Candidate reactions to a postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency supplemental application

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gauge postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency candidates' reactions to supplemental applications, as well as aspects specific to our process, including a personality test and situational judgment test (SJT).

Methods: After rank lists were submitted, applicants to our program were invited to complete an online survey. Outcomes of interest included candidates' perceptions of relevance and fairness. Whether candidates' attitudes differed based on the receipt of an interview offer was also assessed.

Results: Of 199 applicants to our program for the 2021-2022 training year, 48 applicants (24.1%) completed the survey, 15 of whom had received an interview offer. Most (64.6%) agreed that supplemental applications were useful, and nearly all (95.8%) indicated that they were willing to submit one for programs in which they were most interested. The process was seen as being fair, although ratings were higher among those who received interview offers. Most respondents believed that the personality test and SJT were relevant to the role of a resident, but attitudes towards the SJT were generally more favorable and less likely to vary according to whether candidates received an interview offer. Candidates believed that the personality test and SJT were not as representative of them as letters of reference or their curriculum vitae, but perceptions of academic performance varied.

Conclusion: Applicants responded positively to our supplemental application and indicated that they would be willing to complete one for programs of interest. These findings should help assuage concerns about the use of supplemental applications, particularly when short-answer or essay formats are avoided.