PA school interview preparation

I have an interview at MCPHS (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) next week...Does anyone have experience or advice for this school or interview advice you are willing to share?

I have an interview at Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, has anyone interviewed there? I'd like to know what to expect so I can better prepare.

anyone know anything about methodist university and the interview questions
they might ask? or what to expect from this interview?

Hey all, has anyone interviewed at Touro Nevada? What kind of questions do they ask? How was the overall interview experience? I have an interview in October, any advice would help!

shelly in New Bern, North Carolina said: anyone know anything about methodist university and the interview questions
they might ask? or what to expect from this interview?

Hi! I have an interview at Methodist on Sept. 17. I went to an open house earlier this summer and the director of admissions told me I should expect to go in front of about 2 panels of faculty and current students. Applicants will also be put into groups for some sort of problem solving exercise. Then at the end we get a tour of the facilities. I'm really nervous but I think if you know the main duties of a p.a., the history of the profession, and why u wanna be a p.a. you should be ok. Also, there are alot of good books on preparing for p.a. school interviews so you might wanna google them and take a look. Hope that helped. :-)

Hi, wondering if anyone out there is interviewing at Missouri State U. anytime in Sept? I got called today for an interview.

BB in Bradenton, Florida said: Hi, wondering if anyone out there is interviewing at Missouri State U. anytime in Sept? I got called today for an interview.

BB I also got a call Friday regarding the interview. When is your interview?

AP in Joplin, Missouri said: BB I also got a call Friday regarding the interview. When is your interview?

Hey AP, I'm there the 8th and 9th, next Thurs/Fri. What about you?

BB said: Hey AP, I'm there the 8th and 9th, next Thurs/Fri. What about you?

I'm there the same days. I am extremely nervous, but very excited! My email is ambryp@gmail.com feel free to email me.

I work as a MRI technologist. I am taking classes for B.S. in health sicence.(online with thomas edison college). After that, I am planning to go for PA. Any advice? My family lives in New Jersey, so I will apply to UMDNJ. Any advice? how is interview process and application process for UMDNJ? Does PA get pay during clinical rotation (like RN)?
Thank You.

Is anyone going to be interviewing at University of St. Francis in New Mexico, October 10th? Or has already interviewed? Impressions about the school and faculty would be great. If I happen to meet someone on here that interviews the same day with me, better! I'm from IL, so I don't know New Mexico very well.

Is anyone going to be interviewing at University of St. Francis in New Mexico, October 10th? Or has already interviewed? Impressions about the school and faculty would be great. If I happen to meet someone on here that interviews the same day with me, better! I'm from IL, so I don't know New Mexico very well.

futurePA14 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: I have an interview at Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, has anyone interviewed there? I'd like to know what to expect so I can better prepare.

Hi, I have my interview coming up. How was it ? Any words of advice please.

Anup

Jennifer28 in New Jersey said: See it was the opposite in my case. Pace was my first interview last year and apparently I did not do well because I got rejected. I did very well @ UMDNJ's interview, very enthusiastic I was told, but got waitlisted. Everybody's issue with me was not lack of motivation or enthusiasm. It was my 3.3 overall gpa/3.2 science gpa, not as competitive as the applicant pool I was up against. I wound up getting accepted to Touro College Winthrop Extension program in Long Island NY.

Tour, meet and greet students/faculty, short essays on a few ethical questions, and the individual interview. Pace's interview was laid back at first until they started asking me about my grades and GPA. I was not prepared for such an interrogation. Even if you have one C, they will ask you why? So be prepared to have an explanation. They basically told me that they had their doubts about me being able to handle the fast paced program. I tried to re-assure them that I am ready for this but I guess I was not convincing enough....

Best advice would be to keep eye contact, genuinely smile when you first go in and leave, chuckle or smile at their corney jokes even if they are not funny, have confidence in yourself, and above all convince them that this is the perfect career for you. Good Luck!

Dear Jennifer, I have an interview in UMDNJ in 2.5 weeks. May you please recall the questions you've been asked? What is the writing section all about? And any other tips you can provide?...
Thank you so much.

Hi, does anyone know if UTMB Galveston interviews in front of a panel or if it just a one-on-one interview? Any input would be great. Thanks!

Rachel in Austin, Texas said: Hi, does anyone know if UTMB Galveston interviews in front of a panel or if it just a one-on-one interview? Any input would be great. Thanks!

It holds several one-on-one interviews from what I have heard from a friend who just got accepted there. She said it was very laid back and a 'get to know you' kind of interview. Of course, dress business casual, but be yourself and you should do wonderfully!

AudsPA in Grand Island, Florida said: I just had my first interview, surprisingly it wasn't too bad. They wanted to know general info about myself, what activities i enjoyed, where i saw the future of medicine going, how this year's election would influence health insurance, what i would do if i saw a classmate cheating. Nothing too challenging, and I had plenty of medical experience to supplement my answers with. Just be yourself!

My daughter is applying to Daeman College in Buffalo NY..she is just 17 and an Ap student at one of the top Public schools in New York State.her average is just 85..we are hoping for the best ..sat's are 1150..any advice? SHe is on the Varsity Tennis Team..is a competitive Rower with West Side Rowing, has a part time job and spent Junior year with Mono/Strep...i know that this is inconsequential..but all this activity took her away from her studies...the school wants a 90 gpa..she is stressed out..now D'youvile college also in buffalo has a Div. II rowing team..but we have heard that their PA program is not quite on the same level..my dad , who is a dentist sez.."Oh..once you get your PA lisense..all the employer looks at is that..not the school"...Help!!

AudsPA in Grand Island, Florida said: I just had my first interview, surprisingly it wasn't too bad. They wanted to know general info about myself, what activities i enjoyed, where i saw the future of medicine going, how this year's election would influence health insurance, what i would do if i saw a classmate cheating. Nothing too challenging, and I had plenty of medical experience to supplement my answers with. Just be yourself!

My daughter is applying to Daeman College in Buffalo NY..she is just 17 and an Ap student at one of the top Public schools in New York State.her average is just 85..we are hoping for the best ..sat's are 1150..any advice? SHe is on the Varsity Tennis Team..is a competitive Rower with West Side Rowing, has a part time job and spent Junior year with Mono/Strep...i know that this is inconsequential..but all this activity took her away from her studies...the school wants a 90 gpa..she is stressed out..now D'youvile college also in buffalo has a Div. II rowing team..but we have heard that their PA program is not quite on the same level..my dad , who is a dentist sez.."Oh..once you get your PA lisense..all the employer looks at is that..not the school"...Help!!

Susan in Buffalo, New York said: My daughter is applying to Daeman College in Buffalo NY..she is just 17 and an Ap student at one of the top Public schools in New York State.her average is just 85..we are hoping for the best ..sat's are 1150..any advice? SHe is on the Varsity Tennis Team..is a competitive Rower with West Side Rowing, has a part time job and spent Junior year with Mono/Strep...i know that this is inconsequential..but all this activity took her away from her studies...the school wants a 90 gpa..she is stressed out..now D'youvile college also in buffalo has a Div. II rowing team..but we have heard that their PA program is not quite on the same level..my dad , who is a dentist sez.."Oh..once you get your PA lisense..all the employer looks at is that..not the school"...Help!!

Hi Susan,
Congratulations on your daughters accomplishments, she sounds like a hard worker. I know most colleges look for extracurricular activities as a bonus to get in, however I'm not aware of PA schools doing the same. Right now the best advise I can give you is to relax. Let your daughter finish out her college days healthy:) Second, when she is ready, she needs to get medical experience before applying to PA school. There's no sense in pursuing a profession unless you know for sure through experience whether or not you will like it. Some suggestions would be for her to become an EMT, or CNA. These are relatively quick certificate programs and it will allow her to have the patient contact and interaction with patients, body fluids, uncomfortable situations where she will be tested. That way when it's time to apply to PA school she will have real life experiences she can relay in her interview. The other thing she will need to do is shadow a PA or two after she has some experience. She will be a more well rounded candidate to apply for a PA program once she accomplishes those hurdles Best of luck to her!

I just received and e-mail that I got an interview next month for the PA program at the University of Utah and wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions about what type of questions they may ask. I have 3 personal interviews and 1 group interview. I am extremely nervous and its still a month away!! Also was wondering if anyone had any insight as to what may be on the exam that I have to take before the interview? In the e-mail it states that the exam is "heavy weighed in A & P and med terminology." If anyone has any info about this and would like to share I would appreciate it. Thanks

Hi, I have an interview the 24th, any suggestions on the interview process? Im super nervous!

HI,
i have interview at long island university, and another one at Mercy college comin up... does anybody know about how their interviews are??

Best Interview Book for PA Applicants: "How to Ace the Physician Assistant School Interview" by Andrew Rodican, PA-C, author of the Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Physician Assistant School" This book recently hit the market and covers the questions and answers to the most common and most difficult questions:

Behavioral questions
Situational questions
Ethical questions
Traditional questions
Illegal questions

It's now on amazon.con (search on "Rodican")

dbernard in Sebring, Florida said: Hi, I have an interview the 24th, any suggestions on the interview process? Im super nervous!

Go to amazon.com and purchase "How to Ace the Physician Assistant School Interview" Everything you need to know is in this book!

manderson in College Station, Texas said: It holds several one-on-one interviews from what I have heard from a friend who just got accepted there. She said it was very laid back and a 'get to know you' kind of interview. Of course, dress business casual, but be yourself and you should do wonderfully!

Great, thank you!

I just finished my interview with ATSU in Mesa, AZ on Oct. 21st. There were 24 people in attendance, and two of them were my friends. Both of my friends have already received phone calls from ATSU in less than a week after interviewing. Is there still a chance they are selecting people from our interview date? Did anyone else have to wait more than a week for their acceptance call?

Kristin in Cliffside Park, New Jersey said: I interviewed at Pace several weeks ago and it was not too bad. After you arrive, you will be asked to complete 3 essay questions and you are allotted 30 minutes to do them...

Kristin

Thank you very much. Your information is very helpful. I have an interview at PACE this Tuesday and was wondering if you can provide any more information on the individual interview. For example, how many people interview you, are there other applicants in the room at the same time, more on the questions they ask you. Also, do you know if the short essays are always three questions and generally the same questions or do they vary?

Thank you for your help,
Barbara

scott in Springfield, Missouri said: I just had my interview and found out I got accepted! I thought it went great and if anyone has any questions about what I did to prepare for any of my application, let me know and I'll see if I can help.

Hello Scott,
Hope you are doing great. I have an interview at NYIT next month. So can you help me with what questions they asked? I come from engineering background. I have research and shadowing experience with health care field. The school that I have interview with have a mandatory essay to write I do not know what it is about? Kinda curious of how I should prepare for it. This is my first interview..so if you can please help me with few tips and questions on preparing that will do a big favor to me.

Mona in Glen Oaks, New York said: hi.. I was interviewed by stony brook on dec 9th and havent heard anything from them yet.. has anyone heard anything from them?

Hey can you tell me how it went or what they asked you I have an interview on dec. 8th.

seems like a lot of people struggle with the interview. I'm a PA student so I know what it's like to go through the process. Check out the PA forum for help. They always give great advice there about interviews (just google PA forum). Or check out some of the blogs that give great tips. These two come to mind: Insidepatraining.com, and GeIntoPAPrograms.com

Good luck to you all.

Barbara in Brooklyn, New York said: Thank you very much. Your information is very helpful. I have an interview at PACE this Tuesday and was wondering if you can provide any more information on the individual interview. For example, how many people interview you, are there other applicants in the room at the same time, more on the questions they ask you. Also, do you know if the short essays are always three questions and generally the same questions or do they vary?

Thank you for your help,
Barbara

How was the interview at Pace? Were the essay topics similar to the ones explained before? I have an interview there on Monday.

Jennifer28 in New Jersey said: I got invited to interview with Pace University for their Physician Assistant Masters program. I am super excited and nervous at the same time. I have three weeks to prepare myself for it. Its a 4 hour group interview. There are 25 applicants per group. I don't know what to expect but I'm guessing it includes a campus tour. Any pointers?

Could you please elaborate a bit on your experience? I'm having an interview at Pace University for PA program in 2 days and freaking out horribly. They mentioned that it's going to be a group interview and I have no idea what to expect. your help will be greatly appreciated. thanks huge.

I was wondering if anyone that applied at UND PA school has been accepted yet? I have a friend that has applied and said the interview went well, but has not got conformation yet on his acceptance. I was thinking of making a career change. This sounded like a neat school. I was hoping to find out if anyone has been accepted already and get some tips on the interview process.

scott in Springfield, Missouri said: I just had my interview and found out I got accepted! I thought it went great and if anyone has any questions about what I did to prepare for any of my application, let me know and I'll see if I can help.

Congratulations on getting accepted! How long did it take for them to call you after you interviewed?

dara in Forest Hills, New York said: Could you please elaborate a bit on your experience? I'm having an interview at Pace University for PA program in 2 days and freaking out horribly. They mentioned that it's going to be a group interview and I have no idea what to expect. your help will be greatly appreciated. thanks huge.

I do not know how they are doing the interviews this year, but normally its with 2 people and it is a relaxed environment. They just ask you why you want to PA and the normal questions asked during a PA interview. Just be yourself :)

Kristin in Cliffside Park, New Jersey said: Jennifer-

Thanks so much for your advice. It is funny because UNDNJ told me that I was not enthusiastic enough and they did not like the fact that I only applied to two schools. I told them that I picked schools in close proximity to my house and they thought that was a bad answer, hence the rejection. I hope I do better at Pace!

Thanks again,

Kristin

Hi, Kristin
I have an interview with Pace in about two weeks..do you have any pointers for me. or anything you can share about the process?

Thanks,

Renee

dara in Forest Hills, New York said: Could you please elaborate a bit on your experience? I'm having an interview at Pace University for PA program in 2 days and freaking out horribly. They mentioned that it's going to be a group interview and I have no idea what to expect. your help will be greatly appreciated. thanks huge.

Hi Dara!
Can you share some information about your Pace interview, anything that you think will be helpful. My interview is in about 2 weeks, and I want to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks

Renee

ND in Jacksonville, Florida said: I have an interview at MCPHS (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) next week...Does anyone have experience or advice for this school or interview advice you are willing to share?

I have my interview there in 2 days, how did it go? What kind of questions did they ask? I'm so nervous!

PAproud in Stone Mountain, Georgia said: I have my interview there in 2 days, how did it go? What kind of questions did they ask? I'm so nervous!

I have an interview at Mass in 3 weeks. I'm nervous about the all day interview. Any pointers would be very much appreciated. Good luck on your interview!

Has anyone out there gone through the interview process at UT-Pan Am? I was just informed that i have an interview next saturday and thought some one could give me some tips on how it's assessed. I would greatly appreciate it.

Has anyone interviewed at Loma Linda University?

spgmedic in Springfield, Missouri said: Has anyone interviewed at Loma Linda University?

hey sorry I have not. I was looking at your post and i was curious because I also applied to loma linda and wanted to know when you received your invitation for an interview and when it is if you dont mind me asking? So i can figure out when to expect something.

I was contacted on 2/10, and set it up for this next week. I believe they interview through February, and let everyone know the outcome in March.

You are making broad assumptions. At age 23 I find it hard to believe a 23 y.o. would have the emotional intelligence and situational awareness needed to make exigent decisions when needed. All experience gained has been unpaid and working with a preceptor to this point. Also I find it hard to believe that given the rigorous and unbroken school/study schedule needed, that any meaningful community volunteer service hours have been logged. This critical component demonstrates commitment to the service of others. I shake my head in disbelief at the mindset and trends of many of these "PA" schools. I doubt many young people are even aware of the proud history of the profession; born from the bloody battlefields of the Vietnam War. As far as getting better with age; technically and diagnostically yes, however my experience has shown bad habits and core beliefs rarely change with age in an adult.

Oh Philip. Your argument is absolutely ridiculous. I'm sorry but there are no words to describe your ignorance. You make broad generalizations and comments about things you know nothing of..like getting a BS/BA degree. It takes a lot of hard work to get into college and get through it; it can be an emotional and financial burden on any student and their family. I wasnt in Vietnam but I sure did see a lot of crap when I had to clean up after 9/11 as an EMT. By the time I was 25 I had been an EMT-D for over 8 years. I also nursed 4 family members through hospice. i know what its like when you don't have the money or correct insurance. As a cancer patient in remission I know what its like to understand my radiology reports and bloodwork. After growing up on an oncology floor for most of my childhood I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO THINK YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT. I have great respect for PAs, RNS, Secretaries, and MDs. They have all paid their dues. If you cant hack it in school then you probably arent very smart. Maybe no one has had the guts to tell you that. I'm now an MD

Hello everyone, so I currently have roughly 4000 hours of healthcare experience and I am finishing up my bachelors in heath science and and almost ready to apply to PA school. So my science GPA is roughly 3.7 and my overall GPA is a 3.2. For my first to years off college right out of high school I have numerous withdraws and 2 fails. The fails were two different history classes. Of course it took make classes to bring up my GPA but this was 4 years ago and as embarrassing as it sounds I was immature and honestly didn't care much. What do you think my chances are of getting an interview due to my past? And what do you think I can do to make myself a stronger candidate?

Shadow the people that you know that will be on the board looking over your ap. You can find this online. Secondly, enroll in some master's level courses. I became a dieititan over all this - so just shows how competetive it can be!This will will you greatly. Come prepared with specific questions related to their field and just don't gp to onr.
I have the same GPA (les the fails!!) but it comes down to who you know and how you present yourself. Sorry for any missells - just awoke!!
Best of lcuk!
AMF

Shadow the people that you know that will be on the board looking over your ap. You can find this online. Secondly, enroll in some master's level courses. I became a dieititan over all this - so just shows how competetive it can be!This will will you greatly. Come prepared with specific questions related to their field and just don't gp to onr.
I have the same GPA (les the fails!!) but it comes down to who you know and how you present yourself. Sorry for any missells - just awoke!! Volunteer, too - major plus!
Best of lcuk!
AMF

lily2010 in Scottsdale, Arizona said: Hey all,
if anyone has any info about Touro Uni in California, please help me out!
It's a bit of a different program... it has both a masters in PAs and Public Health together in its program. I have an interview there in a few weeks and would love any info on the school, their interviews, or the joint masters degrees.

Thanks!

Hello Lily!
I know this is one year later, but I was wondering if you got into Touro University PA program. I am actually interviewing with them soon, it's late I know =\ But I was wondering if you interviewed with them? What kind of questions did they ask? How should I prepare for it?

Thanks so much in advance!