Residency Match Day

I remember that morning—March 17, 2017. It’s 4:40 AM, and I’m sitting in bed refreshing my email… refreshing, refreshing. Like a slot machine, I keep pulling down my finger, hoping for a winning result. I know the Match results won’t be released until 5:00 AM (or 8:00 AM Eastern), but I can’t stop.

And then suddenly… a new email.

GASP.

I hold my breath. Still sitting in bed, now covers half over my face, hands trembling, eyes closed—I click. I’m horrified, exhilarated, nauseated… mostly nauseated.

I open my eyes.

My stomach drops.

The first line reads: CONGRATULATIONS—you have matched for the PGY1 residency program .

Who, me?

A flood of emotions hits all at once: This can’t be right. Is this really me? Oh wow, I’m so happy… oh wow, now I actually have to do this.

I run into my parents’ room like a scared toddler, jump on their bed, and scream, “I MATCHED! I’M GOING!”

With tears in their eyes, they hug and kiss me, offering so much love and support. But as I start talking, my excitement mixes with fear—questions start pouring out:

How am I going to move?

Where am I going to live?

What if they made a mistake?

What if I’m not good enough?

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According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), 6,035 students applied for a PGY1 residency in 2017, and only 3,235 received that same email I did that morning.

YOU MATCHED.

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The amount of preparation that goes into pursuing a residency—deciding, applying, interviewing, and then waiting—is immense. Previous residents and mentors try to prepare you with advice and stories, but the truth is, it’s an experience like no other.

It feels like a lottery system we’re all too familiar with. Similar Match processes happen for medical, dental, and other healthcare students across the country. Your hard work has paid off—but now, the real work begins.

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Now what?!

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First—celebrate.

Tell your mom, your dad, your siblings, your best friend, your coworkers. Tell them. Scream it. Let them scream with you. This is a moment worth celebrating—it’s not just the end of a chapter, it’s the beginning of an entirely new one… maybe even a whole new book.

Next, reach out to your classmates who were also waiting for results. Celebrate with them—or cry with them. Some will match, some won’t. You’ll remind them there’s always Phase II. They’ll hug you, congratulate you, and tell you they always believed in you.

Reach out to your professors and mentors, too. Share the news—they will be incredibly proud of you.

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Now, let’s talk logistics.

You probably still have a rotation to go to that day, so don’t lose track of time—get ready and show up. But be prepared to receive a phone call from your future residency program director around 9 AM. They’ll congratulate you, confirm you received the email, and walk you through the next steps, including the officially binding residency contract.

Most programs start in late June or early July, so the timeline moves fast. You’ll need to start planning when and where to take your licensing and law exams, since most programs require completion by a certain date.

Take the weekend to let everything sink in. Then start looking into housing, moving logistics, and expenses.

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I also strongly recommend creating a solid study plan to ensure you pass your exams. Check out my other article “Creating the Ideal Study Space.” During my final year of pharmacy school, I intentionally scheduled an easier rotation block at the end, closer to graduation, so I could focus on preparing for the NAPLEX and the law exam—and it made a huge difference.

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Over the next few months, you’ll also be preparing for graduation. I highly recommend planning—or at least attending—a celebration to honor everything you’ve accomplished during pharmacy school.

At the same time, stay on top of communication with your residency program. Make sure you’re completing paperwork, signing your lease, and continuing to study.

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Soon after graduation, it’s time to take your boards. If needed, consider traveling out of state to secure an earlier test date rather than waiting for availability nearby.

And then… the exciting part:

It’s time to pack.

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I remember packing my little Nissan Versa to the brim with everything I owned. My dad and I left at 2:00 AM and drove 450 miles to Northern Nevada.

Try not to overbuy furniture right away. Focus on essentials—a good mattress and a comfortable study chair. If you want to treat yourself, buy a great first-day outfit—something professional, put-together, but still you. (Check out my blog on Dress to Impress during rotations and residency,” for some ideas.)

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I arrived on a Thursday, and orientation started that Monday.

I recommend using that weekend to settle in, reflect, and build a small support system. Take a breath. You’ve earned this.

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You’re ready.

I believe in you.