FAQ's

How many applications do you receive each year?

We receive approximately 450-500 applications, but not all of the applicants are invited for interviews.

What is the average GPA and average science and mathematics GPA of applicants who are accepted into the program?

The average total GPA is 3.5, and the average prerequisite GPA is 3.75. Invitation for interview is based largely upon GPA and GRE.

What is the average GRE of applicants accepted into the program?

The average GRE is 1155. We accept the General Examination and utilize the Verbal and Quantitative scores. The Analytical Writing portion must be completed, and the average this year was 4.3. The institutional code is 5180.

What is a good undergraduate major for applicants?

The ECU PA Program does not endorse any specific undergraduate major or program. Many students major in various biological sciences because most of our prerequisites are more easily obtained in those programs; nonetheless, admission is based upon our prerequisites and not the major.

When should I have my prerequisites completed?

All PA Program prerequisites must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the year prior to the fall of the anticipated year of enrollment. Example: All prerequisites must be completed by the end of fall 2008 for entry in the fall of 2009.

When do you start interviews?

CASPA starts accepting applications in May. We begin interviews starting in January when we have completed applications from CASPA. Our deadline for applications to be received by CASPA is October 1.

How long does it usually take to fill the class?

We expect to have the class filled after the final interviews in March.

Is there an advantage for admission to the program to have medical experience?

Medical experience is not required, and there is no advantage for admission to those who have medical experience.

I applied to your program, and I was interviewed; but I did not get accepted.
Why?

We have many exceptional applicants, but numerous qualified people are turned down for admission because we accept only 30 students each year. In the case of applicants who are interviewed and then not accepted, we find that most are well-qualified and would make excellent PAs. We simply have so many applicants that we must make choices based upon GPA, GRE and interview results.

How many of your graduates remain in North Carolina?

Approximately 91% of our graduates remain in North Carolina.

What are the PANCE scores for your graduates the first time they take the exam?

Whom do I contact for more admissions information?

Jan Aycock is the ECU Academic Counselor assigned to the School of Allied Health Sciences. She may be contacted at: aycockt@ecu.edu. The Department of Physician Assistant Studies e-mail address is: pastudies@ecu.edu.

The program has opportunities throughout the year for applicants to visit the campus and interact with program faculty. These sessions are called Closer Look, and the dates are listed in the brochure at www.ecu.edu/pa. To schedule, e-mail pastudies@ecu.edu.

Resources:

• 2009 Laptop Recommendation

Technical issues please contact Jean Merenda, 744-1106, merendaj@ecu.edu