The highly anticipated and nerve-wracking Pharmacy Residency Match Day for PGY-1 and PGY-2 candidates is finally upon us! As someone who survived the PGY-1 match and is now going through the process again for PGY-2, I wanted to share some tips to help you navigate the days leading up to Match Day-and Match Day itself.
An important date to keep in mind is March 7, 2025, the Phase I Rank Order List Deadline. Be sure to submit your ranking list to the National Matching Services Match System by this date. ASHP Match will send out tips on ranking best practices, which I highly recommend reviewing before final submission. You can access these tips through this link: https://natmatch.com/ashprmp/. ASHP Match strongly advises entering and certifying your Rank Order List well before the deadline to avoid any potential problems at the last minute.
Once you submit your Rank Order, you'll have approximately a week and a half before receiving your match result. This period can be very stressful for candidates, so it's important to prioritize your mental health while awaiting the results.
The 2025 Phase I Match results will be released on March 19, 2025. For candidates, the most important thing on Match Day is to honor your feelings. Whatever the outcome, remember that it's happening for a reason. It's completely okay to experience a wide range of emotions. I recommend having a designated person-or a group of people-to share your feelings with. A strong support system is incredibly important!
One key tip for Match Day is to maintain a regular schedule and avoid obsessively checking your phone or computer, waiting for the email. If possible, I recommend putting your phone on 'Do Not Disturb' first thing in the morning. This way, you won't be flooded with texts from peers and can take the time to process your results privately. Once the email arrives, ensure you're in a comfortable, safe space to open it and process your emotions, no matter what the result may be. It's difficult to open a life-changing email in a shared office space. When I was a student, I took the day off from my APPE rotation on Match Day to process the results in the comfort of my home. If you can't take the day off, or if you're a resident expected to work, it may be helpful to ask to come in later, after receiving your results.
Lastly, give yourself credit for everything you've accomplished so far in your career. You've worked incredibly hard to get here, and that alone is something to be proud of. Remember, if you do not match during Phase I of Match Day, there are still many opportunities available to pursue residency training.
Wishing the best of luck to all of the new practitioners pursuing PGY-2 training, as well as to our Residency Program Directors and Coordinators in the New Practitioner Network! Feel free to comment any additional tips you have for Match Day!
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Alexandria Yoby, PharmD
PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident
Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto
Southaven, MS
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