How to be less nervous for your PA school interview
Truly discover the program
Prior to your interview, you should learn as much as you can about the program through their website and MyPABox. But you will still end up learning new things about the program on the interview day! The interview day has so much more than the actual interviewing portion.
There will be lectures, tours, sometimes Q/As, student panels, games or social events. You will learn more about the program than you ever knew! Every single one of my interviews I went to knowing everything I possibly could about that program; despite this, I still walked away from each interview experience with a brand new perspective on that program. In addition to the tangible aspects, you learn about the program structure, you will also learn about the vibe of the school, faculty, and students.
Meet your future classmates
Honestly, your co-applicants are your future classmates and colleagues. If you made it to the interview, it’s usually already such a solid group of awesome people from diverse backgrounds. Get to know them! I am still in contact with a group of co-applicants from the same interview and we all ended up at different PA programs. We have Zoom dates comparing our PA school experiences and are still in contact to this day!
See a new place
Oftentimes you will end up traveling for interviews. You will get to see a new place and the school itself (campus, buildings, etc.). Try to see it like an adventure! See what else is around in case you end up living there. Find a cool restaurant or cafe, then if you end up at that program you’ll already have some places you know!
Two-way interview
This means that the actual interview is not just for the program to see if they want you, but also to see if you want that program. This is a common term that implies that you also get to know them and ask them questions. This is a good thing, and you should be taking mental note that you also have a say if you choose the program back. It’s a two-way street!
The vibe check
You will have the opportunity to see if you can truly picture yourself there! You might think you know what program you want, or which interview you are looking forward to the most. But I can tell you from personal experience, that mindset may alter and your thoughts may change around your preferences based on how you feel when you are there. Take note of whether or not you feel at home there.
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