Congratulations! You’ve received a PA school interview- that’s a huge win! This is your chance to grab that seat and become a PA. Interviews are an excellent opportunity to showcase your passion for the profession and your potential as a future PA. Our rule is- if you get an interview….you NEED to grab that seat! Why? Because we don’t interview candidates we aren’t ready to accept! There’s simply not the time to interview PA applicants we aren’t SUPER serious about accepting right now. Which means, if you are invited for an interview, you should absolutely be landing a seat!
Let’s dive into some surefire strategies to help you shine during your PA interview!
- Research
Knowledge is power! Thoroughly research the PA program, its curriculum, faculty, and mission. Familiarize yourself with the school’s values and what sets it apart from others. This demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment to the program.
- Embrace the Mock Interview:
Enlist the help of a professional mock interview service. Especially make sure to find someone familiar with PA admissions. This experience will help you understand the interview process, improve your confidence, and refine your responses to ensure you’re highlighting your strengths effectively.
- Showcase Your Passion:
Let your enthusiasm shine through! You can be passionate and still be professional. The admissions committee wants to see your authentic passion for the field, and how you plan to impact the lives of your patients and community.
4. Embody Professionalism:
Dress the part and exude professionalism to EVERYONE during your ENTIRE interview! Dress in business attire, treat everyone with respect, and demonstrate your ability to handle stress and respond to challenging questions with composure and grace.
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions:
If given the chance, ask insightful questions about the program. This shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely interested in learning more. Make sure to research ahead of time and don’t ask things that are readily answered on their website- it will seem like you didn’t do your research!
Your PA school interview is a chance to let your personality, passion, and potential shine. By preparing correctly, you can confidently impress the admissions committee and GRAB THAT SEAT! Remember, being authentic, showing genuine enthusiasm, and being well-prepared will make a lasting impression and set you on the path to becoming a successful PA. Best of luck! If you want to make sure you are completely prepared for your PA school interview, schedule a Mock Interview with PAs who have loads of experience working in PA admissions (ie we actually interview at PA schools and know what you need to do to be prepared) so you crush your interview answers, wow the panel, and grab that seat!