Student characteristics associated with successful matching to a PGY1 residency program

Abstract

Objective. To identify predictors for postgraduate matching success. Methods. In April 2014, a survey was distributed to students at five schools of pharmacy in the United States assessing organizational involvement, research and work experience, postgraduation plans, match status, and demographics. Results. Five hundred seventy-seven students (82%) completed the survey. Applicants who matched had a higher median number of interview offers compared to those who did not match. Significantly more females than males applied for a residency program. Those who matched had a higher median pharmacy school grade point average (GPA) compared to those who did not. No differences were observed in the rates of matching when leadership positions, student organizational membership, or previous work experience were considered. Conclusion. For pharmacy students in this study, number of applications and interviews, pharmacy school GPA, and female gender were associated with a higher likelihood of matching.