Questions to Ask After Your PA School Interview

Questions to Ask at Your PA School Interview

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

When your interviewer asks 'Do you have any questions for us?', have a few ready so you don't freeze. Aim for open ended questions that are either school focused or personal, like why an interviewer chose their specialty or what qualities they look for in students. Avoid questions you could have answered from the website or tour, and steer clear of anything that sounds skeptical of the program, like asking about a low PANCE rate. This is your last impression, so make it a good one.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

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Why does the 'Do you have questions for us?' moment matter?

In mock interviews, one of the most common things applicants ask before we wrap up is 'What should I ask them?' It's a valid question. When you're faced with 'Well, do you have any questions for us?', I completely understand not wanting to sit there like a deer in the headlights.

This is your one chance to get the additional information you actually want, show your genuine interest in the program, and leave a strong last impression with your interviewer. Think about two broad approaches: school focused questions and personal questions. Keep your questions open ended rather than yes or no, and avoid anything that makes you sound skeptical of the school or unsure of your own ability to succeed there. The tone you want is positive and curious, like someone who's excited to be in their class.

In this post:

What questions should I avoid asking?

Be careful not to ask about anything already covered in a tour, on the website, or by current students. That makes it look like you weren't paying attention. You also want to avoid questions that come across as negative or distrustful of the program.

Here are examples of questions not to ask: Why should I pick your program over a different one? What do you do for students who are failing? Why is your PANCE rate lower? Why did fewer students take the PANCE than matriculated? Why didn't some of the students graduate? These can be valid concerns, but it's better to research them on a private forum or ask current students rather than raise them in your actual interview. You don't want the program to feel you're less than excited about joining their class. Keep your questions positive and tied to why you belong there.

In Our Experience

In our experience coaching applicants, the question that lands best is simply turning their own question back on them. Interviewers spend all day asking the same prompts, so when you ask them why they chose their specialty or what they love about teaching, they light up. That little moment of connection is often what they remember about you.

What are good questions to ask my interviewers?

Beyond school specific questions, you can ask personal questions of your interviewers too. While they're getting to know you, this is your chance to get to know them. If they ask you an interesting question, feel free to turn it around and ask them the same one. I used that tactic and my interviewers really enjoyed being asked something out of the ordinary.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

Where did you go to PA school?
What made you choose your specialty?
What do students do for fun?
What is your favorite part of teaching anatomy, pharmacology, or another subject?
Why did you choose to teach in a PA program?
What can applicants do to stand out for your school?
What qualities do you look for in PA students?

These give you a natural option if you feel like the program details have already been well covered during your visit.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

Treat 'Do you have any questions for us?' as part of the interview, not the end of it. It's your final impression.

Free Interview Worksheet

Need to Know:

Always have a few questions ready so you don't freeze

Keep questions open ended, not yes or no

Don't ask about anything covered on the website, tour, or by students

Avoid questions that sound skeptical, like low PANCE rates

Personal questions about the interviewer build connection

If they ask you a great question, turn it back on them

FAQ

What should I ask at the end of a PA school interview?

Ask open ended, positive questions that are school focused or personal, like why an interviewer chose their specialty or what qualities they look for in students.

Is it bad to say I have no questions?

It's better to have a few ready. Asking thoughtful questions shows interest and gives you a strong last impression, while having none can read as disengaged.

What questions should I avoid in a PA interview?

Avoid anything answered on the website or tour, and skip questions that sound skeptical, like asking why their PANCE rate is low or why students didn't graduate.

Can I ask my interviewer personal questions?

Yes. Asking where they went to PA school or what they love about teaching builds connection and helps you get to know the program from their perspective.

How many questions should I prepare?

Have several ready, since some may get answered during the day. A mix of school focused and personal questions gives you flexibility.

Where should I ask about concerning stats like PANCE rates?

Research those on a private forum or ask current students rather than during the formal interview, so you don't come across as skeptical of the program.

Mock Interview

CLOSING

The questions you ask at the end of an interview are a real chance to show interest and leave a strong final impression, so prepare a few in advance. Keep them positive, open ended, and curious. If you want to practice the whole flow, a mock interview with one of our coaches can help you nail it.