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PA School Interview Guide

Ultimate Guide to Ace Your PA School Interview

Know your CASPA application inside and out

It’s easy to forget all of your achievements and experiences leading up to this moment when asked “tell me about yourself.” Reviewing your entire application from front to back prior to your interview will remind you of the applicant you are on paper and provide you with talking points on the day of the interview. 

Research the program

Browse the program’s website. Read the mission statement. Know their values and standards. Be familiar with their curriculum. Read the faculty and staff bios. Attend virtual sessions or visit the campus & take a tour to familiarize yourself with the program.These are likely the people you will be interacting with on interview day. 

Prepare program specific questions to ask

This is a two-way street. From your research, compile a list of questions that are specific to the program. These should be open ended questions that you cannot find the answers to online. Some of my favorites: What sets your program apart from others? What qualities make a student successful in your program?

Know what you’re getting yourself into

Use your resources to figure out what type of interview format the program utilizes. MMI, behavioral, group, panel, one-on-one, essay? Do some research regarding what to expect and how to prepare.

Be familiar with most commonly asked questions

Use Google. Ask friends who have interviewed. Don’t rehearse your answers but do ponder upon how you may answer some of the more difficult questions.

Prepare 3 “go-to” stories

Behavioral interview questions can be tricky to answer on the spot. These questions typically start with, “tell me about a time when…” Think of 3 stories that you can mold to almost any one of these types of questions. Think teamwork, leadership, compassion, dedication, going above and beyond, problem solving, conflict, and overcoming adversity.

Participate in a mock interview

You’ve already taken a step in the right direction. Treat this opportunity as if it were the real thing. Do your research, dress up, and have questions prepared. Sign up for myPAbox Mock Interview. Gain confidence and perfect your responses to the most commonly asked interview questions under the guidance of a former PA school admission committee member.

Scope out the location

There’s nothing worse than running late or getting lost when you’re already full of jitters. If it’s possible, drive to the location the night before. At the very least, enter the address into your GPS and review the route you will be taking.

Get adequate rest

We recommend at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your interview. You may have some trouble falling asleep, so keep this in mind as you plan your evening.

Eat breakfast

Interview days are mentally taxing. Your brain needs glucose to function optimally.

Dress appropriately

We recommend dressing in business professional attire unless otherwise specified. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Arrive early

We recommend arriving to the building at least 30 minutes prior to your interview. Sit in your car for a few minutes and collect your thoughts. Arrive to the interview location itself approximately 15 minutes prior to start time.

Be yourself

This is easier said than done with nerves involved. In the end, the goal is for the program to determine if you are the right fit for them and vice versa. Don’t force something that doesn’t feel natural. If you stay true to who you are, you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be.

Be confident

You’ve earned this interview. The hard part is over. All you have to do is make a solid first impression to secure your spot.

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