Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog
There is a lot that goes into the waiting period between submitting CASPA and getting an interview. Like we mentioned in previous blogs, the wait can seem extremely long, but it’s a great chance to plan ahead. Being prepared can make things less stressful and take some of the weight off your shoulders. Asking the right questions during your interview not only makes you stand out, but it also gives you a better outlook of the program and what they’re looking for.
Brainstorming
Initially, you might have a bunch of questions that you want to ask, but a good rule of thumb is to narrow them down to just a few that matter most to you. Start by researching the program and learning more about who they are. You can take a look at their mission statement, read about their history, and then start piecing that all together to see how it fits you. While you do this, some good questions about the program and how you line up with it are bound to come up. This is a great way to see how the program aligns to you and your goals.
Think about things that would matter to you like teaching style, student resources, clinical opportunities, etc. Some good starters could be:
- What is the teaching style like here?
- What ways can the program support students?
- What makes your program stand out from the others?
- How are clinical rotations picked?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if you think you already know everything about the program. You can never be too sure.
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re not only prepared but paying attention. It’s a great way to show interviewers that you want to be a PA and that you are interested in their program specifically. It helps them to see that you’ve done your homework and thinking about if this is the right fit for you as well.
Be Ready for Their Questions Too
While you’re thinking about what questions you’ll ask them, remember to also prepare for the ones they’ll ask you. One of the first might be something simple like “Tell us about yourself” (and while that may seem like an easy question), it can feel intimidating in the moment. Practicing your answers ahead of time will help you stay clear when the big day comes.
Practice
Practice is always key, but how you practice is what makes a difference. Try saying your answers out loud, even if it feels awkward at first. Record yourself or practice with a friend so you can hear how you sound. Go over responses until they feel natural and not so memorized. When the interview comes, you'll feel way more comfortable being yourself. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
It’s okay to get nervous, but if you already know what questions you want to ask, that’s one less thing you have to stress about. It shows that you’ve put thought into the program and that you’re showing up ready!
Best of luck!
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The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.