How to Answer: What appeals to you the most about joining our Physician Assistant program?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PA School MMI job interview.
3. What appeals to you the most about joining our Physician Assistant program?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Admissions teams with Physician Assistant programs will see a variety of qualified candidates, all with the necessary academic skills and clinical knowledge. To differentiate those they will accept, programs want students that have passion for the mission and values of the institution and program.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2023
Tips
PA schools love the MMI process because it allows many interviewers to interact and be a part of the admissions process. A vital part of the admissions process is ensuring that new students are great cultural fits with their program's culture and values, so make sure you take the time to research the mission, values, and culture of the school you're interviewing with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2023
How to Answer
As you research PA schools to apply to and eventually interview with, keep a running list of the qualities of the program that you are most interested in. This can include academics, the curriculum, rotation opportunities, and even personal things like geographic location. Then, you can refer to this list to answer this question during an interview.
Be sure to comment on the mission and values of the institution and program. No matter how you answer, speak with passion as you show genuine interest in your admission into the program you are interviewing with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2023
Answer Example
"As I began my search for PA programs to apply to, I had several items on my wish list, and your university quickly rose to the top of my dream list of programs. First, I want a program that values and teaches a team-based medicine approach to gain experience working alongside physicians and nursing teams in practice. A commitment to the medically underserved is also important to me, and I love that your program values this commitment. A very unique piece of your program that intrigues me is the dual degree program with the MPH degree. I'm excited to learn more about what your graduates are doing and if this would be a viable option for my career goals. Last, and certainly not least, enrolling in your program would keep me close to my family and my fiance's job. While certainly not a necessity for us, we would love to have an opportunity to stay in this region and thrive near our family."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2023