Interview Preparation

SKstrudel in Methuen, Massachusetts said: Hey ANKITA in ARLINGTON,TX, I was wondering how your interview went at AT Still University. I'm interviewing there In January. Also, any one still waiting to hear from UNE. It's one of my top choices, but I have not heard anything from them except for the letter about when their interview dates are. I was wondering if anyone had the same problem. Thanks.

I'm in the same boat. I'm interviewing at AT Still in January and have not heard anything from UNE. It sounded like they have received more applications than normal so maybe it's taking them longer to process.

Has anyone been offered an interview from the University of Utah or Samuel Merritt yet?

I only applied to one PA school this year. I don't know how to answer if my interviewer asks if I applied to other schools? The answer is a complicated one...however, I don't want them to think that I'm not serious about becoming a PA. Any suggestions?

Wow, that is amazing...I was just thinking about this very question, as it applies to me. I am also reading a very important book, which does not address this topic...however, I believe I have formulated the best answer to demonstrate my seriousness toward this profession; how in the world would simply applying to one school discredit all my other efforts? My answer is the truth... I have limited time as a current professional, student, and parent, I carefully considered the various schools, their differences, the fit, etc... and have specifically chosen this university...it is a strategic decision, somewhat like calling in the sniper, for this very important mission, rather than the infantry; as resources are limited, and this is too vital to not have exactness. Well, that is my answer, primarily...and it is my truth...find what is your truth, and go with it. Any evaluators out there care to address this comment? Thanks

Deb :)

JJ in Moorhead, Minnesota said: I only applied to one PA school this year. I don't know how to answer if my interviewer asks if I applied to other schools? The answer is a complicated one...however, I don't want them to think that I'm not serious about becoming a PA. Any suggestions?

Have you ever read a book called "Getting into the Physician Assistant School of Your Choice"? Or maybe it is Program of your choice...
either way I have it and it has really helped me...the author says that a lot of time the schools already can tell what schools you applied to b/c of CASPA...
so whatever you say make sure you are honest.

Has anyone had an interview at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania? Any idea how the interview goes?

Is everyone having a good time interviewing?! Has anyone had a Survivor-type team interview yet? I have and they are not much fun. Good luck to everyone! ~Jay

Jay in York, Pennsylvania said: Is everyone having a good time interviewing?! Has anyone had a Survivor-type team interview yet? I have and they are not much fun. Good luck to everyone! ~Jay

What is a survivor type team interview? Should I be scared? lol

Has anyone applied to UAB? And for everyone who has had interviews...what have you found is the turn-around time for the decision?
Good luck everyone!!

Troy,
I applied to UAB, I have not heard anthing from them, except that they have begun to ask people for interviews. Due to having less clinical experience than other applicants, I am not a "first round" pick, but the admissions rep said that does not mean that they will not get to me. She also said that within a few weeks of your interview you will be notified if you are accepted in to their program or not.

Katie in Omaha, Nebraska said: Troy,
I applied to UAB, I have not heard anthing from them, except that they have begun to ask people for interviews. Due to having less clinical experience than other applicants, I am not a "first round" pick, but the admissions rep said that does not mean that they will not get to me. She also said that within a few weeks of your interview you will be notified if you are accepted in to their program or not.

Katie,
Thank you for your information! I hope you get an interview! Where else did you apply?

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: Katie,
Thank you for your information! I hope you get an interview! Where else did you apply?

Thanks! Have you heard anything from UAB?? It appears that they have an amazing program. I applied at Pacific University in Oregon, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and The University of Nebraska Medical Center. How about you?

Katie in Omaha, Nebraska said: Thanks! Have you heard anything from UAB?? It appears that they have an amazing program. I applied at Pacific University in Oregon, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and The University of Nebraska Medical Center. How about you?

I did my undergrad at UAB, their program is really nice...it is one of the few surgical pa programs...
I applied to Trevecca, Shenandoah, Duke, UAB and Barry University in FL.
I haven't heard anything from UAB, but one guy at my Shenandoah interview said he had an interview scheduled with them in Jan. so I am not sure what to think... I guess no news is good news haha.

Hello! I just wanted other peoples opinion/outlook on the application process. I applied to 10 schools, I already had one interview. But I havent heard anything else from any other schools. Is this normal, are majority of other people in this same boat, or is it just me? Im getting super antsy, trying to get a feel for the process. Good luck to everyone, best wishes!

MK in Tallahassee, Florida said: does anyone know the timeline for interviews/acceptance/decline in FL? I have applied to a few schools in FL and GA (oct 1 deadlines)and was wondering how long programs in this area were taking to respond to applicants.
Thanks!

I just got two interview invites from NOVA, i had my application in around the beginning of october. Im still waiting on Barry and South. Do you know the type of essay that you have to write for NOVA when you go for the interview?

Coley in Woodville, Florida said: Hello! I just wanted other peoples opinion/outlook on the application process. I applied to 10 schools, I already had one interview. But I havent heard anything else from any other schools. Is this normal, are majority of other people in this same boat, or is it just me? Im getting super antsy, trying to get a feel for the process. Good luck to everyone, best wishes!

Hey I know how you feel, I have on interview coming up and I have't heard from any of the other schools. I hesitate to call or email because I am sure they are all swamped with questions and I don't want to irritate anyone! But I am also sitting on pins and needles! Hang in there and check web sites for interview deadlines so if you don't hear soon I would say it is safe to email or call someone. Good luck to you!

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: This site is really helpful, I had an interview Friday at Shenandoah University in VA and a lot of the questions were on here.
Has anyone else here interviewed with Shenandoah or Trevecca in Nashville? I have an interview there next week.
Also, has anyone heard from Barry University in FL?
Just wondering. Have a great night.

barry emailed me to ask me for my GRE scores, but other than that nothing, im kinda getting impatient

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: This site is really helpful, I had an interview Friday at Shenandoah University in VA and a lot of the questions were on here.
Has anyone else here interviewed with Shenandoah or Trevecca in Nashville? I have an interview there next week.
Also, has anyone heard from Barry University in FL?
Just wondering. Have a great night.

barry emailed me to ask me for my GRE scores, but other than that nothing, im kinda getting impatient

Hi all. Has anyone interviewed at AT Still? I have an interview there next week and was wondering how the process was. What is the writting assignment like and/or the group project? Thanks for any information and good luck to all.

Hi all. Has anyone interviewed at AT Still? I have an interview there next week and was wondering how the process was. What is the writing assignment like and/or the group project? Thanks for any information and good luck to all.

Nadia in Tallahassee, Florida said: I just got two interview invites from NOVA, i had my application in around the beginning of october. Im still waiting on Barry and South. Do you know the type of essay that you have to write for NOVA when you go for the interview?

During my interview Nova in Orlando asked about your view towards traditional medicine, Im guessing it may change interview to interview though
Also I havent heard from Berry as well. I emailed them and they told me once they are evaluating it they will contact me

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get ready for interviews and there are things that I am unsure of.

1) I've heard it too many times, but I am not sure why ppl travel to Canada or Mexico for drug purchases, why is it cheaper over there?
2) How will Universal Health Plan affect PAs or MDs?
3) How is a PA more flexible than MDs? (Besides shorter school year, how are their life style different? Do PAs have to be on call too?)
...and finally, is there any important PA issues I should look into?

THANK YOU for all your help and good luck everyone!!

Nadia in Tallahassee, Florida said: I just got two interview invites from NOVA, i had my application in around the beginning of october. Im still waiting on Barry and South. Do you know the type of essay that you have to write for NOVA when you go for the interview?

Hey Nadia,
I just got an interview at Nova Naples, which schools did you get the interview at? What date is yours on? I haven't heard from Barry really either, they sent me an email asking my preference of Miami or St. Augustine and then they said they would get in touch in 4-5 weeks...
Good luck at your interview...do you know if we have to write an essay at the Nova one? Have fun in FL!! Troy

Coley in Woodville, Florida said: Hello! I just wanted other peoples opinion/outlook on the application process. I applied to 10 schools, I already had one interview. But I havent heard anything else from any other schools. Is this normal, are majority of other people in this same boat, or is it just me? Im getting super antsy, trying to get a feel for the process. Good luck to everyone, best wishes!

Hey, I am feeling the same way. I have 3 interviews, but I did 11 schools...so I have been wondering about it too. But as long as you don't have rejection letters they are probably just evaluating who should get the interview. I think after Christmas more schools will get in touch. Good Luck!

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: Hey, I am feeling the same way. I have 3 interviews, but I did 11 schools...so I have been wondering about it too. But as long as you don't have rejection letters they are probably just evaluating who should get the interview. I think after Christmas more schools will get in touch. Good Luck!

Thats what im thinking as well, atleast no response is better than rejection! It just makes me worried. But thanks for the feedback! Good luck as well!

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: Hey Nadia,
I just got an interview at Nova Naples, which schools did you get the interview at? What date is yours on? I haven't heard from Barry really either, they sent me an email asking my preference of Miami or St. Augustine and then they said they would get in touch in 4-5 weeks...
Good luck at your interview...do you know if we have to write an essay at the Nova one? Have fun in FL!! Troy

Right now i just have an interview at NOVA in orlando and naples. I have gotten 2 rejections, and im still waiting on 6 schools. I know you have to write an essay for orlando, but im not sure about naples, im thinking no, but im not 100%

I have my first interview coming up. However, I have never taken an ethics class in my life, and i'm pretty much clueless when it comes to the US health care system. From what I've read on this forum, it seems I need to know my stuff in these areas for the interview. Anyone have any tips on where I can go to brush up?

I am totally in the same boat and have NO CLUE! That's why I'm going to school.

Has anyone interviewed at the Arcadia University program? If so, what can I expect? And is there a writing exercise that they ask you to complete? Thanks!
-Julien

My interview was ok.. i hv really mixed feelings. I really dnt know.

Hi Julien

I got interviewed at Arcadia. I didnt get accepted, I got waitlisted. There isnt any essay just interview. It was pretty laidback..

Has anyone Interviewed at Philadelphia University. What kind of questions did they ask??

Hey has anyone interviewed at Midwestern in Arizona.. What do I expect???

Ankita in Arlington, Texas said: My interview was ok.. i hv really mixed feelings. I really dnt know.

Hi Ankita -

What were the people at AT Still like? I have heard from other people that the staff is really great and welcoming - did you not have this same experience? What was the group interview like and was the writing section like? What should I expect as far as questions? If you are accepted, would you want to go there - why or why not? I'd love to hear your opinion.

Judy in Staten Island, New York said: Hi everyone,

I am trying to get ready for interviews and there are things that I am unsure of.

1) I've heard it too many times, but I am not sure why ppl travel to Canada or Mexico for drug purchases, why is it cheaper over there?
2) How will Universal Health Plan affect PAs or MDs?
3) How is a PA more flexible than MDs? (Besides shorter school year, how are their life style different? Do PAs have to be on call too?)
...and finally, is there any important PA issues I should look into?

THANK YOU for all your help and good luck everyone!!

1) I'm not totally sure why drugs are cheaper outside of the US except that the drug companies a) aren't dealing with our managed care system, b)don't have the legal problems that we have here in the US and c)some countries are able to negotiate drug rates in order to grant access of the drugs into the system. Does anyone else have opinions about this?

2)Universal health care will put a lot more demand on PAs. For one, there will most likely be a decline in people entering the medical field since there will be a reduction or cap in physician fees/income. Good for us but bad for the system in general.

Hope this helps a little.

I just received an interview invitation from St. Johns. Their program is a certificate program, not a masters. Will this hurt my chances in the future of finding a job? If anyone has any information on this program or others like it, it would help out so much, im trying to decide weather or not to go for the interview

Ankita in Arlington, Texas said: Hi Julien

I got interviewed at Arcadia. I didnt get accepted, I got waitlisted. There isnt any essay just interview. It was pretty laidback..

Hey I was just wondering when your interview with Arcadia was, and how soon you heard back? Mine was on November 19th and I havent heard anything yet.

I totally agree with you though... the interviews were very comfortable and laid back. Just be mindful of your posture/ body language. There was a girl in my group who felt like one of her interviewers was watching how she sat.

Has anyone who interviewed at GWU (or any other school for that matter) heard back yet? The wait is driving me CRAZY when I should be studying for finals!

Ankita in Arlington, Texas said: Hi Julien

I got interviewed at Arcadia. I didnt get accepted, I got waitlisted. There isnt any essay just interview. It was pretty laidback..

Thank you for the information, I appreciate it!

Ankita in Arlington, Texas said: Hey has anyone interviewed at Midwestern in Arizona.. What do I expect???

I didn't interview at the midwestern in AZ but I did interview at the one in IL. It was a group interview for one hour. I was with five other applicants and there were two faculty members asking the questions....which were all hypothetical. It was uncomfortable but I talked to some other applicants that day who said their group interviews were really laid back. I'm thinking it probably depends on who you sit down with. We also had to write an essay. I hope this is helpful. Good Luck!

hi! I just found these forum and am very thankful for the tips ya have gave. I have a couple of questions, I have an interview at stony brook coming up and would like some advice about interviewing questions, the group interview,etc? anything helps! thanks!

Anh in Houston, Texas said: hi! I just found these forum and am very thankful for the tips ya have gave. I have a couple of questions, I have an interview at stony brook coming up and would like some advice about interviewing questions, the group interview,etc? anything helps! thanks!

I know that when you are in the group interview they really watch your interactions with the other "interviewees??"...One tip I would give on the group interview is the find the middle ground...don't talk too much, but don't be shy, I think this represents to the school how you would act with potential patients....

Ankita in Arlington, Texas said: Hi Julien

I got interviewed at Arcadia. I didnt get accepted, I got waitlisted. There isnt any essay just interview. It was pretty laidback..

Hi Ankita, I have a question for you. I got waitlisted at one school too. In your opinion do waitlisted ppl have any chance of getting in? I am not trying to be negative, just wondering where I really stand. Any help would be great, have a great night.

AMM in Salt Lake City, Utah said: 1) I'm not totally sure why drugs are cheaper outside of the US except that the drug companies a) aren't dealing with our managed care system, b)don't have the legal problems that we have here in the US and c)some countries are able to negotiate drug rates in order to grant access of the drugs into the system. Does anyone else have opinions about this?

2)Universal health care will put a lot more demand on PAs. For one, there will most likely be a decline in people entering the medical field since there will be a reduction or cap in physician fees/income. Good for us but bad for the system in general.

Hope this helps a little.

Thanks for your feedback! =)

Anh in Houston, Texas said: hi! I just found these forum and am very thankful for the tips ya have gave. I have a couple of questions, I have an interview at stony brook coming up and would like some advice about interviewing questions, the group interview,etc? anything helps! thanks!

Hey Anh,
Can I know when you sent in your applications to Stony? I applied in early November and I haven't heard from them.

Judy in Staten Island, New York said: Hey Anh,
Can I know when you sent in your applications to Stony? I applied in early November and I haven't heard from them.

Me too, but in October!

Has anyone on here interviewed for St. Francis in Pennsylvania? I have my interview next Monday and just wondering how the day was.

Judy in Staten Island, New York said: Hey Anh,
Can I know when you sent in your applications to Stony? I applied in early November and I haven't heard from them.

I applied in early October this is my first interview, I haven't really heard from any other school et

I was also wondering what a ya know about stony brook? I have done some research about it but would like anymore additional information.

Anh in Houston, Texas said: I was also wondering what a ya know about stony brook? I have done some research about it but would like anymore additional information.

it is one of the top PA programs in US, it is a SUNY school so tuition will be cheaper, the program is 24 months so the pace will be pretty fast...many people say SB's interview is one of the toughest interviews they;ve had...the interviewee gets interviewed twice, i heard one group of interviewer tends to be tough, and one group tends to be more friendly, supportive...i am sure you've learned about these on their website or somewhere else, but that's about all I know and I hope it helps, good luck!

Judy in Staten Island, New York said: it is one of the top PA programs in US, it is a SUNY school so tuition will be cheaper, the program is 24 months so the pace will be pretty fast...many people say SB's interview is one of the toughest interviews they;ve had...the interviewee gets interviewed twice, i heard one group of interviewer tends to be tough, and one group tends to be more friendly, supportive...i am sure you've learned about these on their website or somewhere else, but that's about all I know and I hope it helps, good luck!

thanks you so much! yeah saw in us news that stony book was ranked 10 or something, I'm preparing for the interview right now. its scary!

AMM in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I'm in the same boat. I'm interviewing at AT Still in January and have not heard anything from UNE. It sounded like they have received more applications than normal so maybe it's taking them longer to process.

Has anyone been offered an interview from the University of Utah or Samuel Merritt yet?

Hey - On Friday, 12/7 I was offered an interview at the U of U. Its not until the end of January however. Its over two days, several individual interviews and a couple group ones.. Sounds pretty intense.