Interview Questions

Why does the School of Physician Assistant Studies require two days for interviewing?

What will the 2-day Orientation/Interview process include?

What happens during the group processing experience?


 

Why does the School of Physician Assistant Studies require two days for interviewing?

Our students are integrally involved in the orientation activities. Since they have to be in class during the morning, they are not available for orientation until the afternoon. We schedule orientation for the first afternoon and begin the interviews the next day, after applicants have been appropriately oriented and had dinner with current students. We also want applicants to be as relaxed as possible for the interviews, and we believe that having the prior afternoon to become familiar with various facets of the school is beneficial and helps to reduce stress for our applicants.


 

What will the 2-day Orientation/Interview process include?

Orientation begins mid-afternoon on the first day with faculty introductions and an information session that includes the history of the School and a presentation about financial aid for potential students. The group processing experience also occurs during the first afternoon. This is followed by a one hour session with current students who present each course and clinical rotation in our curriculum. A virtual tour of the Health Science Center will take applicants through the common areas that a UF PA student might see on any given day on campus. There will also be a physical tour of the Harrell Medical Education Building. After the tour, applicants are invited to an informal (Dutch treat) dinner with UF PA students. Applicants find this a highlight in the 2-day process, and are encouraged to ask any questions they may have pertaining to UF’s PA School. Faculty are not present at this activity. Guests accompanying the applicants are encouraged to attend the dinner as well.

Applicant interviews are conducted one-on-one with three PA faculty members. Each interview typically lasts 15-20 minutes.


 

What happens during the group processing experience?

During the first day of the Orientation/Interview process, applicants participate in a group processing experience. This is a 15 minute session during which applicants are divided into groups of 3-4 and asked to discuss a topic or scenario. Discussion is observed by a faculty member who will not participate in the discussion. The experience is not intended to be intimidating or stressful, and hopefully, will be an enriching experience for the applicants.