Interview Preparation

aj in Binghamton, New York said: Thank you so much!! Yes, I have an interview on January 9th, eeeks! The only other question I really have is.. do they ask tricky questions or mostly just your straight forward 'why pa'/'why lemoyne' type questions.. or anything about politics or healthcare I guess would be my main concerns!? Also, do you like it there? Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

I'm not sure how they are doing it this year, but last year it was broken into three categories, the personal interview, group interview, and written essay. The personal part was your one on one typical questions like you mentioned. They might question you on grades and healthcare experience you have had. The group is you and 3-4 other applicants basically just conversing about different topics they raise (when did you realize you wanted to be a PA, etc...). Be eager, but not too eager if that makes sense lol. So I wouldn't anticipate any curveballs, but really know why you want to commit the next two years to pursuing this occupation. I like it up here. There is a lot of self-directed learning, but I hear that is the case in many programs. Nobody has the time to teach all of medicine no matter how hard they try. The program is not cut-throat like some others I've heard from. We all work hard together and the faculty for the most part are extremely supportive. Best of luck!! Keep me posted!

hi everyone

i just got an interview for PA program at stony brook. has anyone has been interviewed there?!

Cat in New Orleans, Louisiana said: I have applied to the program, but applied for general admission. I sent my application in at the end of October and they received everything shortly after. Have you heard anything??

Cat,
No,I have not heard anything yet. Keep me informed on your interview status and I will do the same. I will be praying for you as well.

Miesha in Shreveport, Louisiana said: Cat,
No,I have not heard anything yet. Keep me informed on your interview status and I will do the same. I will be praying for you as well.

Thanks! I'll do the same for you. Is this your first time applying? It's my first time, so I don't know what to expect. Have you heard anything about the program at OLOL? I have been looking through this forum and another message board and it seems like people who didn't get into LSUHSC, got into OLOL. Keep me updated and I'll do the same. Goodluck!

CAT in New Orleans, Louisiana said: Thanks! I'll do the same for you. Is this your first time applying? It's my first time, so I don't know what to expect. Have you heard anything about the program at OLOL? I have been looking through this forum and another message board and it seems like people who didn't get into LSUHSC, got into OLOL. Keep me updated and I'll do the same. Goodluck!

Yes, this is my first time applying. Hopefully, this will be the first and last time I have to apply. I have not heard much about the program at OLOL. I have done some research myself and it seems to be about the same as LSUHSC except for the tuition which is much more expensive. LSUHSC is supposed to be turning into a master's program in 2010. I got that information from Kim Carmen. I don't know how that would work out for the class starting in May 09. I have only talked with one other person in another forum who said that they had applied at LSU for general admissions. So, I guess we will have to play the waiting game.

Miesha in Shreveport, Louisiana said: Yes, this is my first time applying. Hopefully, this will be the first and last time I have to apply. I have not heard much about the program at OLOL. I have done some research myself and it seems to be about the same as LSUHSC except for the tuition which is much more expensive. LSUHSC is supposed to be turning into a master's program in 2010. I got that information from Kim Carmen. I don't know how that would work out for the class starting in May 09. I have only talked with one other person in another forum who said that they had applied at LSU for general admissions. So, I guess we will have to play the waiting game.

I think the tuition is $500/credit. I also heard that they are trying to start up a PA program at LSUHSC-NO. I emailed the Allied health school there and they said that it is in the works, but that was all the information that they had. I'm sure it will start as a master's program.

Hopefully we will hear something soon! I'll stay in touch!

Hi Elisa,
I can't thank you enough and feel a little better about the interview process now. I'll let you know how it turns out.

I interviewed at MassCPHS last Thursday. Did anyone hear yet? I've been told by a few others that have graduated there that you hear before the end of January if you're accepted/rejected, but who knows if they could have changed it. All this waiting is so intense haha

Thanks,
Lindsey

CAT in New Orleans, Louisiana said: I think the tuition is $500/credit. I also heard that they are trying to start up a PA program at LSUHSC-NO. I emailed the Allied health school there and they said that it is in the works, but that was all the information that they had. I'm sure it will start as a master's program.

Hopefully we will hear something soon! I'll stay in touch!

Cat, I received email today from LSUHSC, i have an interview on January 8. Let me know if you receive an email as well. Good Luck!!!!!

Miesha in Shreveport, Louisiana said: Cat, I received email today from LSUHSC, i have an interview on January 8. Let me know if you receive an email as well. Good Luck!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I bet you were so excited! I'll have to check my spam filters to make sure I will get an email if it is sent!! ;o) So far no news, but I'm glad to know they starting to set up interviews. When did you apply? Thanks for the info and I'll keep you updated. Goodluck!

faye in Sundance, Wyoming said: has anyone attended/know about arcadia university and/or what living in glenside, pa is like? if so, were you pleased with the arcadia's pa/mph program? thanks!

Hi. I am currently a student at Arcadia. Glenside is super tiny suburb of Philadelphia. Arcaida is actually only like a block away from Philadelphia city limits. I actually live right on the border. It is nice though. There is plenty to do when you have time. I like the program and think I get a lot out of it. It is kind of expensive to live in Glenside, so a lot of people live in the Mt. Airy area which tends to be a little cheaper. Let me know if you want anymore information. good luck to you.

Anyone get an interview with Stanford or UC Davis???

CAT in Metairie, Louisiana said: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I bet you were so excited! I'll have to check my spam filters to make sure I will get an email if it is sent!! ;o) So far no news, but I'm glad to know they starting to set up interviews. When did you apply? Thanks for the info and I'll keep you updated. Goodluck!

Yes, I was very excited. I actually applied in November, not too far from the deadline. Keep checking your email, I'm pretty sure you will get one. Keep me updated!

ASMA in United Kingdom said: Hi everyone! My name is Asma and Im hoping to study the physician asst postgrad course in the uk! I have an interview soon! Kinda covered most questions that might be asked just trying to find a good answer to the follwing question! WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ROLE OF AN PA AND DOCTOR? I have just a coupe of differences! Please do help it will be mostly appreciated! Oh and this forum is fab! keep the comments coming ppl!

Where in the UK are you applying to? Will you be able to practice in the states afterwards?

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone has been accepted to UMDNJ yet? I was accepted a few weeks ago and I am so happy! I just had an interview at PCOM and I also have an interview at Drexel on tuesday. I was just wondering if anyone had any insight as to which of these schools is the best. I know there is no valid ranking for PA schools, but I really like all of these schools, however if UMDNJ is the best then I wont even bother going for my interview at the other schools. Any insight from anyone would be helpful!
Thanks!

Hello to all,

Just want to know if anyone has been accepted to USC PA school. I got accepted and I am trying to reach out to my new classmates. Good luck to all and Happy holidays.

ANANDA

Chris in Huntingtown, Maryland said: Hi Maria:

I chose to accept an offer from DeSales University (also in Pennsylvania) for a myriad of reasons. DeSales was my first choice, St. Francis my second. St. Francis requires a $400 deposit due approximately 3 weeks after you offer letter date.

What school is your first choice?

-Chris

Hi Chris,
I applied to DeSales and mailed the supplemental application back probably 3 weeks ago (kind of late for early interviews). I was wondering if you could recall how soon after your supplemental they contacted you for interview. I was really hoping I would at least get an invite to interview.

Thanks & Congrats~
Audrea

sweetpea in Asbury Park, New Jersey said: Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone has been accepted to UMDNJ yet? I was accepted a few weeks ago and I am so happy! I just had an interview at PCOM and I also have an interview at Drexel on tuesday. I was just wondering if anyone had any insight as to which of these schools is the best. I know there is no valid ranking for PA schools, but I really like all of these schools, however if UMDNJ is the best then I wont even bother going for my interview at the other schools. Any insight from anyone would be helpful!
Thanks!

How was the interview at UMDNJ? How was the campus?

Congratulations Ananda. When did you apply? I have not heard back from them even though I submitted all my intial and secondary applications in October! How was the interview? what did they ask?

Thanks,
Natalia

Has anyone had an interview at PACE?

Natalia in Los Angeles, California said: Congratulations Ananda. When did you apply? I have not heard back from them even though I submitted all my intial and secondary applications in October! How was the interview? what did they ask?

Thanks,
Natalia

Thank you Natalia, I am very excited. I applied very early. I applied in July. My interview was the first group of interviews in October. The interview went well although I feel like I was a little nervous at first, but I guess everyone was. You probably will hear from them soon. Maybe after the holidays?

I was asked the usual questions that one would expect to get asked. Why USC, why PA, name a time when you demonstrated leadership skills, any questions for us?, how are you today, when did you first hear about PA profession, what attracted you to profession, etc. etc. What can you personally bring to the program? Explain your community service experiences.

All of the questions that were asked were questions that I felt very prepared to answer because none were off the wall. Oh wait, there was the question about what type of music do you like? But that stemmed off of the fact that I played the flute for 16 years.

Hope this helps and good luck to you. Happy holidays.

ANANDA

Hi Ananda, Thanks for that info! I feel a little better now.. I hope I hear from them soon. Did you have any prior paid healthcare experience? And also, what was your GRE score? Those are the two factors that I am most afraid of counting against me!

Natalia in Los Angeles, California said: Hi Ananda, Thanks for that info! I feel a little better now.. I hope I hear from them soon. Did you have any prior paid healthcare experience? And also, what was your GRE score? Those are the two factors that I am most afraid of counting against me!

Hey Natalia, what is your email I can email you an extensive email about my past health care experience, good programs to seek out, and what I know about the program and their expectations.

ANANDA

Hi Ananda, that would be great. It's eve011@yahoo.com.

Ananda in Los Angeles, California said: Hello to all,

Just want to know if anyone has been accepted to USC PA school. I got accepted and I am trying to reach out to my new classmates. Good luck to all and Happy holidays.

ANANDA

Hey Ananda! Congrats on your acceptance. I have an interview this week on Friday at USC, hopefully we're classmates!

Lindsay

p.s. how long did it take to hear back after your interview?

Hey Lindsay,

Thanks so much! I am really excited. Cograts on getting your interview there. I heard back about 3 weeks after the interview. However, I heard that the head of admissions had jury duty so that prolonged the acceptance emails gong out. So I think about 2 weeks would have been probably the normal time. Good luck and let me know how it goes!!!!!

ANANDA

Has anyone heard back (had interviews or been accepted) to Arizona School of Health Sciences?

I'm also wondering if anyone has interviewed at UC Davis yet? I received an invitation to interview (next month) and am curious how the experience will be. :) Congrats to all who have gotten accepted so far! I hope to join you as a PA student soon!

hey guys.. i was wondering if anyone has/ has had an interview at the University of South Alabama? I have one for mid Jan.. if anyone has any advice or wants to be nervous together (lol) let me know! thanks :)

Miesha in Shreveport, Louisiana said: Yes, I was very excited. I actually applied in November, not too far from the deadline. Keep checking your email, I'm pretty sure you will get one. Keep me updated!

Cat,

Was wondering if you heard anything yet?

avnie in Houston, Texas said: hey..I saw that you have a interview at lock haven..i was wondering what type of questions do u think they will ask us?

Hi, i have an interveiw at Lock Haven too. Did you already go?? what was it like??

cam in Morrisville, Pennsylvania said: Hey guys- I just received an invite to interview at Lock Haven's program on 10/22/08. Is anyone else interviewing that day? Has anyone heard anything good/bad about this program?

Thanks! good luck to all :)

Hey Cam i have an interview at Lock Haven too and i really wanna go there!! Did you go to your interview?? What was it like? Thanks!

Hello- I did not go to my interview at Lock Haven, sorry!

good luck!

canm in Morrisville, Pennsylvania said: Hello- I did not go to my interview at Lock Haven, sorry!

good luck!

Thanks for your response, did you get in somewhere else? Have you heard anything about Lock Haven? Thanks.

Shannon in Sacramento, California said: Anyone get an interview with Stanford or UC Davis???

I have been invited to interview at UC Davis in January. I'm researching the interview process like crazy. Do you know anything about their interviewers and the process? Who they are etc..I'd like to get in touch with someone who has went through the interview before.

Thanks
Stacy

Kim_H in Fresno, California said: I'm also wondering if anyone has interviewed at UC Davis yet? I received an invitation to interview (next month) and am curious how the experience will be. :) Congrats to all who have gotten accepted so far! I hope to join you as a PA student soon!

Hi Kim,

I'm in your boat! I rcvd an ivite for january. I was so relieved, I didn't think it would happen. I'm hoping to find someone who has been throught the interview as well, just to ease my nerves ha ha! Hopefully we will wind up as classmates!

Good Luck!
Stacy

Hi again, Yes I got into Arcadia (the Delaware campus) I am really excited.

I heard at Lock Haven they interview over 400 people for about 40 spots and you have to take an exam on interview day. I am not sure if it's true, just something I heard on this forum.

Stacy in Susanville, California said: I have been invited to interview at UC Davis in January. I'm researching the interview process like crazy. Do you know anything about their interviewers and the process? Who they are etc..I'd like to get in touch with someone who has went through the interview before.

Thanks
Stacy

try going to the website below. there you will find many answers to your questions on the specific schools sections.
www.physicianassistantforum.com/forums/

I have finally finished all of my PA pre-reqs and am planning on applying to PA schools this summer. I am currently working as a nursing assistant, and will be narrowing down which schools to apply to. I am wondering if anyone has any advice of what additional things I can do (now that I won't have classes to worry about) to strengthen my application when the time comes. I am thinking of trying to find a PA to shadow and working full time as a NA-R, but I also want to have the best app I can! Also, does anyone have any PA school recommendations? I will be applying out of state, and am open to almost anywhere, but am having difficulty narrowing down where I should apply to (besides the nearby states which have reputable PA schools that I have heard about). I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Thanks for the info Valley Lou!

Hi JJ,
You are on the right track. You are a nursing assistant so you def. do no the nasty and nice of what health care is all about. I believe you do have a bachelors degree so make sure the schools you applying to are masters prgm. Also, consider if you want a 2 year program or 3. Shadowing a PA for a week or so is not a bad idea just to know if its really for you. APPLY EARLY!!!!yOU HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING ACCPETED ESP TO YOUR FIRST CHOICE.

Hope this helps.
Good Luck!!!

Thanks for the advice! I have my BA in Biology. I applied last year (to only one school) and was rejected with the main suggestion being to get more patient contact experience (I wasn't a nursing assistant at that point). I want to make this application the last! I participated in a coop last year where I shadowed PAs for about 120 hours. At that time I had a PA that I shadowed write a letter of recommendation for me. However, I have lost touch with her through moving, etc and am wondering who everyone uses as references? I will have one letter from a health profession committee (professors) from my college but I've heard that it's almost a must to have a PA write a letter of recommendation also. Does everyone find this to be true? Thanks again.

jessi in Orlando, Florida said: hey guys.. i was wondering if anyone has/ has had an interview at the University of South Alabama? I have one for mid Jan.. if anyone has any advice or wants to be nervous together (lol) let me know! thanks :)

I'm a USA alum, should you have any questions about the program. Email is bondsdj(at)yahoo.com. I'd be happy to talk with you, and good luck!

CAT in Metairie, Louisiana said: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I bet you were so excited! I'll have to check my spam filters to make sure I will get an email if it is sent!! ;o) So far no news, but I'm glad to know they starting to set up interviews. When did you apply? Thanks for the info and I'll keep you updated. Goodluck!

Cat,
I was wondering if you heard anything from LSUHSC-S about the interview process? Keep me informed, I will let you know how mine goes.

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone on this web site has any information on the MEDX Northwest interview writting assignments? I have been accepted to the January interview and have been informed that there will be three different interviews and essay testing in between the interviews.. If some one could let me know if they have any info on this part of the process...

Thank you

Oooops! I meant MEDEX..

Hello-
I don't know if any current Pace students are reading this but just in case, I have a few questions:)..
I was accepted to Pace's PA program and considering living in an area outside of the city instead of living in Manhattan, such as White Plains... would anyone recommend or not recommend this? I don't mind the idea of a short train ride in and out of the city each day, but once clinical rotations start- is it frequent that I will work late nights and possibly have no way of getting back out of the city!??? I have no idea how late in the night or early in the morning clinical rotations tend to run, so any advice on this would be helpful. Thank you!!

Hey AJ,

I have an interview with Pace next week, any advice you can give me bc I'm freakin out!!!!! I'd really appreciate it!! You can email me at enezis@mail.usf.edu.

S in Syracuse, New York said: I am currently in my first year at Le Moyne. Are you scheduled for an interview? Dress to impress, but they really do a great job to calm your nerves. Nervous energy can be good, but they definitely help relax the applicants. I'll say it like everyone else does, but be yourself. Show how interested you are. Don't stress your grades or your clinical hours. Let them hear it in your voice and see it on your face how much you want to become a PA. Hope this helps! Any other questions...lay it on me! Good luck!

Hey! I have an interview at LeMoyne on January 8th. How did you dress to impress?

S in Syracuse, New York said: I'm not sure how they are doing it this year, but last year it was broken into three categories, the personal interview, group interview, and written essay. The personal part was your one on one typical questions like you mentioned. They might question you on grades and healthcare experience you have had. The group is you and 3-4 other applicants basically just conversing about different topics they raise (when did you realize you wanted to be a PA, etc...). Be eager, but not too eager if that makes sense lol. So I wouldn't anticipate any curveballs, but really know why you want to commit the next two years to pursuing this occupation. I like it up here. There is a lot of self-directed learning, but I hear that is the case in many programs. Nobody has the time to teach all of medicine no matter how hard they try. The program is not cut-throat like some others I've heard from. We all work hard together and the faculty for the most part are extremely supportive. Best of luck!! Keep me posted!

S. What is your favorite part of the program offered at LeMoyne? What are your likes and dislikes?