Applying to PA school is stressful enough without the added pressure of standardized tests like the GRE. If you’re feeling discouraged by a low GRE score, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and your dreams of becoming a PA are still very much within reach. In this post, we’ll break down strategies to overcome this hurdle and strengthen your overall application.

Step 1: Evaluate Whether the GRE Is Truly Necessary

The first thing to know is that not all PA schools require the GRE. In fact, there’s many programs that don’t require the GRE as part of their prerequisites! Before you panic about your score, check the admissions requirements for your target schools. You may find that some of your top choices are GRE-optional or don’t require it at all.

If you need help finding these programs, tools like our PA School Directory inside Application to Acceptance Course can help you filter schools based on their GRE requirements, and make sure you’re strategically applying to the best PA schools for you and your stats.

Step 2: Highlight Your Strengths

PA schools use a holistic admissions process, meaning they look at your entire application—not just your GRE score. If your GRE score isn’t where you’d like it to be, focus on showcasing your strengths in these other areas:

1. GPA: A strong GPA, especially in science and prerequisite courses, can help offset a lower GRE score.
2. Patient Care Experience (PCE): Emphasize the quality and quantity of your hands-on experience with patients. Your ability to handle real-world healthcare situations carries more weight than your test scores.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Strong, personalized letters from supervisors, professors, or PAs you’ve shadowed can make a big impact.
4. Personal Statement: Use your personal statement to tell your unique story, demonstrate your passion for the PA profession, and explain how you’ll contribute to the field.

Step 3: Consider Retaking the GRE (But Only If Necessary)

If you’re set on programs that require the GRE, retaking it may be strongly worth considering, aiming for a verbal and quantitative combined score of 305 or higher and a analytical writing score of 4.0 or higher to be considered competitive for PA school. Here are a few tips to improve your score:

• Invest in a Prep Course: There are countless GRE prep resources, from books to online courses to tutoring services. A structured study plan can help you target your weak areas.
• Focus on Test-Taking Strategies: Sometimes, the problem isn’t the material but the approach. Learning strategies for time management, guessing on tough questions, and staying calm under pressure can boost your score.
• Set Realistic Goals: If you decide to retake the GRE, don’t aim for perfection—aim for improvement. Even a modest increase in your score can make a difference.

However, if your GRE score is close to the minimum requirement and retaking it will cause additional stress or financial strain, focus on strengthening other areas of your application instead.

Step 4: Address Your GRE Score in Your Application (If Necessary)

If your GRE score is significantly below a program’s average, consider addressing it directly in your application. This doesn’t mean making excuses, but you can briefly explain any extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergencies, or limited preparation time) in the “additional information” section of CASPA.

Pair this explanation with evidence of your academic potential, such as strong grades in science courses.

Step 5: Apply Strategically

To maximize your chances of acceptance, create a balanced list of PA programs to apply to. Include:

• GRE-Optional Programs or Programs that Don’t Require the GRE: These programs can eliminate the GRE as a stress point.
• Programs with Lower GRE Score Averages: Research programs where your score is closer to the accepted range.

Remember, applying to PA school is a numbers game. Casting a wide net increases your chances of finding a school that values what you bring to the table.

Final Thoughts: You Are More Than a Test Score

A low GRE score might feel like a setback, but it doesn’t define your potential as a future PA. Admissions committees are looking for compassionate, capable, and motivated individuals—and that’s something no test can measure. Focus on what makes you unique, put your best foot forward, and don’t let a single number stand in the way of your dreams.

Need help strengthening your PA school application?
Our team of PAs at Pre-PA Clinic offers personal statement editing, CASPA application editing and reviews, and one-on-one sessions to help you stand out so you can land interviews and get accepted to PA school! Check it all out here!