What reflects the academic ability of a PA school applicant?

The academic ability of a PA school applicant is best reflected by a combination of overall GPA and GRE scores because these elements provide a more comprehensive view of a candidate’s academic performance and potential. The overall GPA indicates a student’s consistency and performance across all coursework, while GRE scores assess specific skills, including critical thinking, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning, which are essential for success in graduate-level education. This well-rounded assessment allows admissions committees to evaluate both general academic achievement and standardized reasoning abilities, which helps predict how well a student might perform in the rigors of PA school.

In contrast, focusing only on the overall GPA or the post-baccalaureate science GPA alone could miss important aspects of a student's capabilities in other required areas, and high scores in social sciences might not adequately demonstrate proficiency in the sciences or clinical competencies that are vital for a PA’s responsibilities. Thus, the combination of these two measurement tools provides a more accurate reflection of an applicant's readiness for the PA program.