Meet Julia: PA Mock Interview Coach

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Julia is one of our newest pre-PA coaches and a brand new PA headed into pediatric endocrinology. She attended seven PA school interviews, so she knows the cycle inside and out. In this episode she shares how to choose which programs to apply to, how to tell when you're applying to too many, and her best advice for surviving PA school.

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Who is Julia and why is she coaching pre-PAs?

I'm so excited to officially introduce you to Julia, one of our newest pre-PA coaches. Julia reached out because she wanted to get involved and help with interviews, and she has plenty of experience to draw from after attending seven different interviews during her own cycle.

She's currently waiting to start her first PA job in pediatric endocrinology, so she's fresh off the entire journey from applicant to new grad. That perspective is exactly what makes her such a great fit for mock interviews, because she remembers what it felt like to sit on the other side of the table and answer those tough questions.

In this post:

What does the episode cover?

In this conversation, Julia and I dig into the parts of the process that trip up so many applicants. We talk through how to choose which schools to apply to, since that decision sets the tone for your whole cycle.

We also tackle a question I get all the time: how many programs is too many? There's a real cost to over-applying, both financially and in terms of your time and energy, so it helps to hear how someone who interviewed at seven schools thinks about it.

Finally, we get into tips for surviving PA school itself, because getting in is only the beginning. You can follow along with Julia on Instagram at @juliacolling or on her blog at pacinthecities.com, and you can watch the full conversation on YouTube.

In Our Experience

I love bringing on coaches like Julia who just walked the path, because their memory of the interview room is still vivid. In our experience coaching applicants, the people who interview well are the ones who practice out loud with someone who has been there, not the ones who just rehearse in their head.

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Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Julia attended seven PA school interviews in one cycle, which is plenty of reps to learn what admissions committees are really listening for.

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CTA: Free Interview Worksheet -> https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-pa-school-interview-worksheet-download/ [QA: convert to lead-magnet button]

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Need to Know:

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Listen: the full conversation

We covered this in a conversation on The Pre-PA Club podcast. Press play to hear it first-hand, in their own words.

Episode show notes, takeaways & chapters

Within the realm of pre-physician assistant education, this episode of The Pre-PA Club podcast features an insightful dialogue between host Savanna Perry and Julia, a newly minted PA poised to embark on her career in pediatric endocrinology. Julia’s journey to the PA profession is marked by a significant transition from her initial studies in dietetics, revealing how her growing fascination with the sciences led her to seek a career that allowed for direct patient interaction. In her early academic years, Julia was heavily involved in dietetics, engaging in rigorous coursework that ultimately illuminated her true interests in diagnosis and treatment beyond nutritional care.

The discussion delves into the practicalities of Julia's application process to PA programs, where she candidly shares her approach to overcoming the challenges of lacking sufficient patient care experience. By undertaking a CNA certification program and balancing work with her studies, Julia effectively positioned herself as a competitive candidate. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of preparedness for interviews, sharing her extensive experience applying to multiple schools, and the learning curve associated with navigating the interview process. Julia highlights her initial feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, ultimately transforming these experiences into valuable lessons that contributed to her success.

As the conversation progresses, Julia articulates her newfound passion for pediatric endocrinology, a field she initially hesitated to enter. Her experiences during clinical rotations shifted her perspective completely, and she now expresses a deep appreciation for the resilience of her young patients and the collaborative spirit inherent in pediatric care. Julia’s insights serve as a source of encouragement for aspiring PAs, underscoring the importance of thorough exploration and self-reflection in choosing a career path. The episode concludes with Julia's advice to pre-PA students, advocating for exploration across various healthcare roles to ensure they find the best fit for their skills and aspirations. This episode not only narrates Julia’s personal journey but also offers practical guidance and motivation for those pursuing a career as a PA.

What we cover

You should explore various healthcare professions to ensure the PA path is right for you.
It's beneficial to shadow PAs and other healthcare professionals to gain perspective.
Consider the total cost of PA school, including living expenses and additional fees beyond tuition.
Having a strong patient care experience can significantly enhance your application for PA school.
Creating a detailed spreadsheet can help you organize and evaluate potential PA programs effectively.
Building relationships with classmates in PA school can lead to lifelong friendships and support.

Chapters

0:00 – Introducing Julia: Our New Coach
5:23 – Transitioning to PA School
11:28 – Navigating the PA School Application Process
21:53 – Navigating the Challenges of PA School
28:30 – Transitioning to Pediatric Endocrinology

Episode: Meet Julia - New Grad PA and Mock Interview Coach · Follow The Pre-PA Club on Apple Podcasts or Spotify · Browse all episodes