5 Ways to Stand Out at Your PA School Interview

Everybody wants to know how to stand out at a PA school interview, and it's a valid question. The key is standing out in a good way and not a bad way. After doing a lot of mock interviews and talking with faculty and admissions committees, I've found there are common mistakes and small things you can do to set yourself apart.

None of these tips are groundbreaking. They're really just reminders to keep in mind as you walk in. It's easy to let nerves take over and lose sight of your goal, which is convincing your interviewer that you're the best person for a spot in their program and that you'll be a great classmate and colleague. Keep that goal front and center and the rest gets easier.

Confidence is the biggest thing that seems to be missing when I work with applicants. Even if you're terribly nervous and don't feel confident at all, you need to be able to fake it a little. Confidence goes a long way in an interview and makes you appear ready for PA school. Just getting an interview invitation should give you some, because it means you had a strong application and they want to see who you are. Programs want mature candidates who can handle themselves in high stress situations, and a PA school interview is exactly that.

Being yourself matters just as much. A common mistake is molding your answers to what you think the committee wants to hear. The problem is you lose yourself and your personality doesn't come through. As a PA, you need to connect with patients, so let your true colors show. When you practice, video yourself to make sure you're giving the impression you intend to give.

Avoid negativity. This should be a given, but no one really likes a negative person. Stay positive throughout your interview, and if you're discussing a tough situation, focus on the good parts and the lessons you learned. Avoid putting down any other professions, because that's typically looked down upon.

Interact with your fellow applicants, since some of them may end up being your classmates. Teamwork is a huge part of both PA school and being a PA, so programs watch how you treat the other people in the room. Learn names, refer to other applicants, and be cordial in every interaction.

Finally, have thoughtful answers. Some applicants don't stop to consider why a question is being asked. It's great to share a story or example, but it needs a lesson that ties back to you becoming a PA. When you practice, bring your answers full circle so they show what you learned and connect it to the kind of PA student and PA you'll be.

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Standing out comes down to confidence, authenticity, positivity, teamwork, and answers that mean something. Practice these until they feel natural so nerves don't crowd them out on the day. If you'd like real feedback first, a mock interview with one of our coaches can help you walk in ready.