TLDR: Skip the grief process for now, take on Phase II, and email me if you want some quick advice tonythepharmacist@gmail.com

Here’s a list of the top reasons students get turned down for pharmacy residency programs, not necessarily ordered by most common to least common based on why you in particular did not match:

1. Weak or Unfocused Letters of Intent
   A poorly written or generic letter of intent is one of the most common reasons candidates are overlooked. Programs want to see clear, specific reasons for your interest in their residency and how your experiences align.

2. Poor Interview Performance
   Even strong candidates can falter in interviews if they fail to communicate their skills, goals, and personality effectively.

3. Inadequate Clinical Experience
   Limited exposure to diverse rotations or insufficient patient care experience can make you seem unprepared for the demands of a residency.

4. Weak CV or Resume
   Even with solid experience, a poorly formatted CV or lack of emphasis on accomplishments can weaken your application.

5. Lack of Strong References or a Poor Recommendation
   Residency directors heavily rely on references. If your letters are vague or uninspiring, it can raise concerns about your performance or professionalism.

6. Poor Professionalism or Attitude
   Residency directors look for candidates who are adaptable, humble, and collaborative. Arrogance, lack of teamwork, or failing to follow up can severely hurt your chances.

7. Low or Unbalanced GPA
   While GPA isn’t always a dealbreaker, a poor academic record may suggest you’ll struggle with the demands of residency.

8. Limited Leadership and Involvement
   Programs often seek candidates who demonstrate initiative, collaboration, and leadership through involvement in student organizations or volunteer work.

9. Weak Research or Project Involvement
   While research experience isn't always mandatory, a lack of engagement in presentations, posters, or projects can make your application less competitive.

10. Not Ranking Programs Strategically
    This mistake is common but avoidable. Candidates may undermine themselves by ranking too few programs or focusing only on highly competitive sites without backup options.

Key Takeaway: Focus most on crafting a compelling letter of intent, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and maximizing clinical experience. Strengthen your CV, build strong mentor relationships for references, and demonstrate professionalism throughout the process, but get back on the horse and start emailing programs . . . now.

Here's the website for the Interview Materials https://residency.teachable.com/p/interview

1. Research the Program

   Dive deep into the residency program's structure, goals, and key rotations. Understand their mission statement and identify what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest. Use the Excel file to match your APPEs to other residency rotations and offerings. Make sure you talk about PGY-2 if it's available.

2. Review Your Application

   Familiarize yourself with your CV and personal statement. Be prepared to discuss any experiences or projects you mentioned in detail. Highlight your achievements and how they align with the program’s strengths. Again, it's the match, don't highlight your achievements as look at what I did, but look at how we are similar.

3. Practice Behavioral Questions

   Expect questions like, “Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and concisely. There is much more detail in the course about the ROCK STAR and RACE START questions and answers, you can also use those techniques on the supplemental questions.

4. Prepare Questions for Them

   Thoughtful questions show interest and engagement. Ask about mentorship opportunities, unique rotations, or the program’s approach to professional development. Avoid questions you could easily find online. The best questions keep the conversation going.

5. Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge

   Be ready to answer clinical scenarios or demonstrate your thought process in solving problems. Review key disease states, drug interactions, and treatment guidelines relevant to the program's focus. You can find the list of links to TLDR clinical reviews here: https://residency.teachable.com/p/interview

I just wanted to remind you that I’m still offering one-on-one help with letters of intent for residency applications. If you’d like to work with me, simply head to residency.teachable.com. Look for the interview course, sign up there, and then email me your letter of intent.

Make sure your letter is addressed and formatted according to the template provided in the free LOI course. Include as much detail as possible—aiming for a page and a half is better than a single page because it’s always easier to trim content than to add more later.

When you send your email, I’ll also ask for some additional information, like your CV and a link to the program you’re applying to. I typically complete reviews within 24 to 48 hours, so don’t worry if your deadlines are coming up. I’ll make sure you’re all set.

The first letter review also comes with a template that can help you efficiently create the other 10 to 12 letters you might need for the remaining programs you're applying to.

One quick tip: don’t limit yourself to just applying to four programs because of financial constraints. While budgets can be tight, applying to too few sites often limits your opportunities. Find a way to maximize your applications—it can make a huge difference.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at tonythepharmacist@gmail.com. Again, I can turn your letter around in 24 to 48 hours, so deadlines are no problem.

Thanks for listening, and I’m here to help you succeed!

Free Residency Application DIY Course https://residency.teachable.com/

• Research programs thoroughly before arriving.
• Understand each program's unique features and align them with your career goals.
• Prepare a succinct, engaging "elevator pitch" to introduce yourself to program representatives, but stop talking an listen after

• Ensure your CV is tailored, error-free, and professional.
• Bring plenty of printed copies and have a digital version ready to share (you probably won't use them, but it's good to be prepared with what you have done)

• Attend showcase events and take the initiative to introduce yourself to preceptors and residents, but focus on residents!
• Engage in meaningful conversations, showing genuine interest in the program.
• Follow up promptly with thank-you emails to reinforce your impression if you met someone and know their name and have something more you want to know

• Practice common and behavioral interview questions, highlighting your clinical experiences and problem-solving skills.
• Be ready to discuss specific cases, rotations, and how they prepared you for a residency.
• Ask insightful questions to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the program.

• Keep a positive mindset throughout the conference.
• Plan breaks to avoid burnout and maintain your energy.
• Stay organized with a schedule of key events and prioritized program visits.

• Use Midyear as a networking opportunity beyond just the residency showcase.
• Connect with peers, mentors, and professionals to expand your support network.
• Keep track of contacts and continue nurturing those relationships post-conference.

This podcast equips listeners with the tools they need to navigate the ASHP Midyear with confidence and professionalism, helping you maximize the chances of landing your ideal residency. Tune in to learn how preparation, networking, and resilience can make all the difference!

Free DIY Residency Prep Course Link: https://residency.teachable.com/

Coupon Code: MEMORIZING2024

If you want my one-on-one help with the LOI, sign up for the Residency LOI One-on-One Help and Interview Course and send your LOI to me at tonythepharmacist@gmail.com for revision.

In this episode, we break down a Residency Application Rubric to help you assess your strengths, identify gaps, and build a winning pharmacy residency application. From GPA and clinical rotations to leadership roles and community service, we’ll guide you on how to prioritize and rank your experiences effectively. Whether you’re just starting or polishing up your final submission, this episode gives you the tools you need to feel confident and prepared. Tune in and make sure you’re on track to land your dream residency.

$95 dollar coupon is MEMORIZING2024 (all caps)

In this episode, I give my general recommendations for the residency process and give you the free code above for the Extreme LOI/Cover Makeover course focuses on crafting standout Letters of Intent (LOI) for pharmacy residency applications.

It includes templates, video guides, and editing assistance to refine LOIs, emphasizing clarity and professionalism. The course also covers CV writing and interview prep to help candidates increase their match success. Participants can access resources for a year. If you are interested in working one-on-one with me for LOI editing and revision, email me at tonythepharmacist@gmail.com

For more details, and to use the coupon visit the course page.

The Extreme LOI/Cover Makeover course is divided into 12 key sections, focusing on:

1. Personal branding and writing style,
2. Structuring a compelling LOI,
3. Identifying residency goals,
4. Tailoring LOIs to programs,
5. Highlighting skills and experiences,
6. Demonstrating fit with specific programs,
7. CV writing tips,
8. Common application errors to avoid,
9. Personal statement guidance,
10. Interview prep,
11. Finalizing documents, and
12. Editing assistance and review options.

Each section aims to improve LOI quality for a stronger residency application.

In this multi-part series we're going to start looking at what makes residency applications stand out. One of the wow moments, is if you have your name as an author on a peer-reviewed publication, but there are other reasons to publish as well, including finding where your area of specialty is. Want to work with me one-on-one on your letter of intent, you can find some free resources here to get started. https://residency.teachable.com/