What to Expect at a PA School Interview

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

Most PA school interview days include a tour, a program orientation, time with current students and faculty, and some kind of face to face interview. Some programs add an essay, a group session, or even a surprise quiz. Interviews can be one on one, two on one, or panel, in traditional, behavioral, or Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) styles. Prepare what you can by reviewing common questions and your CASPA application, but go in ready for the unexpected, because programs want applicants who stay flexible.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

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What types and styles of PA interviews are there?

There are several ways these sessions can be set up. The format may be:

One on one interviews
- Two on one interviews
- Panel interviews
And within those formats, there are different styles, including:
- Traditional interviews
- Behavioral or situational interviews
- Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Ideally, if you know what to expect before you go in, you can prepare most effectively. That's not always possible, since some programs keep the format under wraps. Either way, it's worth taking time to prepare in advance so you aren't thrown off in the moment. Knowing the range of possibilities, from a relaxed traditional chat to a fast moving MMI circuit, helps you stay calm no matter what they spring on you.

In Our Experience

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Listen: How to Prep for PA School Interviews

Interview invites are going out. Time to stop winging it.

Episode show notes & key takeaways

Interview invites are going out. Time to stop winging it.

This is the audio from my June interview prep webinar, questions from the live audience included. If you have an interview coming up, this is the fastest way to get oriented on what the day actually looks like and what they're trying to figure out about you.

The format varies a lot. Traditional panel, MMI, group activities, one-on-ones with faculty and students. Some programs do all of it in one long day. Knowing which format you're walking into changes how you prepare, so ask.

And the thing I'll say until I'm blue in the face: practice out loud. Not in your head. Out loud, to another human, until you stop sounding like you're reciting.

What I cover

What to expect on interview day, format by format
The questions that come up over and over
What programs are really assessing when they ask them
Dos and don'ts, including what to wear and when to arrive
How to answer questions about weaknesses and low stats
Live questions from the webinar audience

Resources

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