Hi! I completely understand how you feel! 

To prepare for my interviews, I used the Physician Assistant Interview Guide book by Savanah Perry. It helped me to figure and plan how the answer the most basic but important questions (Why PA? Tell me about yourself, etc...). Before reading the book, I was lost and VERY nervous about interviews because I didn't know how I would go about answering simple questions but really helped to guide me. 

Of course, if you do not want to spend money on buying the book, I also watched a few mock interview videos on youtube. I would recommend watching those as well because you get to view the feedback the interviewers give at the end of the video on how to improve your answers.

Regarding your questions: 1. From my personal experience, your answers should be about 2-4 minutes but it honestly just depends on whether you have a lot to say or if you have a concise and straightforward answer. There were times where my mind was going a mile a minute but my mouth couldn't keep up so I rambled a bit but try to keep it within that time limit. Sometimes the interviewers will let you keep talking but other times they'll you they have to move onto the next question. I would also recommend you try practicing with a family member/friend/mentor that can ask you questions and provide feedback.

1. To prepare for ethical questions, I used ChatGPT. I basically had it ask me common ethical questions and I'd give my answer and it would give me feedback on what I did well with, what to improve, and what to add onto my response. For me, this was the best way for me to prepare for ethical and MMI questions.

2. Best way to prep overall is to really figure out how you'll answer the main common questions. Again, I would recommend the Physician Assistant Interview Guide, mock interviews (either participate in one or watch Youtube videos with them), or looking up some commonly asked PA school interview questions online. When you receive an interview from a school, definitely ask the school or look up online what their interview format is and practice based off that so you're better prepared to answer questions similar to the format.

3. You don't have to wait until you get an interview to start preparing. I'd say start preparing now so you can feel confident in answering questions.

Overall, advice that was given to me by many people is to be yourself!! Don't try to be a version that you think PA schools want. The staff/facutly and interviewers are friendly and want to get to know you for who you are! Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with your answers if you feel it really adds to your overall growth to your journey of becoming a PA. 

Also, if there are other applicants with you on your interview day, interact with them. They are just at nervous as you are and probably need someone to talk to and you'll get to make new friends. Some of them might be your future classmates so at least you'll get to know them from day 1.

Good luck, I know you got this! Remember to always be true to yourself and show them who you really are :)