1. First year student here wondering what residency programs look for (what kind of marks, experiences, references)?
2. Can somebody take me through a typical application process for resicencies and how competitive it is?
3. What gave you the edge over other applicants?
1) First off, even though a lot of schools and residencies say grades do not matter, they do :-D. Try to be at least in the top 50% of your class and have a pharmacy gpa of > 3.2 of course the higher the better. They like hospital experience, if you want to do a hospital residency, then work in a hospital rather than CVS. References you do not have to worry about until later. My references came from preceptors during clinical rotations and my pharmacy manager, which is where work experience comes in. I guess you could have a great relationship with one of your professors, but many students don't really talk to professors that much, you have much more interactions with preceptors.
2) Bigger hospitals (large university teaching hospital) tend to get more applications. The application process: Work on your resume throughout, however work on them in the summer/fall of your 4th year and before your job fair (4th year). Apply for the match... actually this website explains the match better and timeline... read last page... start emailing residency you might potentally want to go to to build rapport
http://www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/applagmt.pdf
The go to midyear, or don't go, whatever you want based on your financial situation. (early december)
Apply to the residencies, deadllines range from jan 1. - feb 1.
Hear from residencies for interviews usually mid late jan.
Interview
Match
Voila.
3) HOspital experience, EC, Grades, Communication, Motivation... I personally think most applicants are the same and communication and able to talk to ppl without saying um and being all nervous is the key. Just my opinion.
