If you’re headed into PA school interview season, I’ve been there, done that— and I know it can be incredibly overwhelming. Just two years ago, I was juggling some serious nerves during the waiting period between submitting applications and receiving interview invites. During that time I diligently prepared by further researching programs I was interested in and practicing mock interview questions. Here’s the good news: if you come in prepared, clear-headed, and authentic, you’re already halfway there. Below is a list of must-know questions and examples of others that may come your way. Use these to structure your prep and walk into your interviews feeling confident and grounded. You got this!
Disclaimer: These questions do not come from any school in particular nor is the goal of this article to provide interview advice for one single program. These are questions that generally apply to PA schools across the nation.
Questions You Should Definitely Have an Answer To:
1. Why do you want to be a PA?
This is the golden question. Reflect on your “why,” including moments that confirmed this career path. Be genuine and personal. If you wrote a strong personal statement you’re likely already prepared to tackle this one!
2. What led you to choose PA school over another health profession?
Understand the PA role— its flexibility, team-based care, and lateral mobility. Explain how it aligns with your values and goals. So many people get stumped on this one because they can explain why they want to go into healthcare but don’t understand the minutia that set PAs apart.
3. What do you know about the PA profession?
Be prepared to summarize the role, responsibilities, and scope of a PA. Include awareness of current challenges and changes in the field. Do you have a PA mentor you shadowed or worked with who helped you to grasp their scope of practice?
4. How have you prepared yourself for the intensity of graduate-level coursework?
Talk about your study habits, time management skills, and any experience balancing heavy workloads. Show that you are a boss at what you do! PA school is a marathon, not a race and they want to know you’ve got practice going into this!
5. Describe your study habits.
Expanding on the question above, give specific examples of how you learn best and stay organized— what tools, environments, or methods you rely on. Do you prefer to study alone or in a group? Do you feel you learn best from listening to lecture material or engaging in case-based learning?
6. Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
Think of a meaningful example that highlights your communication and collaboration skills. Show how you shined as a valuable and unique member of the team. If you had a leadership role don’t be afraid to talk about that but steer away from anything that frames your contributions as disregarding or dominating over others.
7. Tell us about a time you faced conflict. How did you resolve it? Would you change anything?
Show how you prioritize resolution and teamwork. Don’t be afraid to describe an experience where things got chaotic and you might not have handled it ideally. Just be sure to acknowledge your shortcomings in that moment and explain how you would improve the next time. We love to see someone who is honest, demonstrates maturity, and practices self-reflection.
8. Tell us about a time you failed. What did you learn?
Show resilience, humility, and personal growth. How has the experience shaped your approach today? You will make mistakes in PA school and throughout your career- what matters is how you respond, whether you move forward and learn from them or blame others.
9. Why did you choose our program?
Be specific! Mention faculty, curriculum, mission, community involvement, location— whatever truly drew you in. Does their program offer something unique that sets them apart from the others you applied to? Trust me when I say your answer must be specific to that program and not just repeat your answer to question #2 above. They know that at the end of the day, you will probably take a seat wherever you can get one and are counting on weeding out a lot of applicants who come in with this mindset.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
YES, always. Ask about curriculum structure, clinical rotations, mentorship, wellness support, etc. Show interest and that you’ve done your homework. Remember— just as much as they are interviewing you, this is your opportunity to interview them and make sure it’s the right fit!
Other Questions That Might Come Up:
11. What is your understanding of the role of a PA on the healthcare team?
Ties together questions 2, 3, and 6 above. Emphasize collaboration, patient-centered care, and the PA’s unique place within interdisciplinary settings.
12. Do you know any PAs who inspired your journey? What stood out about their care?
Share a story or example of meaningful PA-patient interaction. How did that set them apart from other healthcare providers?
13. What hobbies help you manage stress?
Demonstrate self-awareness and balance. This shows you understand the demands of the profession but want to remain committed to making time for yourself. Your answer will help them get to know you better.
14. What is a new skill you have learned recently? What do you want to learn next?
Stay honest by reflecting on your curiosity and ability to grow. Take the opportunity to share about skills that reflect your interests and make you a stronger applicant such as speaking another language, cooking a complicated recipe, leading a bible study, solo traveling, etc. Make it fun— it doesn’t have to be related to your job or medicine!
15. How would you contribute to diversity in our cohort?
Most all schools in either their mission statement or values include a statement about diversity. Reflect on what makes you stand apart from other applicants. Think broadly: cultural background, life experience, perspective, values, or even your career path (especially if you’re applying after years of working in a totally different career field).
16. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How will this influence your role as a provider?
What interview have you been to where they didn’t ask this question? Be honest, but self-aware. Link your strengths to patient care and show how you’re working on your weaknesses.
17. What emerging technologies or treatments will impact PAs in the next 5-10 years?
Just a fun question to get your wheels turning. AI, telemedicine, concierge medicine— have a few ideas in your back pocket. This reveals your awareness of current events and your thoughts about how the role of PAs will adapt and respond to culture.
18. What is the biggest challenge facing new PAs today?
Think about burnout, job market saturation in some areas, scope of practice laws, or opportunites for post-graduate fellowship education. Again, this helps you to reflect on the role of PAs in a bigger context.
Final Tips:
- Practice with a friend or mentor who will give honest feedback.
- Have a few stories ready that you can adapt to multiple questions.
- Stay calm. It’s hard not to be nervous but you’ve practiced for this moment and will do great as long as you’re authentic. This is your moment to show your personality and stand out as more than just words and numbers on an application!
I will be posting more interview tips and materials to help with preparation as the interview season starts. As always, feel free to comment below with any questions— I’m here to help!
Health and Home by Haven 
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