Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- School: University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine in Columbia.
- Entry: January 2027.
- Cohort: 30 students.
- Deadline: all materials due August 1, 2026.
- Interview: required and in person on the School of Medicine campus.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S.-accredited bachelor's degree, all prerequisites completed before applying, a minimum 3.2 prerequisite GPA, a GRE score unless covered by the published advanced-degree exception, three recommendations, and at least 500 documented health-care exposure hours. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible under the current policy. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 2026: CASPA opened.
- June 1, 2026: first early-decision consideration cutoff.
- June 19, 2026: first early interview day.
- July 1, 2026: second early-decision consideration cutoff.
- July 17, 2026: second early interview day.
- August 1, 2026: all application materials due.
- August 17, 21, and 24, 2026: regular interview days.
- January 2027: matriculation.
How selection works
The admissions committee scores qualified applications using GRE verbal and quantitative scores, patient-care hours, recommendations, and the personal statement. Published preferences include South Carolina residency, USC alumni status, U.S. military service, GPAs of 3.2 or higher, GRE of 300 or higher, and at least 2,000 health-care exposure hours. Official preferences
Interview details
Confirmed
Interviews are required and conducted in person on the Floyd School of Medicine campus. The 2026 interview dates were June 19, July 17, August 17, August 21, and August 24. Interviewed candidates may receive a decision as early as two weeks later. Official interview dates
Not published
USC does not publish the interview exercises, number or duration of interviews, interviewer roles, questions, file access, scoring rubric, or quantitative post-interview weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking a small Columbia cohort, January entry, and a program with explicit preferences for South Carolina connections, service, military experience, strong academics, and substantial health-care exposure. Applicants should assess those preferences before investing in the application. Official admissions page
Practice and next step
Record a response explaining why the PA profession fits your clinical experience and service goals. Use one concrete patient-care example, demonstrate accurate role knowledge, and connect your motivation to South Carolina communities if that is authentic. Review the evidence, adjust one weakness, record a second attempt, and compare the two responses.
Frequently asked questions
When were USC's PA interviews?
The published 2026 dates were June 19, July 17, August 17, August 21, and August 24. Official admissions page
Are interviews in person?
Yes. They are required and held on the School of Medicine campus.
How much health-care exposure is required?
At least 500 hours are required; USC publishes a preference for 2,000 or more.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published