Interview Invites

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Just Because said:
Good luck, are you looking todo management?
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Yes I would love to do management, I just graduated with my MBA, I did both degrees at the same time...I was surprised to see how many people want to do management...Everyone kept telling me no one wanted to do that...LOL When I went to midyear, I realized that wasnt the case...I love clinical pharm too...so Im open to doing a PGY1 to apply to a clinical PGY2 later on....It's hard to decide what you want to do when you want to do it all...LOL
 
Applicants: if you're going to not pick up the phone, make sure your voicemail box is set up and/or is not full. I just tried calling two people for invites and ran into these problems.
 
It is difficult not to over-analyze sometimes when you're just playing the waiting game.

Stay calm, rational, and good luck!
 
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Welp. I finally heard something, a rejection. Kind of bummed as it was a top choice. Just trying to stay positive though.
 
Yeah, I received a call around 4:20ish this evening but was still on my rotation and couldn't pick up. They didn't leave a message but I know my mailbox is set up and it's definitely not full. I didn't realize until after I called back that it was one of the programs I had applied to. I just left a message. I did not think I would be receiving calls from a programs unless it was something related to PhORCAS issues, but I guess I could be wrong. I am quite nervous. Hopefully they don't give out rejections over the phone. Regardless, it's nice to hear from a program.
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
Welp. I finally heard something, a rejection. Kind of bummed as it was a top choice. Just trying to stay positive though.
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Yes, try to stay positive! That is definitely a bummer since you really wanted it...I suppose knowing is better than not, though. But there is still plenty of time to get invites from the other programs!

I still haven't heard a peep from anyone...I guess no news is good news? I'm sure I'm not alone...for some reason I subconsciously assumed that since everything was done online this year, as soon as application deadlines passed all other aspects of the process would move along more quickly. I have anxiety issues with PhORCAS since it is brand-new...is everything really "complete" and submitted when they say it is?

Sigh. Oh well! 🙂

Also - this is a common sense sort of thing but I figured I'd mention it anyway - for everyone whose email address used on their application has a spam filter, be sure to regularly check that folder/service. I have heard from previous residency applicants at my school that they missed interview invitations because the emails were caught in the spam filtering service and they never received a "potential junk mail received" message in Outlook. Just a heads-up! 👍
 
IrishOats said:
...is everything really "complete" and submitted when they say it is?
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apparently not, i just got a email saying one of my reference did not have a formal letter uploaded even though I confirmed everything with my references weeks ago >.< then phorCAS wouldn't open up the portal unless the reference personally contact them, well i don't think my refernces have the time to be put on hold for 40mins....FFFFF! going try to figure this out
 
I hope may be a current resident or admission committee member can provide some thoughts to my theory. My thoughts are that most residencies tend to give interviews immediately to two type of applicants A) someone they know very well and have a competitive CV+Letter of Intent B)someone they are not very familiar with but have a stellar (not merely competitive) CV+Letter of Intent. After the above mentioned two types of candidates, there is the group of candidates that all seem very competitive but nothing that stands out particularly compared to everyone else. In this group, probably 1/2 or 3/4 of the interviews will be granted to. Due to the competitive nature of the process, this is the part that no one really knows and its all really flip of a coin. :laugh:

Correct me if I am wrong or just to give your two cents!
 
Deja said:
apparently not, i just got a email saying one of my reference did not have a formal letter uploaded even though I confirmed everything with my references weeks ago >.< then phorCAS wouldn't open up the portal unless the reference personally contact them, well i don't think my refernces have the time to be put on hold for 40mins....FFFFF! going try to figure this out
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Same thing happened to me, I emailed my preceptor and he called PhORCAS...apparently all of the letters he submitted were not being seen so PhORCAS reset all of his recommendations for various people. GOOD LUCK!!! Contact your preceptor immediately!!
 
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For those who are desperately waiting to hear something. I hope this can help some of you relax, I sure did. I am currently on rotation at one of the institutions I applied to. I was told by one of the persons in the residency committee today that she viewed my application. I told her I was worried because I hadn't heard anything. She told me that their process takes a while and several people are involved. She also told me that they don't send out interview invites until late January.

I know some of you have already received invites but for those of us who haven't be patient, you don't know what that institution's process is....
 
gmo0823 said:
For those who are desperately waiting to hear something. I hope this can help some of you relax, I sure did. I am currently on rotation at one of the institutions I applied to. I was told by one of the persons in the residency committee today that she viewed my application. I told her I was worried because I hadn't heard anything. She told me that their process takes a while and several people are involved. She also told me that they don't send out interview invites until late January.

I know some of you have already received invites but for those of us who haven't be patient, you don't know what that institution's process is....
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I think that's a really good point to make. I have only had a few deadlines pass and still have several deadlines into the end of next week. Some sites like to get interview invites out quickly but I think that for the majority, invites will slowly come in over the next few weeks.
 
Large academic centers take a while to review applications, obviously they get a lot more applicants than the smaller programs... some places require at least 2 people to review each applicant to make it a fair assessment
 
Stay positive if you haven't heard back from people or got a rejection so far! Here are some things to think about!

1. Each program is unique and may be looking for slightly different things in an applicant. Just because one program may not think you are the best match doesn't mean another won't either.

2. A lot of programs, especially the bigger teaching hospitals or perhaps those directly affiliated with a University I have heard use a committee to review the applications starting around the deadline and can take even up to 2 weeks before they contact most people.

3. Those with earlier deadlines technically have more time to think about candidates before setting up interviews within the timeline before match stuff is due too. The earlier deadline programs may also be taking longer because they may have a higher proportion of incomplete applications at the time of their deadline, due to multiple issues with PhORCAS.

4. Was the program known to be extremely competitive and/or in a popular city? i.e. lines for CA residencies, John Hopkins, and those in NYC looked like they were 30people+ long during Midyear compared to a lot of others, some programs almost took up the entire width of the walkway lol. Sometimes those programs just get so many that even if you are a great overall candidate in general with good grades too I am sure they just have to make cuts eventually depending on the numbers.
 
Haven't even started reviewing the applications, deadline was last week.
 
Got my first interview invite yesterday. It was by phone. Program deadline was last week and actual interview isn't until February. Really surprised they're even sending out invites this early because they're a really large teaching hospital but I'm happy nonetheless. Good luck to everyone!
 
I have already heard from 2 programs this morning either inviting me for an interview or letting me know when they will finish reviewing applications. I think that more sites are starting to get things together and contact candidates.
 
sprwmn88 said:
Got my first interview invite yesterday. It was by phone. Program deadline was last week and actual interview isn't until February. Really surprised they're even sending out invites this early because they're a really large teaching hospital but I'm happy nonetheless. Good luck to everyone!
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East or west coast?
 
Got my first interview invite today! Glad to finally see some movement on my applications!
 
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sprwmn88 said:
East coast, in the South.
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Nice! Yeah still playing the waiting game!.... But still keeping my :xf:

Did you only apply to programs around your geographical region?
 
Finally heard something! One invite to big teaching hospital (by phone) and one rejected. I'm happy both are competetive, so everyone does look for something different!
 
Just Because said:
Nice! Yeah still playing the waiting game!.... But still keeping my :xf:

Did you only apply to programs around your geographical region?
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I did only because I have great programs around my area that fit what I want in a program. I applied to 9 total programs, all ones that I really like. I can't imagine the amount if I opened expanded my criteria for location. Are you in the South as well?
 
sprwmn88 said:
I did only because I have great programs around my area that fit what I want in a program. I applied to 9 total programs, all ones that I really like. I can't imagine the amount if I opened expanded my criteria for location. Are you in the South as well?
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I agree with about having good programs within close proximity. I live on the Atlantic 🙂 that's as Far East as ever lol
 
frk said:
Finally heard something! One invite to big teaching hospital (by phone) and one rejected. I'm happy both are competetive, so everyone does look for something different!
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Congrats on your invite but they also called you for a rejection at another site? I didn't know they did that.
 
2nd rejection and one interview invite over phone today. I was extremely upset after the second rejection. 10 minutes later, I got the call for invite. Still bummed about my rejections so far, but I'm really happy I got an invite.
 
Got my first interview invite via email today. 😀
 
Where in Texas did you get the invite? Expecting some stuffs from Texas.
 
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gmo0823 said:
For those who are desperately waiting to hear something. I hope this can help some of you relax, I sure did. I am currently on rotation at one of the institutions I applied to. I was told by one of the persons in the residency committee today that she viewed my application. I told her I was worried because I hadn't heard anything. She told me that their process takes a while and several people are involved. She also told me that they don't send out interview invites until late January.

I know some of you have already received invites but for those of us who haven't be patient, you don't know what that institution's process is....
Click to expand...

Buffalo89 said:
Stay positive if you haven't heard back from people or got a rejection so far! Here are some things to think about!

1. Each program is unique and may be looking for slightly different things in an applicant. Just because one program may not think you are the best match doesn't mean another won't either.

2. A lot of programs, especially the bigger teaching hospitals or perhaps those directly affiliated with a University I have heard use a committee to review the applications starting around the deadline and can take even up to 2 weeks before they contact most people.

3. Those with earlier deadlines technically have more time to think about candidates before setting up interviews within the timeline before match stuff is due too. The earlier deadline programs may also be taking longer because they may have a higher proportion of incomplete applications at the time of their deadline, due to multiple issues with PhORCAS.

4. Was the program known to be extremely competitive and/or in a popular city? i.e. lines for CA residencies, John Hopkins, and those in NYC looked like they were 30people+ long during Midyear compared to a lot of others, some programs almost took up the entire width of the walkway lol. Sometimes those programs just get so many that even if you are a great overall candidate in general with good grades too I am sure they just have to make cuts eventually depending on the numbers.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick advice! I submitted day after Christmas and I am on west coast~ Some of my classmates have received invites already, but we didn't apply to same institutions. I am just staying positive and being patient! Most of my deadlines only started coming up last week on the 4th and today, the 11th. Be patient everyone!!! The waves should be coming in now!!!...brace yourself!😀
 
jyw003 said:
Thanks for the quick advice! I submitted day after Christmas and I am on west coast~ Some of my classmates have received invites already, but we didn't apply to same institutions. I am just staying positive and being patient! Most of my deadlines only started coming up last week on the 4th and today, the 11th. Be patient everyone!!! The waves should be coming in now!!!...brace yourself!😀
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Well Put 🙂
 
GoldfishPharmD said:
2nd rejection and one interview invite over phone today. I was extremely upset after the second rejection. 10 minutes later, I got the call for invite. Still bummed about my rejections so far, but I'm really happy I got an invite.
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Don't sweat it. Just make sure you ROCK on those you received invitations from. What geographical area are you applying too?
 
frk said:
Finally heard something! One invite to big teaching hospital (by phone) and one rejected. I'm happy both are competetive, so everyone does look for something different!
Click to expand...

Congrats!
 
Just Because said:
Don't sweat it. Just make sure you ROCK on those you received invitations from. What geographical area are you applying too?
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Thanks, I appreciate it! I mainly applied to programs in the South/South East.
 
Do you know if these students got interviews to any major west coast schools?
 
Hi everyone,

I applied to 17 programs because all but 1 are large teaching institutions that are competitive and have huge pools of applicants each year.

I have only heard back definitively from one program, unfortunately with a rejection.

What do you think about sending a response email thanking them for their consideration and asking if there was any particular reason why I was not offered an on-site interview. Is this weird?

I have just over a 3.7 GPA with research experience, extracurricular activities, good letters of recommendation to the best of my knowledge, and community service. I feel my application overall is not the best they have ever seen, but a solid and well-rounded one. I would like to know if there was a red flag or something else I have not considered. If I do get into residency, many of these programs would be possibilities for the PGY2 year, so it may be nice to know what they are looking for.

What do you think...

Good luck to everyone eagerly awaiting responses for programs!
:luck: :luck: :luck:
 
AZcats said:
Hi everyone,

I applied to 17 programs because all but 1 are large teaching institutions that are competitive and have huge pools of applicants each year.

I have only heard back definitively from one program, unfortunately with a rejection.

What do you think about sending a response email thanking them for their consideration and asking if there was any particular reason why I was not offered an on-site interview. Is this weird?

I have just over a 3.7 GPA with research experience, extracurricular activities, good letters of recommendation to the best of my knowledge, and community service. I feel my application overall is not the best they have ever seen, but a solid and well-rounded one. I would like to know if there was a red flag or something else I have not considered. If I do get into residency, many of these programs would be possibilities for the PGY2 year, so it may be nice to know what they are looking for.

What do you think...

Good luck to everyone eagerly awaiting responses for programs!
:luck: :luck: :luck:
Click to expand...

TBH everyone is very busy this time of year, and your e-mail will make the residency director even more busy. Also, there might not be one reason, and you might have just not gotten as many points on the program's scoring system as other applicants. Seems like you have good credentials, but those things aren't the only things that programs evaluate. I don't really think you should e-mail the residency director.

With 17 apps, hopefully some of them are at somewhat less competitive places and you'll get interviews. I had credentials similar to yours plus a lot of leadership positions, and I got rejected from more than half of the programs I applied to. I never advise people to only apply to big teaching institutions. You may be well-rounded, but there are lots of other well-rounded people out there (and last year's match results basically showed this).
 
AZcats said:
Hi everyone,

I applied to 17 programs because all but 1 are large teaching institutions that are competitive and have huge pools of applicants each year.

I have only heard back definitively from one program, unfortunately with a rejection.

What do you think about sending a response email thanking them for their consideration and asking if there was any particular reason why I was not offered an on-site interview. Is this weird?

I have just over a 3.7 GPA with research experience, extracurricular activities, good letters of recommendation to the best of my knowledge, and community service. I feel my application overall is not the best they have ever seen, but a solid and well-rounded one. I would like to know if there was a red flag or something else I have not considered. If I do get into residency, many of these programs would be possibilities for the PGY2 year, so it may be nice to know what they are looking for.

What do you think...

Good luck to everyone eagerly awaiting responses for programs!
:luck: :luck: :luck:
Click to expand...

You probably got rejected because you don't appear to have any work experience. That is a screening criteria for many institutions....(it was for sure where I did residency and the program I precept for now). There is a huge learning curve for residents who have not held a pharmacy job.
 
KARM12 said:
You probably got rejected because you don't appear to have any work experience. That is a screening criteria for many institutions....(it was for sure where I did residency and the program I precept for now). There is a huge learning curve for residents who have not held a pharmacy job.
Click to expand...

Is it a big difference if it was a retail job... Or do they count it as no experience, because it's not hospital?
 
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Stats for this year...we have a large number of positions...

1:10 (number apps to positions, last yr it was 1:8)
1:3 (interviews offered to positions, last yr it was 1:4) - we decreased it to save our sanity as we ended up not ranking a good number of applicants last yr. All the ones we ended up ranking were in our "top invite" list
 
AZcats said:
Hi everyone,

I applied to 17 programs because all but 1 are large teaching institutions that are competitive and have huge pools of applicants each year.

I have only heard back definitively from one program, unfortunately with a rejection.

What do you think about sending a response email thanking them for their consideration and asking if there was any particular reason why I was not offered an on-site interview. Is this weird?

I have just over a 3.7 GPA with research experience, extracurricular activities, good letters of recommendation to the best of my knowledge, and community service. I feel my application overall is not the best they have ever seen, but a solid and well-rounded one. I would like to know if there was a red flag or something else I have not considered. If I do get into residency, many of these programs would be possibilities for the PGY2 year, so it may be nice to know what they are looking for.

What do you think...

Good luck to everyone eagerly awaiting responses for programs!
:luck: :luck: :luck:
Click to expand...

Are these programs all across the country? Or concentrated in one geographical location?
 
Just Because said:
Is it a big difference if it was a retail job... Or do they count it as no experience, because it's not hospital?
Click to expand...

This may be program specific, but we count either retail or hospital for this requirement...for us it is a "yes or no" for this category.

Were I did my residency gave higher "points" to those with hospital experience. I do know of one program in my area that only looks at applicants with hospital work experience.
 
KARM12 said:
This may be program specific, but we count either retail or hospital for this requirement...for us it is a "yes or no" for this category.

Were I did my residency gave higher "points" to those with hospital experience. I do know of one program in my area that only looks at applicants with hospital work experience.
Click to expand...

Oh ok, I was only able to land retail experience... Hospital is hard to come by. Nevertheless, I did average 20 hrs while in school... And whenever I wasn't traveling I would work 40 for 3 years consecutively.
 
KARM12 said:
This may be program specific, but we count either retail or hospital for this requirement...for us it is a "yes or no" for this category.

Were I did my residency gave higher "points" to those with hospital experience. I do know of one program in my area that only looks at applicants with hospital work experience.
Click to expand...

Also could you give me a breakdown of your "point system"?
 
Thanks for the advice. I was hesitant to send the question for similar reasons.

I applied all over the country and have 1 "safety" application in my state.

I agree that lack of work experience could be an issue for me. It can be very difficult for pharmacy students in my area to get intern jobs over the past few years due to the economy being down and a saturation of students in this area compared to the availability and funding for the intern position. I made the decision to focus on school and keep my GPA higher and use my extra time for pharmacy outreach. Actually getting the job here would mean many hours with little flexibility around tests. Hopefully someone will still give me a chance.
 
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Just Because said:
Also could you give me a breakdown of your "point system"?
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We don't use a point system where I am at now...I can't remember how it was broken down where I was a resident. The categories were GPA, work, quality of rotations, LOI, recommendations.
 
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AZcats said:
Thanks for the advice. I was hesitant to send the question for similar reasons.

I applied all over the country and have 1 "safety" application in my state.

I agree that lack of work experience could be an issue for me. It can be very difficult for pharmacy students in my area to get intern jobs over the past few years due to the economy being down and a saturation of students in this area compared to the availability and funding for the intern position. I made the decision to focus on school and keep my GPA higher and use my extra time for pharmacy outreach. Actually getting the job here would mean many hours with little flexibility around tests. Hopefully someone will still give me a chance.
Click to expand...

If you end up scrambling, our faculty are very good about helping (I'm assuming we attend the same school). Don't let one rejection discourage you. You have 16 more out there. One is bound to catch something 😉
 
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