Orientation/Interviews

Applicants who are invited for interview will be expected to participate in the full two-day spectrum of activities including an Orientation on the afternoon of the first day and a series of Interviews on the second day. Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend all Orientation activities on the first day. Only the applicants may attend the Interviews on the second day. Those invited for interview will have the option of in-person or virtual format. Either interview format is conducted in an equitable manner and will not impact final decisions of acceptance.

Orientation

The Orientation begins with a one-hour Information Session conducted by the Admissions Director for the purpose of providing information about the School of Physician Assistant Studies and instructions on the interview schedule for the following day. This session also includes a presentation on financial aid and a Q&A session.

A student led presentation will be conducted by a member of the class executive board member and consists of unscripted curriculum presentations by currently-enrolled students from both years of the curriculum. An executive board member will also comment on student life and social activities.

Following the curriculum presentations, applicants will be taken on a  tour of the Harrell Medical Education Building. Following the tour, applicants and their guests can attend an optional dinner at one of the local restaurants in order to meet and talk with current students and to ask any questions they may have. Faculty members do not attend this dinner since its purpose is to provide a relaxed, informal environment where applicants will feel free to raise any questions or concerns they may have without feeling stressed by the presence of a potential interviewer or member of the Admissions Committee.

Interviews

On the morning of the second day, applicants who have expressed an interest in attending a PA class will be escorted to and from an early morning class by one of the PA faculty or staff. This is an optional part of the admissions process and in no way affects the selection decisions of the Admissions Committee.

Following the class, applicants will begin an 8 station Multiple Mini Interview circuit with PA faculty members, Community Stake Holders, and a clinical year Student .

Applicants are also encouraged to ask all of their questions during their two-day stay. It is the strong belief of the PA faculty that applicants cannot make an informed decision about their first-choice School unless all of their questions have been answered and they have acquired enough information about the School to determine if they would feel comfortable matriculating there.

Feedback from Interviewed Applicants

At the conclusion of the two-day interview process, applicants are asked to complete a short online survey to evaluate the entire admissions process of the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies. Responses are reviewed and used to improve our program’s interview process.