Congrats on making it through your PA school interview. That’s a huge milestone, and you should definitely take a moment to celebrate. But don’t get too comfy just yet – there’s still work to be done! The post-interview period is crucial for reinforcing your application and showing PA programs that you’re the best fit for their school. Let’s dive into what you need to do after your PA school interview to keep your momentum going and make the best impression possible.

1. Send a Thank You Letter

First things first, send a thank you letter to your interviewers. This simple gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. It’s best to send this letter within 24-48 hours after your interview. Here’s a quick example of what to write:

Example Thank You Letter:

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to interview at [PA Program Name]. It was a pleasure discussing my passion for healthcare and learning more about your program. Our conversation further solidified my desire to join your esteemed PA program. I am particularly excited about [specific aspect of the program discussed during the interview]. Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the [PA Program Name] community.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

Personalize your letter with specific details from your interview to make it more meaningful.

2. Continue PA Shadowing and Patient Care Experience

Even after your interview, it’s important to keep building your resume. PA programs love to see ongoing commitment and growth, so continue gaining PA shadowing and patient care experience. This shows that you’re serious about your career and always looking to improve.

Aim for 3-4 hours of PA shadowing every month until accepted to demonstrate your commitment to learning about the profession. And aim for full time PCE hours that continue to build on your clinical foundation.

3. Update PA Schools with New Experiences

Many PA programs appreciate receiving updates about your continued progress, as long as they don’t explicitly state otherwise. The key here is quality over quantity – you don’t want to annoy the admissions committee with constant updates, but you do want to keep them informed about significant milestones.

When you have accrued new experiences and a significant number of hours, send a concise and relevant update. Here’s an example of how you might structure such an email:

Example Update Email:

Dear [Admissions Committee or Specific Contact Person],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to provide an update on my recent activities since my interview on [date].

Since then, I have accrued an additional [number] hours of patient care experience at [facility name], where I have been able to [briefly describe a significant responsibility, new skill, or learning experience]. Additionally, I recently completed a [specific training or certification], which has further enhanced my skills in [relevant area], and have added to my shadowing experience by shadowing a PA in [specialty].

I remain very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [PA Program Name] and contributing to its mission. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

Keep your updates concise and focused on significant achievements to demonstrate your continued dedication without overwhelming the admissions committee.

4. Stay Informed and Engaged

Stay connected with the PA community by attending webinars, social media, and keeping up with PA-related news and trends. This not only helps you stay motivated but also provides valuable insights that can be useful if you’re called in for a second interview or need to send another follow-up.

5. Prepare for the Next Steps

Finally, prepare for the next steps in your application process. If you’re waitlisted, stay positive and proactive. Send a letter of continued interest, reiterating your enthusiasm for the program and any new experiences or skills you’ve gained. If you’re accepted, fantastic! Start planning for the transition to PA school. If you’re not accepted, don’t get discouraged. Use the feedback to strengthen your application for the next cycle.

Final Thoughts

The period after your PA school interview is a critical time to reinforce your commitment and show the admissions committee that you’re continually growing and dedicated to becoming a PA. By sending thank you letters, continuing to gain experience, updating schools with significant achievements, staying informed, and preparing for the next steps, you’ll keep your application strong and stay ahead in the game.

Good luck and you’ve got this. And if you need more personalized help with your application, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Happy post-interviewing!