How would you react if you discovered a classmate cheating?
The Admissions Committee wants to know how you respond to situations that require your honesty and critical thinking skills. This question inquires about your character and ability to approach uncomfortable situations with maturity.
If you have found yourself in a related situation, consider telling a brief story using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. If you choose to draw from a real-life situation when responding to a question like this, remain diplomatic, and be careful not to name anyone or speak poorly of specific people. Focus on the way you reacted and helped resolve the situation.
"I think cheating is a violation of integrity and is not a minor issue. It would be tough, but I would have to approach my classmate and ask them to consider their actions. They are doing a disservice to the PA professional by taking a dishonest approach to their studies. My primary goal would be to talk to them and help them correct the course of their action. If that approach didn't work, I would discuss the matter with my professor or mentor and ask their advice on the best approach."
