.

Where possible, choose classes that include lab components; PA admissions committees highly value hands-on experience. Also, maintain a minimum grade of B- or higher in all prerequisite classes; anything lower could make you automatically ineligible at many schools.

2. Craft a Personal Statement That Proves Fit

A great personal statement isn’t just about why you want to be a PA, but it's about why you're already prepared to thrive in the role.

Focus on:

• Skills and experiences that directly align with the PA profession (clinical experience, teamwork, communication, adaptability).
• Stories that show (not tell) your commitment to patient care.
• Specific reasons why you’re drawn to being a PA instead of another healthcare role (e.g., collaborative care, lateral mobility, strong patient relationships).

Expert Tip: Don’t just say you’re a "hard worker" or "compassionate", you have to prove it through real examples: a story from shadowing, a difficult clinical situation you handled, or a leadership role that challenged you.

3. Build Clinical Experience That Matches What PA Schools Value

Not all clinical hours are viewed equally. Prioritize direct patient care roles (DPC) like EMT, CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomist, or ER tech positions. PA schools prefer applicants who have been hands-on with patients, not just observing from the sidelines.

4. Strengthen Your Recommendations Through Early, Strategic Relationships

PA programs heavily weigh letters of recommendation, especially those written by:

• Practicing PAs
• Supervising physicians
• Professors (preferably in science)

Instead of scrambling last-minute, start building these relationships early during your clinical experience, research, or classes. Work toward meaningful mentorships so your letters are personalized and specific -- not generic or rushed.

Expert Tip: When asking for a letter, provide your recommender with a bullet-point list of your key experiences and achievements they might highlight. Make it easy for them to write you a powerful, customized letter.

5. Be Strategic About the PA Programs You Apply To

Not all PA programs are created equal. Some schools that waive the GRE are more holistic in admissions, placing greater emphasis on clinical hours, leadership, community service, or diversity of experience.

Want expert help choosing the right PA school for your goals? Connect with a coach who’s helped dozens of students get accepted.

Expert advice on why some PA schools choose not to include GRE in their admission process

According to Dr. Theresa Campo, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education at Seton Hill University, "Our program values different forms of evidence beyond just test scores. When our admission committee evaluates applications, they also consider academic history, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation. We want to provide opportunities for a diverse group of students to excel in our program and beyond."

Now that you know which PA schools in Pennsylvania don't require the GRE, you can make informed decisions on where to submit your applications. What matters most is that you're prepared and motivated to work hard to achieve your academic and professional goals. Good luck!

Become a Physician Assistant with the Help of an Expert

Whether or not you choose a physician assistant program that requires a GRE score, you’re about to take your first steps into a life-changing career. But you don’t have to navigate the complex application process alone.

When you work with a physician assistant admissions coach, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the process – from which programs are right for you to the career opportunities available to you upon completing your education and more.

Read next:

• Top 20 Physician Assistant Programs: With Acceptance Rates, Class Stats, & Deadlines
• Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty: Which PA Specialties Pay the Most?
• How Many PA Schools Should You Apply To?
• The Most Common Physician Assistant (PA) School Interview Questions – and How to Answer Them
• How to Become a Physician Assistant

FAQs

Do any PA schools not require GRE?

• Yes, many PA schools have dropped the GRE requirement to make the PA school application process more accessible for a wider range of candidates.

What is the easiest PA school to get into?

• While no PA school is truly “easy,” some physician assistant programs have slightly lower GPA and clinical hour requirements, making them more attainable for certain applicants.

Can I become a PA with a 2.5 GPA?

• It’s possible, but very challenging. Not all PA schools will consider a 2.5 GPA, so you may need to strengthen other parts of your application or pursue post-bacc coursework.

Is a 3.7 a good GPA for PA school?

• Yes! A 3.7 GPA is highly competitive for most physician assistant studies programs and will put you in a strong position compared to other pa school applicants.

Why is GRE not mandatory for admission in some PA schools?

• Other PA schools prioritize clinical experience, academic performance, and personal attributes over standardized test scores when evaluating candidates for their pa school programs.