As the chances of a pharmacy residency go up each year, residency sites are a little more lenient as they still want to get a great pool of applicants. But how do you handle something you can't control? In this episode of the Pharmacy Residency Podcast, I go over the things you want and don't want to say in your explanatory email.
- Late Transcripts - these are generally a problem because when the winter rolls around and the holidays, there is simply nothing you can do as the transcript office is closed for the break. Take the time to download a PDF version so that at least the committee can have something and not disqualify your application.
- Late recommendations - these are tough because you likely are depending on someone and need them to say something nice, but you don't want to be a pest. The ASHP recommendation form changed significantly this year with the ability to upload an actual paper recommendation in addition to filling out those boxes, but they removed the most important box, that which explains how you are uniquely qualified for that residency. If you can, ask directly for your recommender to upload an actual recommendation, nothings says you are a valuable student more than someone spending extra time on you and your service to them prompting it.
- Late applications - you might discover a couple of residencies that really fit a lot better but have gone under the radar. Don't be afraid to apply, so many times I've seen applicants get the place they really want in this late stage.
