Understanding the Electronic Residency Application System

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is a centralized, online platform used by medical students and graduates to apply for residency programs in the U.S. Managed by the AAMC, ERAS streamlines the submission of materials to multiple programs.

While ERAS facilitates applications for most U.S. residency programs, certain specialties and programs utilize separate application systems. It’s essential to verify each program’s application process to avoid missteps.

The Registrar’s Office will hold a class meeting in late May to orient you just in time for application season.  For now, the most important advice for junior medical students: track your activities during medical school.  ERAS will ask for them!  This page has a link to the AAMC’s current ERAS Applicant Worksheet to guide you on the information ERAS requires, including:

  • AAMC Account Information: Name, gender, email, and birth date.
  • Basic Personal Information: Preferred name, pronoun, phone, and address.
  • Work Authorizations: US Citizenship or current US work authorization status and visa information.
  • Match Information: NRMP participation and match details, including your intent to match with someone else as a couple (“couples match”).
  • Identification Numbers: ID numbers for USMLE, ECFMG, and NRMP.
  • Biographic Information: Self-identification, ethnicity, and language fluency.
  • Military Information: Service obligations and branch details.
  • Geographic Preferences: Regional preferences for residency.
  • Education: Undergraduate, graduate, and medical education details.
  • Postgraduate Training: Any current or prior Residency or fellowship training.
  • Extensions & Interruptions: Academic or professionalism interruptions, including leaves of absence or extensions.
  • Honors & Awards: Academic or professional recognitions.
  • Professional Memberships: Membership in professional organizations.
  • Selected Experiences: Up to 10 work or extracurricular experiences.
  • Impactful Experiences: Personal reflections on significant life experiences.
  • Hobbies & Interests: Brief descriptions of personal interests.
  • Licenses & Certifications: Any existing medical licenses and other relevant credentials.
  • Additional Questions: Legal or professional conduct disclosures.
  • Publications: Your peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and presentations.
  • Program Signals: Information about expressions of interest in specific residency programs.

Key Features of ERAS

ERAS allows applicants to complete a standardized application, submit supporting documents, and manage communications with residency programs. Here’s how it works:

  • Application Submission: Applicants fill out a single application, including personal information, educational history, and a personal statement. Each personal statement can be customized for individual programs.
  • Document Management: Medical schools upload transcripts and Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs). Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) are submitted directly by authors or through the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Portal.
  • Program Selection: Applicants select programs to apply to and pay fees based on the number of applications.
  • Supplemental Applications: Some programs may require additional information, including a supplemental application or program signaling.
  • Integration with the Match: After submitting applications, applicants participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to rank programs and complete the match process.

ERAS Timeline

Deadlines are critical for a successful ERAS application. Dates will vary each year, but approximate deadlines include:

  • Early June: ERAS opens for the new application season.
  • Early September: Senior medical students can begin submitting applications to programs.
  • Late September: Residency programs can start reviewing applications and MSPEs.

Always check the AAMC’s ERAS timeline for updates and deadlines, which apply for all specialties’ residency programs.

Strategies for Success

Applying for residency through ERAS is a competitive and complex process. Here are some strategies to maximize your chances:

  • Start Early: Begin drafting your personal statement and CV, and requesting Letters of Recommendation well in advance. This ensures your materials are polished and submitted on time.
  • Customize Your Applications: Research programs thoroughly to tailor your personal statement and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
  • Be Organized: Track deadlines and submission statuses to avoid missing any critical steps.
  • Practice for Interviews: Prepare early for your interviews by researching common questions and practicing your responses.

The Writing and Humanities Program offers one-on-one help with your personal statements and CVs.  You can make an appointment as early as you like to start consulting with the WHP director and avoid the rush.

Mock Interviews are offered throughout interview season.  These 30-45 minute sessions are designed to simulate a residency interview offering both interview practice and feedback.  Watch for announcements in mid-September.

ERAS Fees

Budgeting for ERAS fees is an essential part of the process. Fees are based on the number of applications submitted, with costs increasing as you apply to more programs or specialties. Additional fees may apply for USMLE transcripts or supplemental application materials. Refunds are not provided, so double-check your selections before submitting.

Financial Assistance

The AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program to eligible applicants. This program provides a discount on application fees, helping reduce the financial burden of applying for residency.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make in ERAS

Residency applications are highly competitive, and even small errors can impact your chances of success. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Ignoring Program Requirements: Programs often have specific eligibility criteria. Failing to research these details can lead to wasted applications and unnecessary expenses. Always review program websites for details on USMLE scores, visa policies, or additional application requirements.
  • Over-Applying: Many applicants apply to too many programs out of fear of not matching. This approach is costly and may dilute the quality of tailored applications. Instead, focus on programs that align with your goals and qualifications.
  • Weak Personal Statements: Personal statements that are generic, unfocused, or riddled with errors fail to make a strong impression. Tailor each statement to highlight your fit for the specific program.
  • Poorly Chosen Letters of Recommendation: Selecting recommenders who don’t know you well or failing to get LoRs from specialists in your desired field can weaken your application. Ensure your recommenders can speak to your abilities and potential.
  • Missing or Incomplete Documents: Forgetting to upload required documents, like your photo or personal statement, can make your application ineligible. Stay organized and track your document submissions.
  • Overlooking Supplemental Applications: Some programs require supplemental applications or program signaling. Failing to complete these steps can disadvantage you compared to other applicants.
  • Submitting Errors: Typographical errors, formatting mistakes, and inconsistencies in dates or information make your application look careless. Proofread everything multiple times and ask someone else to review it.  HINT: Read your documents backwards to make spelling mistakes more obvious!
  • Poor Budget Management: Not planning for ERAS fees, interview travel, or supplemental costs can lead to financial strain. Budget early and prioritize programs to make your resources stretch further.
  • Weak Interview Preparation: Even a strong ERAS application can falter without adequate interview preparation. Practice common questions, know your application inside out, and research each program before the interview.
  • Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute to complete applications or request documents leads to rushed and lower-quality submissions. Start early to avoid stress and mistakes.