Guide to Kira Talent: How to Prepare for your McMaster PA Supplemental Application
A PA supplemental Application provides applicants with the opportunity to provide MORE information to the admissions committee to demonstrate their suitability for the program.
Each PA program has a different version of how they do the “PA Supplemental Application”.
University of Toronto’s PA Supplemental Application is a written response to several mini-essay questions.
The University of Manitoba requires students to complete a Statement of Intent.
And finally, McMaster University uses timed written and video responses through the Kira Talent platform.
Important Note & Disclaimer
Just a reminder that this blog is not affiliated with the McMaster PA program. Information presented here in this post is based on the McMaster PA program website, info sessions and interviews from the Canadian PA Youtube Channel, and Q&A that has taken place on the Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group.
It is up to the candidate to verify the information they are reading about the admissions process is accurate. Always check the official McMaster PA program website and communications from the McMaster PA program (via emails to applicants) for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Overview of the McMaster PA Supplemental Application
McMaster’s approach to the PA Supplemental Application is different. Questions are NOT provided ahead of time (like they are with University of Toronto or University of Manitoba).
1) The McMaster PA Supplemental Application is a video/written interview that you do online at home.
You must have a good internet connection and webcam.
You are not interacting with another person during Kira Talent.
2) Questions for the McMaster PA Supplemental Application are released in late February, and you have 7 days to complete the application.
After applying to the PA program by submitting your OUAC application with GPA transcripts, candidates will receive a link from the program to complete the PA Supp App if they meet minimum requirements from the program by the end of February.
3) When you get access to your Kira Talent app, you have to complete all the questions in one sitting. This may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
This means you cannot do 1 question on one day, 2 questions another day within the 7 day period.
One sitting means that once you have started the supplemental application, you have to complete all the questions within a limited period of time without stopping.
4) The VIDEO questions are broken down into two parts:
Part 1: Time to prepare (read the question, brainstorm ideas)
Part 2: Provide your answer by recording your video response
5) WRITTEN responses have no “prep” time, you just start typing.
Unlike video responses that have a “prep” time before you can start recording your response, typewritten Kira talent questions allow you to start typing your response right away.
6) Responses are time-limited.
You do not have unlimited time to answer the questions.
There will be a timer on the screen indicating how much time you have to record your video response or type out your answer.
7) Once you submit each question, you cannot go back and re-write or re-record your responses.
This means you get one opportunity to record your response and what you type or record in your first (and only) attempt is what is submitted to admissions for evaluation.
What is Kira Talent?
Kira Talent is an online admissions process platform that assesses candidates through timed video and written questions. It is a Canadian company utilized by health care programs, business and MBA programs.
Candidates complete the Kira Talent assessment (a series of timed videos and written questions). Responses are then sent to the admissions committee where results can be reviewed an unlimited number of times. Candidates are assessed on different competencies and suitability/fit for the PA program.
What role does Kira Talent play in the admissions process?
Kira talent is the assessment that takes place BEFORE the final PA school interview (which is in the style of Multi-Mini Interview).
Your performance on the Kira Talent PA School Supplemental Application will help determine if you secure a spot to participate in the final interview for PA School (the MMI).
Step 1: Submit transcripts and other supporting documentation through OUAC.
Step 2: After completing OUAC, and if you qualify to apply to the PA program, you will receive a link to complete the PA supplemental application in late February by email. As per the McMaster PA Program website, “qualifying” for the program means:
Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 out of 4.0 on the OMSAS scale based on ALL undergraduate study you have completed.
No specific courses required
No work/volunteer experience is required
Step 3: Complete the Kira Talent Supplemental Application
Everyone who qualifies to apply to the PA program (as outlined in Step 2) gets to complete the Kira Talent Supplemental Application
Step 4: Interview at the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI)
Selected candidates are then invited to participate in the Virtual Interview.
This is the final step in admissions and the last opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their suitability for the PA program.
Practice vs. Real Kira Talent PA Supplemental Application
In past years, candidates had access to TWO Kira Talent supplemental applications: A PRACTICE supplemental application and the REAL supplemental application.
Use the PRACTICE Kira Talent Supplemental Application (Supp App) to check your tech setup, and familiarize yourself with the platform
When the program releases the PA Supp App in late February you have one week total to complete the REAL Supp App, however during this time you may also have access to a PRACTICE supp app.
The Practice Supp App allows you to ensure that your audio, video, and internet connection are working with the Kira Talent platform.
The practice supp app also helps you get used to the format and interface of Kira Talent – to see what the timer looks like, what it’s like to type in your answers and record your video responses.
Note: The practice questions and timing MAY NOT reflect the actual timing and content of questions you will see on the REAL supp app.
DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE of completing the REAL Supp App when you intended to do the PRACTICE Supp App. We had one Pre-PA admit in our Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group that they clicked on the REAL supplemental Application thinking it was the link to the practice, and accidentally submitted their “practice” version – do not make this mistake! Double check that you are selecting the PRACTICE Kira Talent Test before proceeding.
The REAL Supplemental Application must be submitted BEFORE the 1-week deadline.
When the Supp App is released on February 24, 2023 you have until March 7, 2023 to complete the supp app (1 week). See the PA program website for specific deadline times.
Once you start the Kira Talent test is has to be completed in one sitting. You cannot spread the test over several days.
As you progress through the questions in the REAL supplemental application, you cannot go back and re-record your video responses, or edit your typewritten responses. Think of it like an in-person PA school interview, you can’t “re-answer a question” verbally once you’ve already answered a question
The entire application usually takes less than one hour to complete.
Make sure you have decided on a date and time of when to complete the Supp App within the 7 day period. Set yourself up for success:
Pick a day that you will not be too busy and the day not too chaotic
Ensure there are no interruptions from others at home while you are doing the REAL supp app.
Schedule something to look forward to when you’re done! A fun activity, celebrate with a friend, treat yourself!
How to Prepare for the Kira Talent PA Supp App
You do NOT have to wait until you receive the Kira Talent PA Supplemental Application link in late February before you start preparing. Here are a few steps we recommend you take in preparation!
Step 1: Research & Learn about the Kira Talent Format
Do as much background reading around Kira Talent as you can. Start with a quick Google search on “Kira Talent” to get familiar with what’s involved with the format and questions.
The Kira Talent website is also a great resource for candidates:
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the Types of Questions asked on Kira Talent
There is no way to predict what questions will show up on the McMaster PA Supplemental Application on Kira Talent.
Keep in mind that candidates from previous years are not allowed to share the timing or content of questions from Kira Talent.
You can google “Kira Talent Questions” to see the different possible questions on Kira Talent. Keep in mind these questions may or may not be reflective of questions you will receive in the McMaster PA Supp App.
Step 3: Start Practicing Kira Talent Questions on your own
Even before you receive the link to the Kira Talent PA Supp App, you can start preparing for Kira Talent NOW by practicing questions on your own.
Make sure to practice both type-written responses and video-recorded responses.
For Type-Written questions:
Step 1 – Pick a Question to Practice: Google “Kira Talent questions” for different question prompts. Pick a question at random each time you practice (to help re-create the unpredictability of questions you may receive on the actual Kira Talent evaluation!).
Step 2 – Type Out Your Response: Practice typing out a response within different time durations (90 seconds, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes).
Step 3 – Evaluate Your Response: Once time is up, read over your response and evaluate how you did. What went well? What did not go so well? Where are some areas you can improve?
Step 4 – Practice Some More!: Repeat the process with different questions over time!
For Video-Recorded questions:
Step 1 – Pick a Question to Practice: Google “Kira Talent questions” for different question prompts. Pick a question at random (to help re-create the unpredictability of questions you may receive on the actual Kira Talent evaluation!)
Step 2 – Read and Brainstorm during “Prep Time”: Give yourself a limited amount of time to read the question to “prepare” (e.g. 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds – try varying the times).
Step 3 – Record Your Response: Open your webcam program and record yourself providing the response (practice different times for providing a response, e.g. 1 minute, 90 seconds,
Step 4 – Watch the Playback: We know this is a painful process, but important to do! so you can see what went well, what did not go well and areas you can improve.
Step 5 – Practice Some More!: Repeat the process with different questions over time!
Tips to Practice for Kira Talent
Tip #1: Practice as Many Questions As You Can
Practice methods and ideas of answering supplementary application or interview style, MMI style questions or CASPer questions which is something that people write for medical and nursing admissions.
– Tip from Saif (@thesafepa)
Tip #2: Watch Youtube Videos on Preparing for Kira Talent Questions
Watch tips from successful McMaster PA School Applicants who outline the strategies, and resources they used to prepare for Kira Talent.
Tips for McMaster’s PA Supp App (Kira Talent) with Shada and Toni
Kira Talent Overview & Tips from McMaster PA Students: “I was in your footsteps” webinar
Also pay attention to how comfortable these students are speaking on camera! Good eye contact, not too many “umms” or “ahhs”, and articulating their ideas with ease.
Tip#3: Reflect on Your Personal Experiences
Think about personal experiences from work, extracurriculars, and community service where you demonstrated different CanMEDS-PA competencies. Reflect on those experiences and the lessons you learned.
You can then draw on some of those experiences when discussing your responses for Kira Talent Questions (only mention the if relevant to answering the question!
Tip #4: Practice Talking Outloud
Just practice speaking out loud to a camera because that’s a very unnatural thing, even though I’m doing right now, but it’s something you have to get used to, something you have to get comfortable with. And when you’re comfortable, you come across as confident, and you can be in any situation and not falter because as much as the supplementary application is looking at what you say, they’re looking at how you say it.
So, if you are really uncomfortable or if you stammering or stuttering or saying “ums or ahs” or have a “deer in the headlights reaction” then that’s not a good sign.
– Tip from Saif (@thesafepa)
Tip #5: Record yourself and watch the playback
I think recording yourself, watching for those little things in your demeanour and your posture and your facial expression, and then teasing those things out. Taking “umms, and ahh’s” out of your vocabulary, which is one of the hardest things to do, it’s something to work on, especially because it’s a video interview and you’re not talking to a human – you’re literally talking to a camera and that feels very different than talking to a person.
– Tip from Saif (@thesafepa)
Tip #6: Get feedback from mentors, friends, and family!
Many Pre-PA candidates practice Kira Talent questions with friends, family members, a practice partner, or mentor.
For Written Responses: Copy and paste the original question, and then your type written response into an email or Microsoft word document and send it to a friend, family member, mentor or practice partner to get feedback!
For Video Responses: Once you have recorded your response, save the file to your computer and then upload the video to a site like wetransfer.com (or upload to Dropbox, Youtube/Vimeo with privacy settings set to high) to send your video to a mentor, or a practice partner to get feedback on your performance!
Tip #7: You may be rough in the beginning - be kind to yourself
Like learning any new skill (riding a bike, learning to dance, public speaking), when you are first working on practice questions you may notice that you are not as polished and professional as you’d like to be.
Everyone is bad/rough when they start! The important part is to show up and practice, self-evaluate your written/video responses, celebrate what you do well, and work on the areas that need improvement. Good luck!
Helpful Resources
Practice with Friends and Family
There are some successful Pre-PA candidates who simply used free resources online and googling practice questions, without relying on purchasing any books, courses or coaching.
You can absolutely choose this route and be successful in your preparation!
BeMo's Guide to the MMI
BeMo’s Ultimate Guide to the Multiple Mini Interview is a resource for MMI preparation. The guide provides strategies, sample MMI questions and answers, an explanation of how the MMI is rated.
There is some overlap and strategies outlined in this book that can also be helpful in preparation for Kira Talent. This includes strategies on:
managing your stress
how to approach and prepare when reading a prompt
identifying a strategy for each type of question you encounter, how to practice
examples of different types of questions.
Keep in mind that timing and types of questions you may see on Kira Talent will differ from typical MMI questions and timing.
All 3 Canadian PA Programs use the Multi-Mini Interview in their admissions process. So even if you get this resource for Kira Talent, it will come in handy when you advance to the next stage of admissions!
BeMo's Guide to CASPer Test Prep
BeMo’s Ultimate Guide to CASPer Test Prep is a resource for CASPer test (a situational judgement test) which provides strategies, sample questions and answers, practice tests and access to a sample online test.
Like the Kira Talent platform, the CASPer test is an asynchronous interview that records your responses within a limited time.
McMaster does not use CASPer, however some of the strategies outlined in the book can be helpful for Kira Talent preparation, including a framework for answering approaching and answering different questions and scenarios, an approach to preparation and practice.
It is important to keep in mind that types of questions asked, timing of questions and number of questions DIFFER between Kira Talent and the CASPer test.
If you are applying to both University of Manitoba’s PA program and McMaster University’s PA program, this is a great resource get tips!
Doing Right
Doing Right: A Practical Guide to Ethics for Medical Trainees and Physicians provides a primer on bioethics and an approach to ethical challenges in healthcare. A great resource for anyone interested in patient advocacy.
This is more commonly used as preparation for the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI), some successful Pre-PA candidates have used this to prepare for Kira Talent.
Videos to Help you Prepare for McMaster’s PA Supp App
Here are videos of McMaster PA students/alumni who share their tips, strategies and resources they used to prepare for the McMaster PA Supplemental Application
Starting at 3:01 of the above video, there is a 15 minute discussion on tips around the McMaster PA Supp App through Kira Talent.
Did McMaster always use the Kira Talent for the PA Supp App?
McMaster’s PA Supplementary Application has taken on different formats over the years.
In previous years it was a written supplementary application (requiring written responses to different questions, similar to the Uoft PA Supp App).
They have also previously used CASPer test to assess Pre-PA applicants.
At time of writing, McMaster now uses Kira Talent for the PA Supplemental Application. Each year of admissions may be different. Always check PA Program websites and program for most up to date information..
Final Notes
Ready to prepare for the PA Supplemental Application? Good luck with your preparation!
If you have additional question you can ask in the Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group.
