Once you get invited to an interview for physician assistant school, you’re already in the best spot!!
Schools like what they saw on paper, now it’s your time to shine and showcase your personality or anything left off the application!!
Here are some tips that I felt like helped me the most
- don’t be too rehearsed. You never know what they’re going to ask you and to have an answer memorized can come across as robotic and not natural. They want to see you think on your feet!
- be prepared to answer random questions. I was asked what law I would change in America and I was not expecting that since it wasn’t medically related!
- if you have one on one mmi’s and you have additional time before you change interviewers, ask them more questions! Some questions I’ve asked were: what made you go into teaching PA (then related to how I love teaching), what their favorite specialty is, specific questions about classes (I asked about research and shared how I was interested in continuous learning), etc!
... Read morePreparing for a physician assistant (PA) school interview is crucial for aspiring candidates. The interview process is not just about your grades or experiences noted on your application; it’s also about how well you present yourself and engage with faculty members. An essential tip is to maintain a balance between being prepared and being spontaneous. An overly rehearsed response can come off as insincere, so it’s vital to show genuine reactions to questions.
Expect the unexpected! Interviewers may ask non-medical questions to gauge your personality and thinking process. For example, they might ask about a law you would change, allowing them to see your values and analytical thought patterns. Additionally, if you engage in multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), don't hesitate to ask your interviewers insightful follow-up questions. This not only demonstrates your interest but also creates a two-way dialogue that can leave a lasting impression.
Lastly, demonstrate your passion for continuous learning and professional development, as these are key attributes in the PA field. Make connections between your experiences and their teaching philosophy during interviews, as this can create a memorable and impactful conversation. Success in your PA school interview is within reach – embrace it with confidence!