You finally got the email.
🎉 You’ve been invited to interview for PA school.
Cue the excitement…
…and then the panic.
Most applicants spend weeks preparing answers to interview questions.
But here’s what catches many pre-PAs off guard:
👉 The interview is often just one part of your interview day.
Depending on the program, you could be asked to complete a writing sample, participate in a group activity, solve an ethical scenario, take a medical terminology quiz, interact with current students, or even complete a patient simulation.
As former admissions committee members, we’ve seen applicants arrive incredibly prepared for the interview…
…and completely surprised by everything else.
Let’s walk through what you might encounter.
1. Welcome & Program Overview
Most interview days begin with introductions.
You’ll typically meet:
- Faculty
- Admissions staff
- Program leadership
- Current PA students
This is also when you’ll hear about:
- Curriculum
- Clinical rotations
- Mission and values
- Student support
- Graduation outcomes
💡 Pro Tip: The interview has already started.
People are watching how you interact with everyone—not just your interviewers.
2. Traditional Interview
This is what most applicants expect.
Usually:
- 1–3 interviewers
- 20–45 minutes
- Traditional type questions
- Personal statement questions
- Why PA?
- Why our school?
- Mission fit
- Questions about your experiences
3. MMI (Multiple Mini Interview)
Many schools now use MMIs.
Instead of one long interview…
You’ll rotate through several short stations.
Examples include:
- Ethical dilemmas
- Communication scenarios
- Role-playing
- Teamwork
- Healthcare policy
- Critical thinking
Remember:
They’re evaluating how you think, not whether you have the “right” answer.
4. Hybrid Interview
Many programs combine:
✔ Traditional interview
PLUS
✔ Several MMI stations
Don’t assume you’ll only experience one format.
5. Writing Sample or Essay
Some schools ask applicants to complete a short essay.
Common prompts include:
- Mission and values alignment.
- Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.
- Respond to an ethical scenario.
- Reflect on a healthcare issue.
They’re evaluating:
- Communication
- Writing skills
- Critical thinking
- Professionalism
- Authenticity
6. Medical Terminology or Knowledge Quiz
Not every program does this.
But some may include a brief assessment covering:
- Medical terminology
- Basic anatomy
- Reading comprehension
- Healthcare knowledge
Don’t panic.
These quizzes are usually intended to gauge readiness—not eliminate applicants.
7. Group Activities
This surprises many applicants.
Some schools include:
- Team-building games
- Problem-solving challenges
- Building exercises
- Ethical discussions
- Patient case discussions
Admissions committees are watching:
✔ Communication
✔ Leadership
✔ Respect
✔ Collaboration
✔ Listening skills
One applicant dominating the conversation or not participating at all rarely makes a positive impression.
8. Patient Simulation or Role Play
Some schools incorporate simulation exercises.
Examples:
- Delivering difficult news
- Gathering a patient history
- Working through a clinical scenario
- Demonstrating empathy
Don’t worry if you don’t know the diagnosis.
They’re evaluating your communication and critical thinking—not your medical knowledge.
9. Campus Tour
Whether led by faculty or current students…
Treat the tour as part of your interview.
Be engaged.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Avoid spending the tour on your phone.
10. Q&A With Current Students
This is your opportunity to ask questions that matter. And yes, the questions you ask are part of your interview too, so make sure you only ask quality questions that don’t unintentionally wave red flags.
Consider asking:
- What surprised you most about the program?
- What have been your favorite resources contributing to your success?
- How collaborative is the class?
- What do you wish you knew before starting?
Remember…
Current students often provide valuable feedback to admissions committees about applicants’ professionalism and engagement.
11. Lunch or Informal Social Time
Many applicants think this is “off the record.”
It absolutely isn’t.
Whether you’re chatting with faculty, staff, or students…
Remain professional. You are still being interviewed and judged.
People notice:
- Kindness
- Respect
- Curiosity
- How you treat everyone in the room
What Admissions Committees Are Really Evaluating
Spoiler alert…
It’s not just your answers.
They’re asking themselves:
✔ Would I trust this person with a patient?
✔ Would I want this person as my classmate?
✔ Does this applicant represent our profession well?
Professionalism, humility, emotional intelligence, and communication often matter just as much as your GPA.
PA schools want to ensure you’re the real deal.
Interview Day Checklist
✅ Professional attire
✅ Government-issued ID (if requested)
✅ Notebook and pen
✅ Water
✅ Copies of your resume (if requested)
✅ Questions for faculty and students
✅ Positive attitude
Final Thoughts
Interview day can feel intimidating.
But remember…
The admissions committee already believes you have the potential to succeed.
That’s why they invited you.
Now it’s your job to show them who you are beyond your application.
Walk in prepared.
Be authentic.
Treat every interaction as part of the interview.
And remember…
Confidence doesn’t come from hoping for the best.
It comes from practicing beforehand.
Ready to Practice Before the Real Thing?
Our PA School Mock Interviews are done by PAs with actual admissions committee experience and mirror the interview formats you’ll encounter—including traditional interviews and MMIs.
You’ll receive:
✔ Personalized feedback
✔ Realistic interview questions
✔ MMI practice
✔ Strategies to communicate with confidence
👉 Learn more about our Mock Interview and walk into interview day knowing exactly what to expect.