The NAPLEX Results Waiting Game: A Survival Guide
So, you’ve conquered the NAPLEX. You’re a pharmacy rockstar, right? Wrong. Now comes the agonizing wait for your results. It’s like waiting for a delayed flight, but with way less free booze. Let’s dive into the murky waters of NAPLEX result timelines, specifically in the Golden State.
The Official Wait Time: Don't Hold Your Breath
According to the cold, hard facts provided by the California State Board of Pharmacy, you can expect to wait anywhere between 30-45 business days for your results. Business days – a term that sounds so much more professional than “weekdays.” It’s like they’re trying to make the wait feel shorter.
But let's be real, who can actually count in business days when you're drowning in a sea of anxiety? It's more like "days that feel like weeks."
The Unofficial Wait Time: It's a Crapshoot
While the official wait time is a nice, round number, the reality is often different. Some people get their results in two weeks, while others feel like they’re in a never-ending Groundhog Day loop. It's like the NAPLEX results fairy decides who gets their results early based on how many times they've chanted "please, please, please" into a mirror.
How to Survive the Wait
- Distraction is your friend: Binge-watch your favorite show, take up a new hobby, or simply stare at the wall. Anything to avoid obsessing over your results.
- Join a support group: Find other NAPLEX takers who are in the same boat. Misery loves company, right? You can commiserate, share tips, and maybe even convince yourselves that you all passed.
- Avoid the internet: The internet is full of horror stories and wild speculations. It's a recipe for disaster. Trust me, your mental health will thank you.
How to...
- How to stop refreshing your email every 5 minutes: Set a timer. Every hour, check your email. This will help prevent you from developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- How to avoid driving your friends and family crazy: Talk about something else. Seriously. They don't want to hear about NAPLEX results 24/7.
- How to stay sane during the wait: Remember, there's life beyond the NAPLEX. Enjoy this time to relax and recharge before diving into your pharmacy career.
- How to celebrate when you finally get your results: Treat yourself! Whether it's a spa day, a shopping spree, or a night out with friends, you deserve it.
- How to cope if you don't pass: Don't beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us. Take some time to regroup, figure out what went wrong, and then tackle the NAPLEX again with renewed determination.