Interview Preparation

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!

There is no "group" interview, rather a group tour. There will be two intvw sessions where you are interviewed by two of the board members...interview questions will touch on your experiences and how they have effected you, what you have taken away from them, etc... How you would handle or view certain situations regarding cheating, malpractice...etc. Post your email and we can talk about whatever you want. I should get back to you fairly soon.

BTW anyone definitely going to Stony???? Love to meet you!

nicky in Stony Brook, New York said: BTW anyone definitely going to Stony???? Love to meet you!

hey nickY! did you already get into stony brook?

nicky in Stony Brook, New York said: There is no "group" interview, rather a group tour. There will be two intvw sessions where you are interviewed by two of the board members...interview questions will touch on your experiences and how they have effected you, what you have taken away from them, etc... How you would handle or view certain situations regarding cheating, malpractice...etc. Post your email and we can talk about whatever you want. I should get back to you fairly soon.

hey! my email address is Anh_TSL@yahoo.com. what is your email? or you can just email me and I will get it from there. Thanks again for your help! I am really new to this whole process.

Cole in Salt Lake City, Utah said: 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.

Hi Cole -

Good luck in your interview at the U. I was denied there but at least I have an interview at AT Still. Hopefully, I'll get another interview or two. From what I know about the U, know your political stuff - they are known to ask about current events and trends that effect PAs.

Yes I did ;) I was the first round (early decision)I also live nearby so if you need directions/info for your stay let me know...what date is your interview?

jo in Cerritos, California said: i was asked this ques during a mock interview, with a head PA at USC and i bascially i said what you said. the head PA told me it would be wise not to accuse someone of something when you think is alcohol, it could be cough syrup(ha), but i had to modify my answer to that, while i couldnt say he was drinking it would inquire about how he was, to take the afternoon off...blah blah..

I have an interview with USC in a month. What kind of questions do they focus on? Can you provide some examples? How should I prepare myself for the interview?

Has anyone interviewed with Augsburg in Minneapolis, MN? Just wondering what to expect. Thanks!

AMM in Salt Lake City, Utah said: Hi Cole -

Good luck in your interview at the U. I was denied there but at least I have an interview at AT Still. Hopefully, I'll get another interview or two. From what I know about the U, know your political stuff - they are known to ask about current events and trends that effect PAs.

Hey thanks for the advice! Good luck at AT Still, at least you'll get to see some Arizona sunshine... They apparently do a writing sample, a small panel interview, and some group activities.

PABLO in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I interviewed at Drexel and have an interview at PCOM Jan 4.
Is that the one you will be at?? Let me know.

Pablo, you have provided a great deal of insight regarding the interview process. I have my first interview mid-January. Were there any questions that caught you off-guard? Did you have any group interviews? Also- you have an impressive medical background, did anything come up in group or individual interviews about how important medical experience is or isn't?

Does anyone have any insight regarding medical experience and its significance toward being accepted!?

Thanks!

Troy in Durham, North Carolina said: I didn't apply to Wake Forest, but I did apply to Duke. I haven't heard anything back yet either. I do know a current PA student at Duke and she didn't get her interview until March last year...I think she was the last one...
Hope this helps! Are you interviewing anywhere other than Wake Forest? Good Luck!

Hey Troy!

I got my rejection letter from Duke today. It was disappointing, but I am hopeful of other programs. I wish you better luck!

Hey Maria,
This site has been a great source of information for me as well!!!
I have had 2 interviews so far. Drexel last month and the University of New England in Maine last week. I havent heard anything from Drexel as of yet so I think I'm in their waitlist pile. I should be hearing from UNE this week and will let you know. As for the interview process, both of mine were of a similar format as far as the one on one faculty interviews but differed in that Drexel had a first year student interview me, while at UNE, I had a couple of community PA alumni's interview me. I much prefered the idea of PA's determining my fate rather than a first year, but thats just my personal feeling. As for experience, I wont lie that's it's been my life saver. I had 3 semesters in a row that I had to drop because life got in the way of school. That resulted in my GPA being lower that most of you guys. However, I worked hard to bring it back up my last 2 years of school and that trend upward has been a great help as well. I know that the only reason I was asked to interview at all was because of my work history ( around 20,000 patient contact hours) since CASPA calculated my GPA much lower than what I thought I had. I didn't even meet the posted GPA requirements for the schools I interviewed with, and yet they asked me just the same. That was a big surprise. Most of the applicants Im told had an "average" of 4000 hours. Some had little to none and were still accepted. My final advice, that you will hear over and over, is to be yourself and let them see the real you. Dont ever be fake or try to be what you think they want you to be. You will be nervous and scared but try to relax. I didnt sleep the entire night before both my interviews so be prepared for that (bring some Ambien). Also, I didnt sleep at all after my interviews because I kept going over the interview in my head and kicking myself for what I did and didnt say. Good luck.

I NEED HELP. I applied to one PA program (because it is truly the only one a I want to attend) and I just had an interview at this school. I found out today that I am on their alternate list. I am SO devastated. I do not know what to do in the meantime. I need advice and I am wondering if anyone is in the same predicament as I am.

JH in Exeter, New Hampshire said: I NEED HELP. I applied to one PA program (because it is truly the only one a I want to attend) and I just had an interview at this school. I found out today that I am on their alternate list. I am SO devastated. I do not know what to do in the meantime. I need advice and I am wondering if anyone is in the same predicament as I am.

Although I may not be the expert on this, I have heard of people being accepted off of the alternate list. The one program that I have applied to the past 2 years has put me on the alternate list both years. This is my 3rd time applying and I have an interview later this week. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me.

I did call the program this summer to see what I can do differently and they told me to work on my interviewing skills, of course, and apply to more schools...which seems to be the opposite of what previous comments have discussed. I guess they like to see that I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket?...

One question I did get last year which I thought was unexpected was:

Do you have any apprehension working with patients that have blood-borne transmitable diseases? (This isn't the exact wording...it has been a year)

My answer: I thought about it and then I said I guess I would have slight apprehension towards diseases like HIV, but it would not be a factor for me since I know that there are standard precautions in place.

Does anyone know of a better way to answer this question?

JH,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I can understand your feelings of "devastation" at not being chosen immediately. In some ways I'm sure you feel its almost an insult. I did. I felt like the school was saying "Well if the people we really want aren't interested, then we'll call you". Thats what I thought when I found out I was waitlisted. But it helps to realize that you beat out about 800-1000 other people just to be one of the 150 people interviewed for about 50 slots. So just going into the interview you had a 1/3 chance of getting a spot. Now you are waitlisted. That means that several of the other people who interviewed with you were told NO! Waitlisted isn't the end of the world. It just means that you are a great applicant, but there were a few exceptional applicants who interviewed with you who got the few "Accept Now" spots. Come Jan. or Feb. when things start to shake out you may be surprised at how quickly your name rises to the top. Dont give up yet. Some advice I was given by a first year I met who was also waitlisted was to call or e-mail the school with "innocent" questions so that your name remains fresh on their minds when it comes time to sort out all the applicants down the road. Just dont be a pest. (A fine line). Anyway, I hope that helped. Good Luck!

nicky in Stony Brook, New York said: Yes I did ;) I was the first round (early decision)I also live nearby so if you need directions/info for your stay let me know...what date is your interview?

Nicky- I was also accepted to Stony Brook (early decision). EXCITING. The next step will be finding a place to live (not too far from the university), which will be a challenge since I am unfamiliar with the area. It would be great to stay in contact with you. Feel free to email me tozierli@gmail.com

GOOD NEWS!!!
I just found out I was accepted to the University of New
England, Portland ME. I start in June. Yeah!!!!

Congratulations Pablo!!

WHOOO HOOOO!!!!! Great job! I am so glad for you! Really, Congratulations! You can help us all with your insight, now...breathe, enjoy, and prepare! :)

Deb :)

Thanks for your post. I am interviewing at Stony tomorrow and am nervous...but excited at the same time to have come this far. My email is danzergg@yahoo.com

Any tips?

nicky in Stony Brook, New York said: There is no "group" interview, rather a group tour. There will be two intvw sessions where you are interviewed by two of the board members...interview questions will touch on your experiences and how they have effected you, what you have taken away from them, etc... How you would handle or view certain situations regarding cheating, malpractice...etc. Post your email and we can talk about whatever you want. I should get back to you fairly soon.

danzergg@yahoo.com

I am interviewing at stony tomorrow, i am nervous but excited.

any tips?

Has anyone interviewed at PACE in NY?

Congrats Pablo!!

I interview at Drexel in a month. Was the whole interview conducted by a first-year?! What should I expect?
Is there anything I can do to better prepare myself!?!?
AHHH I'M SO NERVOUS!

Thanks!

emma in Reading, Pennsylvania said: Congrats Pablo!!

I interview at Drexel in a month. Was the whole interview conducted by a first-year?! What should I expect?
Is there anything I can do to better prepare myself!?!?
AHHH I'M SO NERVOUS!

Thanks!

Hey Emma,
There were 2 separate interviews, I with a first year and another with a faculty member. The student had a sheet of paper with pretty standard questions, most of which are in the book "Getting into the PA program of your choice", which we all should have by now!!! One questions she did ask me that I hadnt heard before was regarding PA continuing education (always learning, recertify every 6 years, journals ect.). It seems like they tailor the questions to the applicant, I had lots of exposure to the PA profession and was asked more personal questions about my history. The less experienced students were asked more about why they wanted to be a PA and why they would be a good fit Drexel ect. I overheard that a few of them were asked some of those weird questions we all dread. They said they just took their time, didnt panic and answered the best they could. It seemed like a good program overall, big city, lots to do. I hope you do well and good luck. Feel free to write if you have any more or specific questions. Take care.
P.S. Be sure to give a solid answer to the question "Why do you want to be a PA". I wish I would have rehearsed it more to have come off more confident.

Pablo,
Congrats on your acceptance. I have a question for you. You mentioned earlier that your GPA was lower than the averages. I have that same issue but I have lots of hands on experience. I am wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing your GPA. If you don't want to no problem. I was just wondering where I stand in comparison. Who knows, maybe there is hope for me yet! Thanks!

mary in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: Pablo,
Congrats on your acceptance. I have a question for you. You mentioned earlier that your GPA was lower than the averages. I have that same issue but I have lots of hands on experience. I am wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing your GPA. If you don't want to no problem. I was just wondering where I stand in comparison. Who knows, maybe there is hope for me yet! Thanks!

I think I remember that Pablo already shared his gpa - maybe check on page 3, or even 2 - just look for his name on the left hand side.

Pablo - congratulations! I am so happy for you. Are you going to accept or wait for other offers? Either way, great job!

PABLO in Salt Lake City, Utah said: Hey fellow P.A. applicants. Just a quick word of encouragement. I applied to about 5 programs this cycle with CASPA and then had my GPA calculated by them. It came back at 2.68. Much lower than what I had calculated(CASPA doesnt do grade substitutions for repeated classes) and much lower than the required GPA for all but one of the programs I applied to. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed. I had pretty much written off the other programs whose GPA requirement I didnt meet. The other day though, I received an invitation for an interview from one of those schools!!! So I just wanted to let you know that if you have a lot to offer, some programs seem to see the bigger picture when it comes to applicants. Go ahead and try the programs you want. You never know. I am still waiting to hear from 3 other programs. So far 1 NO (the only program whose GPA req. I met) and 1 INTERVIEW. Good Luck!

Mary,
Above is a copy of the first post I wrote here about 2 months ago. (Seems so much longer). I thought my GPA was what my transcripts said 3.28, but because of repeated classes and grade substitutions, CASPA calculated my overall GPA at 2.68. Way lower than the "required" GPA at all the schools I applied at (I applied before knowing my CASPA GPA). However, I was offered an interview at all but one of the programs and was accepted this week at UNE in ME. So give it a shot and dazzle them at your interviews and see what happens. Good Luck and feel free to write if you have any more questions. Also, I will be taking this spot at UNE and start in June.

Pablo,

Congrats. I interview next month at UNE and really hope to get in. Any tips would be delightful!!! :) I grew up in New England and everyone just speaks so highly of Portland and the university!

Has anyone interviewed at UT Southwestern in Dallas ? Can somebody share the kind of questions they ask?

JCM in Wilmington, North Carolina said: Pablo,

Congrats. I interview next month at UNE and really hope to get in. Any tips would be delightful!!! :) I grew up in New England and everyone just speaks so highly of Portland and the university!

Hello JCM,
I'm not sure what tips I could give other than what I'm sure you've already heard. UNE was the best interview I ever had. The faculty and Community PA's who interviewed me were very friendly and quickly put the students at ease. Almost all the first year students are there as support, they lead you to all your interivews, give tours, answer any questions you have, it was great. There is even a "Mixer" the night before where you can mingle with other applicants and ask anything you want of the first year students "off the record". They really emphasize that you are there to get to know each other. You obviously have what it takes to have been invited to interview, now they just want to meet you in person to see if they can picture you as a PA. So be yourself. GOOD LUCK.
P.S. I stayed at the La Quinta on Park St. Nice enough for $70/night. Not far from the school. Close to downtown Portland for sightseeing. But get a room on an upper floor or ask for a room in the empty part of the hotel. I did and they were very nice about it. I never saw another guest on my floor. Slept like a baby (except for the night before the interview, too nervous).

Thanks for the advice. I am already signed up for the mixer and am really excited that they do their interview that way. I got a hotel in S. Portland for 50$ thanks to good old AAA. Considering I know what the weather is like in January in ME, I doubt I'll be up for much sightseeing!

I am interviewing at NOVA in Orlando on monday. Does anyone have any advice on how the interview works, especially the essay at the beginning? Also do i need to bring a picture or a copy of my application, anything at all will help me out, im very nervous, this being my first interview, and it probably being my top choice.

Hey JMC

Just wondering when you received the letter for your interview in Jan at UNE. I'm still waiting to hear back from them and it's killing me. It's my top choice. Thanks.

JCM said: Thanks for the advice. I am already signed up for the mixer and am really excited that they do their interview that way. I got a hotel in S. Portland for 50$ thanks to good old AAA. Considering I know what the weather is like in January in ME, I doubt I'll be up for much sightseeing!

JCM,
I forgot there was an essay question, it was pretty easy : write a paragraph on 1 of the 2 questions they give you. I dont remember exactly how it was phrased, something like: write about an experience with a provider that will or has shaped how you will act as a PA. I forget what the other was. They give you all morning to work on it. you just have to turn it in before 12 when everything is over. Also, I highly suggest you give yourself a couple of days to get to maine. I got stuck in Chicago due to weather. Luckily I had a some time to spare. The "airport" in Portland is really small and I'm not sure how well they cope with really bad weather. Good Luck.

Has anyone interviewed at Pacific University? Since I live on the east coast and already scheduled one interview on the West coast (AT Still University), I'm trying to decide if I can fly out again (money is real tight). I have only a few days left to decide and any info would help. Thanks.

Ahem, it's JCM and if your observation skills are this good, lord help us if you get into PA school!
For all else reading this... I gave skstrudel her nickname and grew up in the same town as her for 15 years! One might say I am her best friend and since I am the only person to move from Methuen to Shallotte, NC (aka nowhere) with the initials JCM...well, ::shakes head::
To answer your question skstrudel, I received the letter when we came back from vacation together! hahahehehoho

PABLO in Salt Lake City, Utah said: JCM,
I forgot there was an essay question, it was pretty easy : write a paragraph on 1 of the 2 questions they give you. I dont remember exactly how it was phrased, something like: write about an experience with a provider that will or has shaped how you will act as a PA. I forget what the other was. They give you all morning to work on it. you just have to turn it in before 12 when everything is over. Also, I highly suggest you give yourself a couple of days to get to maine. I got stuck in Chicago due to weather. Luckily I had a some time to spare. The "airport" in Portland is really small and I'm not sure how well they cope with really bad weather. Good Luck.

Pablo,
Thanks for the heads up! I'm so done with writing essays for all these schools! That is a rather interesting approach to writing an essay. I am flying into Boston on Thursday and then making my way to ME when the infamous skstrudel gets out of work!
I do have to fly into Chicago for an interview 2 weeks prior to UNE and I have to admit I am nervous about the weather. Keep the wheels turning and if you think of anything let me know. You know, what flavor coffee the admissions committee was drinking, donuts or muffins... de-icer! :)

gina castrogiovanni in Huntington, New York said: danzergg@yahoo.com

I am interviewing at stony tomorrow, i am nervous but excited.

any tips?

Gina How'd it go? Did you get my email in time?

PABLO in Salt Lake City, Utah said: GOOD NEWS!!!
I just found out I was accepted to the University of New
England, Portland ME. I start in June. Yeah!!!!

Hey Pablo! Congrats!

I'm sorry JCM, my mind is a bit preoccupied at the moment. My decoding skills are a little sub-par. Excuse me!

I need advice - I scheduled an interview with a school (they gave a couple dates to choose from) and now I just received another interview only one option) on the date I have already RSVP'ed to the first school. How bad will that look if I contact the first school and try to re-schedule my interview? Will that knock my credibility down? HELP!

CV in Southlake, Texas said: Has anyone interviewed at UT Southwestern in Dallas ? Can somebody share the kind of questions they ask?

I too have an interview at UT Southwestern and Texas Tech, has anyone interviewed at any of these Texas schools???

Thanks Pablo!

And congratulations!

Hello everyone and thank you for all the wonderful advice with the interviews, it has helped so much. I have received my first interview invite in January with Emory. Has anyone applied/interviewed with Emory? I am also waiting to hear from MUSC and Midwestern in Arizona. Unfortunately, I have already received a few rejection letters, but I'm keeping my head up for the possibility from these other schools.
I was originally concerned with my application because I may not appear as a super competetive candidate on paper. My GPA was decent (3.0) and my GRE scores were average at best. I have some great references and I have about 3500 hours of hands on patient care as an ER tech. I also realize that I am on the younger end of the average PA student age range. Does anyone think that age plays a role in schools choosing their interview candidates?
This is my second year applying to PA school and I really hope it is my last. Thanks again to everyone who posts on this site, it has been so incredibly helpful.

what would be the right answer for:

"if a preceptor was about to prescribe a medication that you thought would be harmful - or even deadly - to the patient, what would you do?"

thank you!

paula =)

Has anyone had a type of interview in which they asked you to demonstrate any of the specific clinical skills that you have on your application?

I'm curious because I haven't used some of them in a while.. and I may have to refresh myself!

Thanks.

emma in Reading, Pennsylvania said: Has anyone had a type of interview in which they asked you to demonstrate any of the specific clinical skills that you have on your application?

I'm curious because I haven't used some of them in a while.. and I may have to refresh myself!

Thanks.

Hi emma!
i just had one interview @ UW and they did not ask me things like that. I dont think this is a common thing to ask...
good luck!
paula =0)

JQGonzaga in Spokane, Washington said: Hello everyone and thank you for all the wonderful advice with the interviews, it has helped so much. I have received my first interview invite in January with Emory. Has anyone applied/interviewed with Emory? I am also waiting to hear from MUSC and Midwestern in Arizona. Unfortunately, I have already received a few rejection letters, but I'm keeping my head up for the possibility from these other schools.
I was originally concerned with my application because I may not appear as a super competetive candidate on paper. My GPA was decent (3.0) and my GRE scores were average at best. I have some great references and I have about 3500 hours of hands on patient care as an ER tech. I also realize that I am on the younger end of the average PA student age range. Does anyone think that age plays a role in schools choosing their interview candidates?
This is my second year applying to PA school and I really hope it is my last. Thanks again to everyone who posts on this site, it has been so incredibly helpful.

I don't think age has anything to do with it. I think what really matters is the type and amount of experience you have had. I am in the same boat as you, only being 25, but it all depends on what you, personally, have to offer. Obviously, most older applicants have more experience but younger ones will be more current in science with classes. I think it comes down to the school and what they want from a student.

RO in New York, New York said: Although I may not be the expert on this, I have heard of people being accepted off of the alternate list. The one program that I have applied to the past 2 years has put me on the alternate list both years. This is my 3rd time applying and I have an interview later this week. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me.

I did call the program this summer to see what I can do differently and they told me to work on my interviewing skills, of course, and apply to more schools...which seems to be the opposite of what previous comments have discussed. I guess they like to see that I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket?...

One question I did get last year which I thought was unexpected was:

Do you have any apprehension working with patients that have blood-borne transmitable diseases? (This isn't the exact wording...it has been a year)

My answer: I thought about it and then I said I guess I would have slight apprehension towards diseases like HIV, but it would not be a factor for me since I know that there are standard precautions in place.

Does anyone know of a better way to answer this question?

Simply based on opinion...I may have said something like.

I feel that all patients should be treated the same for their own protection and mine as well...(imnus the fluff, simply stated.)

what do you think??? lol am i wrong?

paula in Everett, Washington said: what would be the right answer for:

"if a preceptor was about to prescribe a medication that you thought would be harmful - or even deadly - to the patient, what would you do?"

thank you!

paula =)

I would consult with physician or prescriber and emphasize(spelling I totally was not an english major) that I feel the patient is at risk for reasons X,Y,Z...and the medication should be adjusted because I feel X,Y,Z..stay proactive! don't be reactive lol...I am not sure thats right, but the patient is the most important factor in any equation, yourself and other medical providers are last, especially their feelings etc.