AAMC’s MyERAS PostOffice opens September 15 for the 2013 Match season, 2 weeks later than previous years. This is the date candidates can begin to submit their applications to residency programs. Some of you may have completed your application and are waiting patiently (or impatiently) for September 15. But for those still working on your application, the following information should prove helpful.
Be sure to read through all of the websites (USMLE®, ECFMG, NRMP, ERAS,) thoroughly to understand the instructions and requirements needed to apply to programs successfully. It can be extremely confusing, so take your time and go through each of the steps methodically, re-reading if necessary until you are quite clear about what you need to do. Not following directions correctly could jeopardize your chances, waste valuable time and money, and erode your motivation and confidence.
Become familiar with all the deadlines. For example, IMGs can see the ERAS schedule here: ERAS 2013 Timeline and a thorough overview of the process and requirements here: ECMFG ERAS Support Services
All applicants should download the MyEras User Gude and use the MyERAS Worksheet. The worksheet provides the opportunity to draft the information before filling out the online version of the CAF. Most candidates find this tool to be very useful as they navigate their way through the various components of the application.
Take advantage of the Dashboard, which shows your progress as well as relevant MyERAS alerts, resource links, and ERAS contact information.
It is recommended that you fill out as much of your Profile information of the CAF as soon as you can. The information may be updated anytime, even after you submit your application. Keep this information current as any saved changes are processed immediately to programs to which you have applied.
You have only one MyERAS Application so every program to which you apply will receive the same application. Your Personal Statements can be used to differentiate your application to specific programs and various specialties. You can take your time completing your application, and you can change the information anytime before you submit. However, you may only submit your application once, so no changes can be made once your application is completed, certified, and submitted to ERAS. Click here for access to the ERAS application resources: ERAS CAF Resources for IMGs
If you have any questions as you work through your application that cannot be answered by the online resources or instructions, contact ECFMG directly. It is better to submit your application with complete confidence than worry throughout the season about something that concerned you.
As you work on your application, here are some points to keep in mind:
・ Take the time to review each section. Make sure there is no missing or wrong information, unaccountable gaps, spelling or grammatical errors. Have someone proofread it for you. Do a final check by using the ‘Dashboard’.
・ ERAS Support Services at ECFMG no longer requires that Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) and Medical School Performance Evaluations (MSPEs) be original documents. http://www.ecfmg.org/news/category/eras/
・ Paper documents sent by mail or courier service to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG for the 2013 season will not be eligible for return. The Return of Document Service (RODS) was discontinued at the close of the 2012 season.
・ MSPEs will be released this year on October 1 for MDs, October 15 for DOs
Completing your application is one step among many on the long journey to residency. Please give excellent care and attention to this step because, as our med school graduate blogger states, You Only Get One First Impression – Make Your Residency Application Count!
Good luck to all!