MCPHS Application Portal Tips

Our application portal is officially open! Read on for tips on making sure you’re prepared for the application process.

MCPHS Fellowship Application Important Dates:

SMApply Portal: https://mcphs.smapply.io

Application portal is open October 2, 2023 – November 17, 2023

Application Materials

Make sure to have all of the following materials for a completed application:

• PDF of curriculum vitae (CV) – will carry over to all applications submitted through SMApply
• PDF of company/position specific letter of intent (LOI) – unique to each application submitted
• Copy of unofficial transcript – will carry over to all applications submitted through SMApply
• Contact information for 3-4 references – will carry over to all applications submitted through SMApply

Each company and position you apply to will require its specific application to be submitted for consideration.

Your application is our first introduction to you. Many programs, including MCPHS, accept applications on a rolling basis, so it is better to apply earlier rather than closer to the deadline. Proofread your materials and have someone else review your application materials before you submit them!

Letter of Intent

The purpose of your letter of intent is to show us who you are as an individual and what motivates you to join us. The letter of intent should not simply repeat what is already on your CV, but rather showcase your skill set, emphasize pivotal experiences, and how they influenced your career aspirations (not a description of what you did there—that’s on your CV!).

Here’s a general organization of a letter of intent:

1. Express interest in the position: Begin by stating your interest in the position you are applying for and why it caught your attention.
2. Why you are interested in the company/program: Share your enthusiasm for the company or program you are applying to! Highlight specific aspects that resonate with you, such as their mission, values, or previous achievements.
3. Why you would be a good fit for the position: Emphasize your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position. Connect your background to the requirements of the role and explain how you can contribute to the program.
4. Summary of main points: Conclude your letter by summarizing the main points you have discussed. Restate your interest in the position and express your eagerness to further discuss your qualifications.

Remember to tailor your letter of intent to the specific position and organization you are applying to! While some programs differ, it is generally considered a best practice to address the letter of intent to the program specific fellowship director(s), as mentioned in the company brochure. It is also recommended to keep your letter of intent to one page, as longer letters may not necessarily provide additional valuable information and can cause the main points to get lost.

CV

CV organization can vary depending on the field and individual preferences. Tailor your CV to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills for the position you are applying to. (tip: education and industry-related experiences should be first and second, respectively).

Here’s a general guide for organizing your CV:

1. Education: Start with your educational background, including your degree(s), institution(s), and graduation date(s).
2. Pharmaceutical Industry Experience (if applicable): Highlight any internships, jobs, projects or relevant Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) related to the pharmaceutical industry.
3. Leadership Experience/Community Service: Include any leadership roles you have held, such as student organization positions, volunteer work, or community service activities.
4. Projects and Presentations: Showcase relevant projects or presentations you have completed during APPEs, internships, or school. Highlight the skills and knowledge you gained from these experiences.
5. Publications/Posters: If you have any published work or posters, list them in this section. Include the title, authors, and publication details.You may include ongoing manuscripts for publication or posters that will be presented in the near future. However, be sure to include the expected date of presentation or publication.
6. Work Experience: Include any other work experiences you have, such as community or hospital pharmacy intern positions. Highlight the skills and responsibilities relevant to the position you are applying for.
7. Completed APPEs: List the APPEs you have completed, including the rotation site, preceptor name, and dates.
8. Anticipated APPEs (can combine with completed APPEs): If you have any upcoming APPEs, mention them in this section.
9. Honors and Awards: Highlight any honors, awards, or scholarships you have received.

List experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first) within each section.

We recommend your CV be no more than four pages (if it is more than four pages, evaluate what is on your CV and how it adds value to your story). You should be able to speak to everything listed on your CV, and how each experience makes you a strong candidate.

Recommendation Forms

References will need to complete and submit an online form via SMApply, NOT a formal letter of recommendation. References must submit the evaluation form no later than November 27, 2023 via the online portal.

You will need to provide the contact information of three professional references. You may submit up to four, however, only three are required. You cannot submit your application until you have entered the contact information for all of your references, however, recommenders have until the deadline to complete their recommendation. Ideally, they should be from the pharmacy field, but it is not mandatory. You should choose people who can give you a strong recommendation and who know you well. Also, ask them for their permission to use them as references ahead of time, such as at the end of an APPE rotation if you want to ask your APPE preceptor.

Have further questions?

If you have more questions, please contact us at: PharmDFellowships@mcphs.edu

---