eras personal statement requirements

Personal Statement

Personal statements may be used to customize the application to a specific program or to different specialties. 

In This Section:

Creating the personal statement, formatting the personal statement, previewing the personal statement, reviewing/editing the personal statement, assigning the personal statement.

You create your own personal statements in the MyERAS portal from the Personal Statements section listed under Documents. 

• Each personal statement must contain a Personal Statement Title and the Personal Statement Content. The title will be visible only to you to help you correctly assign it to programs, and the content will be visible to both you and the programs it is assigned to. 
• The personal statement is limited to 28,000 characters, which include letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation marks. 
• There is not a limit to how many personal statements applicants can create. 
• Personal statements created outside the MyERAS application should be done in a plain text word processing application such as Notepad (for Windows users) or SimpleText (for Mac users). The statement should reflect your personal perspective and experiences accurately and must be your own work and not the work of another author or the product of artificial intelligence. 
• Personal statements created in word processing applications not using plain text may contain hidden and invalid formatting. 
• Note: A number of websites provide examples of personal statements. Do not copy any information from these sites and use it in your personal statements without giving credit to the author. Such use is considered plagiarism. 
• The ERAS program will investigate any suspected acts of plagiarism. 
• Any substantiated findings of plagiarism may result in the reporting of such findings to the programs to which you apply now and in subsequent ERAS seasons. 

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When creating a personal statement in the MyERAS application, the following formatting options will be available: 

• Bold. 
• Italic. 
• Underline. 
• Strikethrough. 
• Bullets. 
• Numbering. 
• Align left. 
• Center. 
• Align right. 
• Increase indent. 
• Decrease indent. 
• Insert hyperlink. 

After entering the personal statement title and content, you will have the opportunity to preview your personal statement before saving it. This preview allows you to view your personal statement just as the programs will view it, including the number of pages.  

You are responsible for reviewing your personal statements before assigning them to programs. 

The Preview/Print option under the Actions column will allow you to view and/or print your personal statement. 

Personal statements can be edited at any point during the application season — even when assigned to programs that have been applied to. 

Personal statements that have been edited will be reflected on the programs’ side by an updated status containing the date of the updated version, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review updated versions of personal statements. 

You may designate the assignment of one personal statement for each program. 

• Personal statements can be assigned to any saved or applied to programs from the Personal Statements page by selecting “Assign” under the Actions column of the intended personal statement. 
• When assigning by personal statement, programs listed with a disabled checkbox already have the selected personal statement currently assigned. 
• When assigning by personal statement, you should review any personal statements that are listed under the Assigned Personal Statement column before making selections or changes. 
• Personal statements can be assigned by program using the Assign option under the Actions column on both the Saved Programs and Programs Applied To pages. 
• Changes to personal statement assignments can be made throughout the application season, but programs are not guaranteed to view or review newly assigned personal statements. 
• A personal statement cannot be assigned to programs that are closed. 
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The Residency Personal Statement (2023/2024): The Insider’s Guide (with Examples)

A physician and former residency program director explains how to write your residency personal statement to match in to your top-choice residency program in 2024.

Read example residency personal statements and suggested outlines..

Introduction

The residency personal statement allows residency program directors and associate directors the chance to get a sense of who you are and your commitment to your chosen specialty. 

As a former program director who understands how residency personal statements are reviewed, what “stands out,” and, most importantly, what will earn you interview invitations, the information below will help you write a residency personal statement to match!

It is imperative to make sure you get the most accurate guidance possible with regards to your residency personal statement content and optimal residency personal statement length (up to 5300 characters with spaces).

Want more personalized suggestions? Sign up for a FREE residency personal statement consultation .

Table of Contents

Goals for Writing Your 2024 Residency Personal Statement

Above all else, your residency personal statement offers the opportunity to show your interest in your chosen specialty when applying to residency to illustrate you are a good fit.

The more details you offer about why you are interested in the specialty and how your med school rotations, accomplishments and experiences have reinforced this interest, the stronger your personal statement will be, the more it will appeal to selection committees and the better you will do in the match process .

I encourage applicants to offer as much “evidence” as possible to “show” rather than “tell” what qualities, characteristics and interests they have. “Telling” a reader, for example, that you are compassionate and hard working means nothing. Instead, you must “show” that you embody these qualities based on your experiences in health care and the patients for whom you have cared.

The residency personal statement also offers the opportunity to write about who you are as a person to convey some details about your background, influences, and interests outside of your given specialty.

The Importance of a Balanced Residency Personal Statement

The key when writing your residency personal statement is to ensure that it is well-balanced so it appeals to a large group of people who might read your ERAS residency application.

However, it is important to understand that every program director and faculty member has his or her own idea of what he would like to read in a personal statement. As an applicant, you must go into this process understanding that you cannot please everyone, or a specific program, and your personal statement should therefore have the broadest appeal possible.

For example, some program directors would rather hear about your personal interests and curiosities and get to know who you are rather than have you focus on the specialty in which you are interested.

At MedEdits, we suggest taking a “middle of the road” approach; include some details about who you are but also focus on the specialty itself. In this way, you will make more traditional reviewers who want to hear about your interest in the specialty happy while also satisfying those who would rather learn about you as a person.

Above all, be authentic and true to yourself when writing your statement. This always leads to the best results! Read on to learn more about how to write a winning personal statement.

About MedEdits

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Founded by a former associate program director, the experts at MedEdits will make your residency personal statement shine. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Need Help With Your Residency Personal Statement?

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Residency Personal Statement Outline & Structure

Residency applicants often do well when given outlines or templates to follow, so, we will offer that, but, it is important to realize that many applicants deviate from these rigid rules. One very typical outline that serves applicants quite well in the residency admissions process is:

• Compose a catchy introduction. Your intro can be related to your interest in the specialty to which you are applying, about a hobby or personal experience, or about your background. Regardless of the topic you choose, you want to tell a story and start with something that will interest your reader and engage him.
• The next two to four paragraphs comprise the body of your personal statement. We encourage applicants to write about any significant experiences they have had related to their desired specialty and/or future goals. This would include information about rotations, electives, and sub internships related to the specialty, volunteer and research experiences and even significant outside interests.
• Finally, you want to conclude your essay. In your conclusion, write about what you seek in a residency program, what you will bring to a residency program, and, if you have any idea of your future career goals, write about those as well. Your conclusion is also where you can tailor a personal statement to a specific geographic area of interest or type of program (rural, urban, community).

Residency Personal Statement Length & Residency Personal Statement Word Limit

Residency Personal Statement Length: Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be between 4000 – 5300 characters with spaces or up to 900 words in length. 

The allowed ERAS residency personal statement length is 28,000 characters which equates to about five pages!

We have been hearing from more and more applicants that the personal statement should not exceed one page when typed in to the ERAS application . Because of this overwhelming trend, we are supporting this guidance unless you have extenuating circumstances that require your personal statement be longer.

Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be a maximum of 5300 characters with spaces.

ERAS Residency Personal Statement Checklist

• Ensure your personal statement flows well

The best personal statements are easy to read, don’t make the reader think too much, and make your path and interests seem logical. Rarely does a personal statement have a theme. Also try to have each paragraph transition to the next seamlessly. 

2. Your personal statement should be about you!

Your personal statement should be about you and no one else. Focus on your interests, your accomplishments and your path. This is your opportunity to be forthcoming about your achievements – by writing in detail about what you have done.

3. Be sure your personal statement clearly outlines your interest in the specialty.

Since the reader wants to be convinced of your understanding of, experience in, and curiosity about the specialty to which you are applying, be sure you highlight what you have done to explore your interest as well as your insights and observations about the specialty to show your understanding of it.

4. Make it human.

Again, your personal statement should be about you! The reader wants to know who you are, where you are from, what your interests are and who you are outside of medicine. Therefore, try to include those details about your background that are intriguing or important to you.

5. Express your interest in the specialty.

The reader fundamentally wants to know why you are pursuing the specialty. The more details you offer the more convincing you are about your commitment and your understanding of the specialty. Be sure to include details that might seem obvious. For example, in emergency medicine you must like acute care, but try to include more nuanced details about your interest, too. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved? What do you value about the actual work you will do? What do you enjoy about the patients for whom you will care? How about the setting in which you will practice?

6. The start and evolution of your interest.

Readers want to know how and when you became interested in your specialty. Was this before medical school? During medical school? What have you done to pursue and nurture your interest in the specialty?

7. What you have done to learn more about the specialty.

You should explain what you have done to pursue your interest. What rotations have you done or have planned? What research, scholarly work or community service activities have you pursued to further your interest?

8. Where you see yourself in the future – if you know!

Without going into too much detail, write about the type of setting in which you see yourself in the future. Do you hope to also participate in research, teaching, public health work or community outreach as a part of your career? What are your future goals? Since many programs typically train a certain type of physician, it is important that your goals are aligned with the programs to which you are applying.

9. What do you bring to the specialty?

You should try to identify what you can bring to the program and the specialty to which you are applying as a whole. For example, are you applying to family medicine and have a distinct interest in public health? Are you applying for internal medicine and do you have demonstrated expertise in information technology and hope to improve electronic medical records? Do you have extensive research or teaching experience, and do you hope to continue to pursue these interests in the future? Have you developed a commitment to global health, and do you hope to continue making contributions abroad? Programs have a societal obligation to select residents who will make valuable contributions in the future, so the more ambitions you have the more desirable a candidate you will be.

10. What type of program you hope to join?

Do you hope to be part of a community or university-based program? What are you seeking in a residency program? Programs are looking for residents who will be the right “fit” so offering an idea of what you are seeking in a program will help them determine if your values and goals mesh with those of the program.

11. Who you are outside of the hospital?

Try to bring in some personal elements about who you are. You can do this in a few ways. If you have any outside interests or accomplishments that complement your interest in your specialty, such as extracurricular work, global work, teaching or volunteer efforts, write about them in detail, and, in doing so, show the reader a different dimension of your personality. Or, consider opening your statement by writing about an experience related to your hobbies or outside interests. Write about this in the form of an introductory vignette. I suggest taking this nontraditional approach only if you are a talented writer and can somehow relate your outside interest to the specialty you are pursuing, however. An interest in the arts can lend itself to dermatology, plastic surgery or ophthalmology, for example. Or, an interest in technology could relate to radiology .

12. Any personal challenges?

Also explain any obstacles you have overcome: Were you the first in your family to graduate from college? Were you an immigrant? Did you have limited financial resources and work through college? Many applicants tend to shy away from the very things that make them impressive because they are afraid of appearing to be looking for sympathy. As long as you explain how you have overcome adversity in a positive or creative way, your experience will be viewed as the tremendous accomplishment that it is. The personal statement should explain any unusual or distinctive aspects of your background.

• Residency Match: How It Works & How To Get Matched

Common ERAS Residency Personal Statement Mistakes

Do not tell your entire life story or write a statement focused on your childhood or undergraduate career. 

Do not write about why you wanted to be a doctor. This is old news. From the reviewers perspective, you already are a doctor!

Do not write a personal statement focused on one hobby or begin with your birth. Some background information might be useful if it offers context to your choices and path, but your residency personal statement should be focused on the present and what you have done to pursue your interest in the specialty to which you are applying.

Do not preach. The reader understands what it means to practice his specialty and does not need you to tell him. Don’t write, for example: Internal medicine requires that a physician be knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The reader wants to know about you!

Do not put down other specialties. You don’t need to convince anyone of your interest by writing something negative about other specialties. Doing so just makes you look bad. If you switched residencies or interests, you can explain what else you were seeking and what you found in the specialty of your choice that interests you.

Do not embellish. Program directors are pretty good at sniffing out inconsistencies and dishonesty. Always tell the truth and be honest and authentic. 

Do not plagiarize. While this seems obvious to most people, every year people copy personal statements they find online or hire companies that use stock phrases and statement to compose statements for applicants. Don’t do it!

Do not write about sensitive topics. Even if you were in a relationship that ended and resulted in a poor USMLE score , this is not a topic for a personal statement. In general, it is best to avoid discussing relationships, politics, ethical issues and religion.

Do not boast. Any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness may result in getting rejected. There is a fine line between confidence and self promotion. Some people make the mistake of over-selling themselves or writing about all of their fantastic qualities and characteristics. Rarely do readers view such personal statements favorably.

Do not write an overly creative piece. A residency personal statement should be professional. This work is equivalent to a job application. Don’t get too creative; stay focused.

Writing ERAS Residency Personal Statements For Multiple Specialties

An increasing number of applicants are applying to more than one specialty in medicine especially if the first choice specialty is very competitive. If you are applying to more than one specialty, even if there is disciplinary overlap between the two (for example family medicine and pediatrics ), we advise you write a distinct specialty for each. Remember that a physician who practices the specialty you hope to join will most likely be reviewing your statement. He or she will definitely be able to determine if the personal statement illustrates a true understanding of the specialty. If you try to recycle an entire personal statement or parts of a personal statement for two specialties, there is a high likelihood the personal statement will communicate that you aren’t sincerely interested in that specialty or that you don’t really understand what the specialty is about.

Writing About Red Flags in your ERAS Personal Statement

The personal statement is also the place to explain any red flags in your application, such as gaps in time or a leave of absence. When addressing any red flags, explain what happened succinctly. Be honest, don’t make excuses, and don’t dwell on the topic. Whenever possible, write about how you have matured or grown from the adversity or what you may have learned and how this benefits you.

If you have left a program or had a break in your medical education, you will also have the chance to explain this in your ERAS application . You should also write about this topic in your personal statement only if you have more to explain, however. 

If you have failed a Step exam or one course in medical school, this likely isn’t something to address in the personal statement. However, you should be prepared to discuss any failure during an interview. By the same token, it is best not to address one low grade or poor attending evaluation in your statement. 

Have you taken a circuitous path to medicine? If so you might address why you made these choices and what you found so interesting about medicine that was lacking in your former career.

Residency Personal Statement Example

Below are two great examples of residency personal statements that earned the applicants who wrote them numerous interviews and first choice matches. As you will see, these two applicants took very different approaches when writing the personal statement yet wrote equally persuasive and “successful” personal statements.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Traditional Approach

The most common approach to the personal statement is what I will call the traditional approach, in which the applicant conveys her interest in the specialty, when that interest began and what she has done to pursue the particular specialty.

Suggested outline:

• Introduction: Catchy Story
• Paragraph 2: Background Information and how Interest Started
• Paragraph 3: Write about what you did to explore your interest
• Paragraph 4: Second paragraph about your experiences related to your specialty
• Conclusion: Wrap it up. Write something about your future goals.

Below is an example of the traditional approach:

I looked into her eyes and saw terror. She knew the life of her unborn baby was in jeopardy. As tears streamed down her face, she looked to the attending physician. In desperation, she pleaded, “Please save our baby.” She and her husband had been trying to conceive for more than two years, and they knew this could be their only chance to have a healthy child. She went into labor at home and because of a horrible snowstorm was not able to reach the hospital for several hours. When she arrived in labor and delivery, she was crowning. But, the baby was having late decelerations. Because of the sweat on my attending’s forehead I knew the situation was serious. Yet we all tried to remain calm and to keep the patient and her husband calm as well. 

I entered medical school with an open mind as everyone suggested. Even as a first year medical student, however, I was fascinated with embryology. I entered my third year still unsure of what I would pursue. I knew I wanted a career that would be challenging and interesting. Because of my background in drawing and painting, I always loved working with my hands. Yet I also enjoyed working with people. Thankfully, my obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) rotation was the first of my third year and I was immediately hooked.

I quickly sought out opportunities for research and became involved in a clinical study investigating the impact of a vegan diet on birth outcomes. I have always had an interest in wellness and nutrition, and this seemed like a perfect fit for me. My research is still in process, but through this experience I have learned how to analyze data, stay objective and critically evaluate the literature. So far, our findings suggest better than normal outcomes for babies born to vegan mothers. This reinforces my goal to educate my patients about the important of diet and nutrition, which I hope to make a part of my future practice. 

Early in my fourth year, I completed an elective rotation at Inner City Medical Center. There I cared for a diverse group of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I realized how much I enjoy labor and delivery, but I also value the operative aspects of ob/gyn. I appreciate the importance of understanding the female anatomy so I can operate with precision.  I also value the diversity of practice in ob/gyn. Whether caring for a woman about to give birth, helping a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer navigate her treatment options, or caring for a perimenopausal woman who is coping with symptoms of hormone fluctuations, I enjoy caring for patients with knowledge and compassion. The outpatient aspect of ob/gyn brings satisfaction as well. I look forward to building relationships with my patients, helping them to lead the healthiest lives possible. I have also realized how much I want to care for those who lack access to care. The work I have done at Medical School Free Clinic has helped me realize the gaps that exist in access to care and education. As a future practicing ob/gyn, I hope to work in such a setting at least on a part time basis.

On that snowy night, when we realized the baby was having difficulty being born because of shoulder dystocia, a simple maneuver eased the situation. The baby’s first cry brought such joy and relief to everyone in the room and, at that moment, I knew I had to be part of this specialty. I hope to join a program where I will have the clinical exposure that will give me the skills and experience to care for a wide range of patients. I do not yet know if I will subspecialize, and I will seek out mentors and experiences as a resident to make an informed decision. I would be honored to interview at your program and thank you for your consideration.

Why It’s Great

This is a great personal statement because it clearly conveys the applicant’s interest in, and understanding of, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and what the applicant has done to pursue that interest. Not only does this applicant have a long-standing interest in OB/GYN, but, she conveys that she has experienced the specialty in different settings and understands the diverse nature of the specialty. She also includes information about her hobbies and interests and writes about her exploration of OB/GYN outside of the clinical arena. An added bonus is that the applicant writes well and uses descriptive language making her statement interesting and fun to read.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Outside Interests Approach

Many mentors advise applicants to tell the reader something about them that is unrelated to medicine or the specialty they are pursuing. This is a fine idea, but be sure your personal statement also includes some details about your interest in your specialty if you decide to move in this direction.

Suggested Outline:

• Introduction: Write a Catchy Introduction. Be creative! Think outside the box.
• Paragraph 2:Elaborate on your introduction offering more details
• Paragraph 3: Write about your specialty choice and what appeals to you.
• Paragraph 4: Write more about your explorations in medical school.
• Concluding paragraph(s): Write about your future goals, the type of program you hope to join and consider looping back to your introduction.

Below is an example of the outside interests approach:

The landscape before me was lush and magical. We had been hiking for hours and had found a great spot to set up camp. As I was unloading my backpack and helping to pitch the tent, I saw a scene I knew I had to capture. I quickly grabbed my carefully packed Leica before the magnificent sunset disappeared. Trying to get the perfect exposure, I somehow managed to capture this image so accurately that it reflected the beauty of what was before us high in the mountains of Utah, so far away from the hustle and bustle of New York City where we attended medical school.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my interests and curiosities with focus and creativity. One of those interests is photography. Even as a small child, I wanted my own camera, and I started snapping interesting scenes and images at the age of 6. As I grew older, this hobby took on more significance. I took a college level course in photography as a high school student, worked as a photographer’s assistant and even considered a career in photography. Paralleling my interest, however, was a desire to travel and experience new places, foods, and cultures.

I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. Rather than stopping in a city or place for a couple of days and seeing the sights, I prefer to immerse myself in my surroundings, eating the food, meeting the people, and staying for as long as I can. My fluency in Spanish and Italian has made it easier to “fit in” naturally. My most recent trip to Costa Rica allowed me to visit sugar cane fields and rain forests. I also volunteered in a clinic that helps the most desperate citizens. Of course, because I never travel without my camera, I also captured the beauty of this country; those pictures can be found on my blog.

Surgery seemed like a natural choice for me. It is a very tactile and visual field that requires patience, attention to detail and creativity—just like photography. The operating room setting is invigorating. I love to be a member of a team, and in surgery team work is an essential part of practice. The ability to deal with anatomical variations also satisfies my creative side; I have always been fond of puzzles, and the field of surgery represents a real-world puzzle to me. I also appreciate the intensity of surgery and believe I have the personality and demeanor for the field. I have always enjoyed solving problems quickly, something the field of surgery requires. My rotations in surgery – in addition to my core surgery rotation I have done trauma and cardiothoracic surgery – have helped me to understand the tremendous opportunities and diversity of the field. I have heard some residents lament that the only reason they went into surgery is to operate. However, I really enjoy seeing patients postoperatively. It is only at that time that a surgeon can really appreciate the impact of his or her work.

Finally, my trip to Honduras with a surgical team from my hospital and medical school made me realize that I can make a great contribution globally in the field of surgery. There we saw patients who had no resources or access to care. The facilities in which we worked were bare-bones. Yet the impact we made was tremendous, given that this was a group of people who otherwise would have no surgical care. In this way, I hope to combine my interests in travel and surgery as a resident, if I have time, and certainly as a practicing physician. My ultimate goal is to use my training to help populations globally and domestically.

To gain the most clinical exposure possible, I hope to train in a busy urban hospital. I believe that such a setting will give me the operative experience I need to be able to navigate many situations in the future. Such a setting will also give me the outpatient experience to understand how to manage patients once the surgery is completed.

I look forward to the day when I can be snapping my camera intraoperatively, documenting what I am doing and seeking to help other surgeons. For some, such pictures may not represent the art of those pictures I take in the wilderness, but for me they reflect the beauty of surgery and the great opportunity to make a lasting impression on another human being’s life.

This is a really intriguing personal statement because the author writes about his outside interests in a compelling way that makes him instinctively likable. He then goes on to explain what he enjoys about surgery and what he has done to pursue that interest. As you can see, this applicant writes less about his specialty (surgery) than the applicant in statement #1 did, but, he still convinces the reader of his understanding of, and commitment to, surgery. In this statement, the reader gains a much broader understanding of who the applicant is as a person and what he likes to do in his free time.

Final Thoughts

Writing your residency personal statement should be about telling your story in your own voice and style. You want to highlight your interest in the specialty for which you are applying while also conveying some ideas about who you are as a person to keep your reader engaged in learning about you as a person.

Residency Personal Statement Consulting Services

MedEdits Medical Admissions offers comprehensive guidance and document review services for residency applicants to every specialty in medicine. With more than twenty years of experience in residency admissions and founded by a former residency admissions officer and physician, MedEdits understands what program directors want to read and can help you decide what aspects of your background to focus on in your residency personal statement to earn the most interviews possible.

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your ERAS personal statement. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Sample Residency Personal Statements

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How to Make a Statement with Your ERAS Personal Statement

• by Med School Tutors
• Jun 29, 2023
• Reviewed by: Amy Rontal, MD

Dr. Leila Javidi, Taylor Purvis, and Dr. Brian Radvansky contributed to this article.

Starting your residency application can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to writing your ERAS personal statement. It’s not clear why essays of this nature are so intimidating—maybe it’s because not all medical students are well-versed in language arts, many of us dislike writing, or maybe just the thought of putting “who you are” onto paper brings to the surface some uncomfortable feelings of self-awareness (whoa—this just got intense!).

This is a joke or course, but to be honest, sometimes when we sit down to write our ERAS personal statement we immediately think things like, “I’m not that interesting,” or “I haven’t done anything cool in life, I’ve spent most of my time in school thus far.” And that is completely normal. The majority of us haven’t had those pivotal moments in life that shake the ground beneath us and form a new foundation for who we are, and that’s OK!

Your ERAS personal statement isn’t intended to be a best-selling memoir. It’s intended to add another dimension to the otherwise black-and-white application full of scores and grades. It is an opportunity to show program directors your personality, what motivates you, and what you’re looking for in a residency program.

While you’ve probably heard all of this before, we bet you have more specific questions about how to tackle the ERAS personal statement. All of us sure did! So, without further ado, h ere are answers to the 12 most important questions about medical residency personal statements.

12 Frequently-Asked Questions About the ERAS Personal Statement

1. How big of a deal is my ERAS personal statement to program directors?

According to the 2020 NRMP program director survey , 78% of program directors cite the ERAS personal statement as an important factor in deciding which candidates to interview,  making it the fourth-highest ranked factor behind USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, and letters of recommendation. So, it’s pretty important in the grand scheme of your application!

Now, from experience in talking to different program directors and mentors, it’s clear that the most important thing is that your ERAS personal statement is well organized, well written, with proper grammar, no red flags, and that it’s only one page single-spaced. The standard ERAS personal statement length is typically 500-800 words (roughly four paragraphs).

A personal statement typically isn’t the “maker” of your residency application—however, it can be a deal “breaker” if it doesn’t have those attributes. That said, if you have a memorable, well-written personal statement, program directors will mention it, and it will make you stand out as an applicant. If they are on the fence about whether or not to interview you, a personal statement could potentially be the deciding factor. So, it’s pretty important!

2. What are things I should include in my ERAS personal statement?

A good ERAS personal statement should include the following: 

A catchy introduction to grab the reader

There are different ways to go about doing this, but if you’re stuck, an effective way to grab the reader’s attention is to open with a patient vignette. An interesting case is sure to pique the curiosity of your reader and keep them engaged as they read. Preventing boredom is something to strive for, as your application is one of perhaps hundreds that they are reading.

Ultimately, though, remember this is a personal statement. After you reveal the diagnosis or outcome of the patient vignette, you need to let the reader know what the case meant to you! The point of relating the vignette is to reveal something about yourself, not just present an interesting story about a patient. 

An overview of your desirable qualities

When letting the reader know what your positive qualities are, it’s important to remember a basic rule of good writing: SHOW, don’t tell. For example, instead of saying you are compassionate, describe a story from your life that demonstrates your compassion.

Highlights from your life experience 

This includes jobs, extracurricular activities, and hobbies that would help you to be an ideal candidate for whichever residency you are applying to. Pro tip: DON’T REGURGITATE YOUR CV. This is your opportunity to tell people things that aren’t on your CV. Do you play chess in the park every Saturday, or have you traveled to some amazing places? Tell us about it!

You shouldn’t rehash your CV in your personal statement, but it is a great place to elaborate on activities listed on your CV. It can be used to explain why those activities are so important to you, how they have helped you grow as a person, and other things that don’t often shine through on the CV itself.

Proof of why you should be accepted 

The most important part of your statement is providing proof of why you should be accepted. Describe your strengths, but do not talk about things too generally. You should be able to back up everything you say. Give details and examples. Which doctors have you shadowed? What kind of research have you been involved in, and where was it published? Don’t just mention that you have volunteered, say the names of places you were at and what you were doing.

Why you are interested in your specialty

This doesn’t have to be a profound story, but it should be the truth!

What you are looking for in a residency program

Is a strong procedural curriculum important to you? Is the culture of the program more important? Try to mention things you know your programs of choice embody.

Address any red flags on your application

Did you do poorly on Step 1? Did you take a leave of absence for a long time? Best to just come out and talk about it without being defensive. Show how you have grown from the experience, rather than apologizing for it!

A cohesive closing statement

Sometimes the first and the last sentence of the statement are the hardest to come up with, but it’s worth your time to make it tidy, even if it isn’t profound.

3. What are things I shouldn’t include in my ERAS personal statement?

Controversial topics.

Stay away from extreme religious or political statements. It doesn’t mean you can’t say you are an active member of church, but don’t use this as an opportunity to discuss whether or not you are pro-choice. You never know who is going to be reading this, and anything too polarizing can be off-putting for some readers. 

Feelings of bitterness or negativity

Leave out any traces of bitterness, defensiveness, or anger about anything that has happened in your life. Everything must have a positive spin.  

Too much self-praise or too much modesty

Avoid talking about yourself in a glorifying manner, but don’t go too far the other way and come off as too modest.

Too many qualifiers

You don’t want to go overboard with the qualifiers, which are words such as “really,” “quite,” “very,” etc. In fact, in many cases, it’s better not to use them at all. 

“Flowery” language you wouldn’t use in real life

It’s a personal statement, not a creative writing assignment. Keep the language in your statement simple. You’re not going to score any points by using unnecessarily fancy words. Your goal is clear communication.

Also, don’t try to sound like a doctor. This is just another way of trying to impress the reader. You want the reader to like you based on the way you write, not be turned off because you are trying to impress them.

“Try to avoid using a lot of jargon and abbreviations,” advises Mary Dundas, educator at Academized. 

Exaggerations

Avoid talking hyperbolically about how passionate you are. As noted earlier, it’s better to show than tell so give examples of things you have done. Above all, keep the writing in your statement professional.

If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be way ahead of most applicants! 

4. How can I make my ERAS personal statement unique?

As evidenced by The Voice and American Idol , it is everyone’s impulse to divulge their “sob story” to help them stand out and garner sympathy from the audience. While it’s important to include stories that helped shape you as a person, it is very transparent and cliché to talk about that person you know who was struck by a medical tragedy, and how ever since you vowed to “save people.”

The best way to make your statement unique is to allow your personality to shine through. Use your words, your humor, and your depth to tell your story. Find a way to show yourself to your reader, and if you do this, your essay will be unique!

5. Should I have more than one ERAS personal statement to upload?

In short, absolutely have multiple personal statements to upload. Especially if you are applying to more than one specialty, it’s essential that you have several versions of your personal statement.

That doesn’t mean you have to write a whole new one, you just have to tailor it to fit that specialty. If you’re applying for a preliminary year, tailor your personal statement to explain how important you feel a solid foundation in medicine is for dermatology (or whichever specialty you are applying to) and what you’re looking for in a preliminary year.

Furthermore, I found that for the programs I really wanted to interview with, I would upload a tailored personal statement for that program saying something like, “I am seeking a family medicine residency position with ABC University program because of their dedication to XYZ.” Simply name-dropping their institution and noting the strength of their program demonstrates your attention to detail and interest in their institution. Even if you are an amazing applicant, if a program doesn’t feel you are interested in their specific program, they won’t interview you. It’s best to make sure you give those out-of-state programs some extra attention so they know you are willing to relocate for them!

Lastly, you should know that you can upload as many versions of your personal statement as you like onto ERAS, but be especially careful when uploading and make sure you apply the correct personal statement to each program! Triple-check your work! Pro Tip: Use your file names to help you stay organized. Pick a format and stick with it, such as “PS-JohnsHopkins,” “USCF-PS,” etc.

6. When should I start writing my ERAS personal statement?

The sooner the better, people. Get cracking now! You can even begin to think of ideas during your third year as you develop your interests in specific specialties. As ideas come to you, jot them into your phone so you don’t forget!

One of the best ways to begin writing your personal statement is to go over some questions about yourself. Ask yourself, who are you and what drives you forward? Think about the kinds of things that interest you and why you developed those interests. Maybe consider some mistakes you have made, how you learned from them, and how they have changed you. Or ask yourself, how do your interests and personality contribute to the goals you have set? 

Think about those kinds of questions and write down the answers. Reflect on them, put them away, and come back to them. Then, use them to form an outline—this will help you figure out all your points and what you want to say before you start writing. 

If you still feel like you just don’t know how to get started, give the five-point essay format a shot and see if it works for you. In short, you begin with a paragraph that is about four or five sentences long. The goal of this first paragraph is to grab a reader’s attention. Use the next three or four body paragraphs to talk about yourself. Try and have one of them focus on your clinical understanding, while another talks about service. Then end with a solid conclusion paragraph that mirrors your introduction, summarizes who you are, and ends by looking toward the future. 

7. Should I ask for any help with my ERAS personal statement?

Yes. Yes. A thousand times, YES! Absolutely ask for feedback on your personal statement. After getting your draft finished, show it to whoever will look at it—however, please remember to take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt and to strongly consider the source. It is absolutely essential to have your personal statement reviewed by an objective third party to ensure that the message you are trying to communicate is loud and clear. This means that you shouldn’t give it to a friend or family member who is going to placate you with a useless, “Yeah, looks great!”

Find a mentor, advisor, chief resident or attending, someone who is accustomed to reading ERAS personal statements, and get feedback from them. You can be certain that going through this step will only make your personal statement better. If you take their advice and don’t like how things are panning out, you can always revert back to an older draft.

But in just about every case, another set of eyes to give you big-picture feedback on what you’ve written will improve your piece. Do this early in the process, when you have gotten a simple draft together, so that you don’t present someone with an idea that you are married to, only to find out that it doesn’t come through clearly.

Be sure to ask other people what they think of your draft, but be careful about asking other students for help. Sometimes they get weird, and try to give you advice about making your statement more like theirs because they want to feel justified in their own efforts.

Finally, it should be mentioned that there are services out there that will “write your personal statement” for you. Aside from the obvious reasons why not to do this, you have to be really careful. Those services don’t know you, don’t know your voice, and oftentimes have very generic ways of putting these statements together.  Using a service to help polish your statement, though, is A-OK. Some you may find useful in that regard are ViaWriting , Writing Populist , StateofWriting , and SimpleGrad .

Lastly, you may consider working with a residency counselor who can help set your application apart with insider advice and ensure you optimize all elements of the residency application process. Our residency consultants are residents and attendings who have successfully guided hundreds of students from residency applications through the Match!

Typical residency consulting work consists of:

Not sure if a residency consultant is the right fit for you? Take this quiz to see if you would benefit from some extra guidance during the residency application process!

8. Where can I find examples of ERAS personal statements to inspire me?

Every good writer learned how to write by reading the works of other people. This includes personal statements! Very often your career offices from your undergraduate studies will have examples of personal statements that can serve as inspiration for your own masterpiece. You can also ask older classmates and recent graduates if they would feel comfortable sharing their personal statements with you. 

Remember, too, that inspiration can come from nontraditional sources. Try reading poetry or a novel before sitting down to write your statement. You might be surprised by how it helps to get your creative juices flowing!

9. Is it better to cover all of my experiences, or focus on a few in particular?

It’s better to focus on several key experiences rather than provide a broad overview of your life up to the present time. Your resume will fill in any gaps for your reader. The point of the personal statement is to spend a few paragraphs reflecting on one or two themes that define who you are as a person. Stay focused, and go deep!

10. How much should I share about my career goals in my ERAS personal statement?

Remember, the majority of training programs you will be applying to are academic medical centers. For those programs in particular, make sure to emphasize why an academic environment is a good fit for you. This does not have to mean research! Perhaps you like the idea of becoming a clinician educator and want to be at XYZ program for the opportunity to teach medical students. 

Likewise, if you are applying to a program at a community hospital, make sure to reflect on how your career goals are suited for that environment. Maybe private practice is on your radar, or you want to practice in a hospital that is more close-knit than a large academic center.

Whatever the case, try to make your stated career goals align with the orientation of the program you’re applying to. In reality, you may have no idea what direction you want your career to go in. But for a personal statement, try to commit to one general theme if possible.

11. What about my personal statements for preliminary or transitional year programs?

For applicants who are also applying to preliminary or transitional year programs, it can seem daunting to tailor your personal statement to a position that isn’t part of your ultimate specialty. But don’t worry—preliminary and transitional year programs still want to know who you are as a person and why you’re interested in anesthesiology, dermatology, or whatever advanced specialty you’re aiming for. You don’t need to change your personal statement as much as you may think!

The goal of a personal statement for these one-year programs is not to convince the reader that you suddenly love internal medicine despite going into radiology. The reader knows this is a temporary stopping place for you. Instead, emphasize the traits that make you YOU and will enhance their hospital!

12. What if I’m interested in a non-traditional path after residency?

Some of you may be thinking of alternative career paths after residency such as consulting or pharmaceutical work. It’s probably best to leave those specific goals out of your ERAS personal statement and allow readers to assume that you want to continue in clinical medicine after graduating from residency. You might want to instead phrase it as something you want to be incorporated into your clinical career, but not something you would leave medicine for, even if that’s what you have in mind!

Remember, you are under no obligation to share your every thought and desire in a personal statement! These statements are being read by reviewers who dedicated their lives to education and clinical medicine, so keep that in mind.

Further Reading

Keep these tips in mind as you write your ERAS personal statement, and you’ll be way ahead of the other applicants. If you start to get stressed out, remember, you have an amazing story to tell, and we are here to help tease that story out from the confines of your brain! For more help, reach out to one of our residency advisors .

Looking for more help during the residency application process? We’ve got you covered with more (free!) content written by Blueprint tutors:

• How to Get Standout Letters of Recommendation for Your Residency Application
• How to Maximize Your Chances of Matching With Your Dream Residency
• What’s It Like Working With a Medical Residency Consultant?
• Residency Interview Tips & Tricks: The Ultimate Guide
• Dual Applying for Residency: Is It Right For Me?

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How to write your personal statement for ERAS/residency applications

The personal statement is occasionally a chance to “make” your application, but it’s always a risk to “break” it.

Keep in mind: it’s only 1 page (literally—it should fit on no more than one page when printed from the ERAS application, which is somewhere around 750-800 words on the longer end; 600-650 is a better goal; mine was around 500). On one interview, I was told that the program’s main criteria for evaluating personal statements was not noteworthiness but rather inoffensiveness .

Questions to ask yourself in approaching the PS:

• What are the reasons for choosing the specialty?
• What are my career plans?
• What accomplishments do I want to emphasize?
• What outside interests do I have?
• What contributions can I make to the specialty and the residency program?

You don’t have to answer all of these questions, but answering one or two will help you get the point of view you need to get a draft going.

The personal statement is a chance to state why you are choosing a specialty (and a location or a specific program) and to try to convince the reader that you are a good fit. While you are trying to say that you are awesome, you cannot simply say you are awesome . Like fiction, you should show, not tell when possible. This is not a CV in paragraph form. You must be more subtle.

Things to do:

• Give yourself plenty of time to write; start now.
• Write more than one. Tell your story from multiple angles and see which one comes out on top.
• Often your first essay is not the best.
• Consider explaining gaps in your application (leave of absence, course failure, low Step 1)
• If there are particular programs you are desperate for, you may consider tailoring your statement for them. The individualized approach is obvious and is unlikely to make the desired impact. If you tailor, don’t be a sycophant (it’s too transparent). The most important time to individualize your PS is if you discuss, for example, your desire to be part of a big bustling academic center: make sure to change that if you are applying to a small community program.
• Be straightforward in your writing
• Edit and proofread your work carefully . Then do it again. And again. And then one last time for good measure.
• Be concise. Edit down until every word counts. I personally subscribe to the common reviewer adage: “The more you write, the less I read.”
• Ask for second opinions and feedback; you don’t always have to listen but it’s important to receive.
• Your parents and significant others are wonderful readers, but they are generally insufficient. They love you too much. Have your PS vetted by your Specialty and Faculty Mentors .

Things to avoid:

• Self-Congratulatory Statements
• Self-Centered Statements
• “Emotional” Stories (give it a try, but be wary). Telling your reader about your feelings directly often makes the feelings themselves feel contrived.
• Reality embellishment (anything you write is fair game as interview fodder; if you can’t discuss it at length, then it shouldn’t be there)
• Using tired analogies (or any analogies, really)
• Quotations (you couldn’t think of 500 words of your own?)
• Remember, your reader has a stack of applications. Don’t make your essay hurt to read, overly cutesy, or sappy to the point where it’s no longer convincing.

For most people, your personal statement will not/cannot stand out in a good way (standing out in a bad way, though, is entirely possible). Why you pursued medicine may have been an interesting story (hint: it probably wasn’t), but why you chose your specialty is likely even more banal. If you don’t feel like you have anything special to say, it’s because you don’t. That’s normal. Aim for competence.

There are sample essays available for perusal on medfools . I think even the “good” ones are pretty painful in general, but your mileage may vary. Here are some good tips from UNC. The AAMC Advisor also has some quick advice . If your remember your login, Careers in Medicine also has similar stuff.

These are very good recommendations. In addition to proofreading and seeking advice from friends and family, I would also suggest considering a professional editing service. Although some of them can be costly, they see thousands of personal statements and will be able to objectively tell you if yours is competitive. This article also provides some good advice on residency personal statements: https://www.codeblueessays.com/top-7-tips-writing-residency/

I don’t agree with the need for professional services for the vast majority of applicants, and I really dislike people promoting their services through comments on my blog. In this case, the linked article isn’t terrible, so I’m not deleting this.

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Related posts, nbme shelf exam scores, with a grain of salt, 16 hours is a nice start to the shift, the data you should analyze before choosing your specialty, how do you fail the usmle step 2 cs.

2024-2025 ERAS Residency Application Guide

• By Med School Insiders
• March 26, 2024
• Medical Student
• Residency , Residency Application

The ERAS residency application is completed in your final year of medical school—but really—you should begin preparing yourself for this crucial step throughout your entire time at med school.

Although residencies are educational, they’re quite a bit different from medical school. A residency provides on-the-job training for people to acquire their medical license so that they can become a practicing physician.

This means the application components are quite different from your original medical school application. They must reflect a sense of maturity, growth, and deepened dedication to medicine. Continue reading our ERAS residency application guide, which covers the following topics:

An Introduction to the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

Eras residency application timeline, what happens next, eras residency application checklist, residency application mistakes to avoid, eras residency application faqs.

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the centralized online application service applicants use to deliver their application and supporting documents to residency programs. ERAS streamlines the application process for applicants as well as their Designated Dean’s Office, letter of recommendation authors, and program directors.

ERAS includes four individual but connected applications, which were created to meet the needs of each user group involved in the application process. ERAS provides an impartial, confidential transmission of all applications to programs.

The 4 ERAS Applications:

• MyERAS is where applicants complete their applications, assign supporting documents, select programs, and submit the materials for their selected programs.
• Dean’s Office Workstation (DWS) is where Designated Dean’s Offices upload medical school transcripts and medical school performance evaluations (MSPEs) in support of the applications submitted through ERAS.
• Letters of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) is where letters of recommendation authors submit their letters in support of the applicant applying through ERAS.
• Program Director’s Workstation (PDWS) is where training programs receive and review applications and supporting documents.

How ERAS Works:

• Applicants receive a token (one-time access code) from their Designated Dean’s Office.
• Applicants use the token to register with MyERAS.
• Applicants complete their MyERAS application, assign supporting documents, select programs, and apply to programs.
• The applicant’s Designated Dean’s Office and letters of recommendation authors upload supporting documents.
• Examining boards receive and process requests for transcripts.
• Programs receive the application materials through the Program Director’s Workstation (PDWS).

Technically speaking, ERAS season begins in June, but you should be thinking about your residency application long before then. Use the earlier part of the year to prepare for application season. In the spring, you should be considering which schools you want to apply to, acquiring letters of recommendation, and thinking about the direction you want to take your personal statement.

The ERAS season begins in early June. Obtain your token (one-time access code) at this time by contacting your Designated Dean’s Office. This will grant you access to MyERAS. It’s also a good idea to determine if you will need to take the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, also known as Casper.

Here is a list of medical schools that require Casper . If you need to take the test, read our Casper Test Guide for information about scoring, preparation, and more.

Start filling in your application with your work, volunteering, and research experience. Take full advantage of the ERAS Tools and Worksheets for Residency Applicants ; this will help you to determine exactly what kind of information you need to gather to complete your application.

As you work on your application, search for programs you’re interested in and save them for later so that you can organize the correct documents for each program.

June – August

You can only register for ERAS once. Do your utmost to ensure your application is flawless. DO NOT certify your application before you are absolutely sure it is complete, accurate, and exactly what you want to submit. You can only certify your application once—doing so will lock in your application, making it unchangeable for the rest of the application season.

Get all of your details in order and continue fine-tuning your application. Check in to ensure your letters of recommendation are confirmed, get feedback on your personal statement, and make final decisions about which residency programs you want to apply to.

Read: How to Choose a Medical Specialty in 6 Steps

Request your relevant transcripts (USMLE, COMLEX-USA, MSPE, etc.) during this time. You should also begin interview prep during these months so that you are prepared and able to present your best self on the residency interview trail .

ERAS will start accepting applications at the beginning of September. We highly recommend submitting your application well before the deadline . The site also tends to crash around the time they are due because of the high volume of applicants, so ensure you’re not leaving it to the last possible day.

Applications are released to programs at the end of September, and interview invitations can be sent out as early as the next day, so if you submit your application close to the day ERAS releases your application, you could miss out on the first round of interviews.

You also have to apply for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) , also known as The Match, around this time, which requires a separate application.

1 | Residency Interviews

Interview season for residency programs begins in October and lasts until February. Don’t stray too far from your computer or phone during this time as ideal interview slots fill up fast. Keep your calendar updated at all times so that you can pick optimal dates as soon as they become available.

Read our Residency Interview Guide , which includes common interview questions, 7 strategies for preparing, what to wear, and resources to guarantee your success.

2 | Matched Through NRMP (National Residency Match Program)

The NRMP, also known as The Match, is a system based on a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm designed to allow medical students who are applying for residency to be placed or “matched” into a residency spot at a US program in their chosen specialty.

To participate in a Match, you need to use the NRMP’s secure Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) system to register and create a username and password. You must have an AAMC ID to register for the Main Residency Match. After registering with NRMP, log back into ERAS and update your profile with your NRMP ID so that program directors can more easily identify you for placement on the program’s rank order lists.

Learn the 7 Things You Must Know About the NRMP Residency Match .

1 | ERAS Experiences Section

The experience section on the residency application provides an opportunity for you to share your work, volunteering, and research experience. Include all relevant experience—not only the experiences relevant to your specialty. You can tailor your personal statement to your specialty, but when it comes to experiences, you want to highlight all that you’ve been up to and what you’ve learned.

When describing each activity, try to answer these three questions in three sentences: What is it? What did you do? What did you learn? This will help the reader to quickly understand your background and what each activity meant to you. A lot of your interview questions will come from this section, so be sure to review it before any interviews.

2 | ERAS Personal Statement

The residency personal statement is your chance to tell your story, explain why you want to join a certain specialty, and demonstrate why you’re qualified to do so. It’s your single opportunity outside of interviews to personally highlight anything that you feel was underrepresented in other parts of your application and provide necessary context for your accomplishments.

Much of your residency application material focuses on your scores and grades, which don’t tell much about who you are as a person or what you’re passionate about. Your letters of recommendation will shed light on your dedication and professionalism, but the personal statement is your chance to tell your story as you see it.

While this may sound like the medical school personal statement, don’t assume you’ll be able to rehash it when writing your residency personal statement. The two are quite different. Residency programs aren’t looking for medical students; they’re looking for young professionals who have vastly improved their medical knowledge, earned their doctorate, and deepened their focus and dedication to medicine.

Your residency personal statement must reflect these differences. You are no longer a wide-eyed premed. Keep the focus of your personal statement on your professional development and why your experiences have made you want to join a certain specialty. Be confident yet humble about your accomplishments so far, and speak passionately about what you hope to accomplish in the specialty.

Technically, the residency personal statement allows for 28,000 characters. We do not recommend using all of this space. Keep your personal statement to one typed page, which is about 700-800 words.

A stand out essay can be enough to get you an interview offer while a poor statement can shut the door on an otherwise top-tier applicant. View our database of Residency Personal Statement Samples , take careful care editing, ask mentors for feedback, and consider professional personal statement editing .

3 | ERAS Letters of Recommendation

Just like the letters of recommendation for your medical school application, ERAS letters of recommendation give residency programs crucial insight into how professional physicians see you—your work ethic, character, specific strengths and attributes, and how well you’ll fit in and contribute to your chosen specialty.

You are allowed to upload an unlimited number of references, but only a maximum of four letters of recommendation per program. Your MSPE or Dean’s Letter do not count as one of your letters. Your letters do not need to be addressed to the specific residency program but should instead be standardized, so that letter writers do not need to draft multiple letters.

It’s ideal to find writers from a range of different specialties and experiences who you have worked closely with, know you extremely well, and who will speak highly of your skills, work ethic, and personal characteristics. You must have at least one letter from an attending you worked with closely, a department chair, or a mentor in your chosen specialty so that they can speak to your aptitude and suitability for that specific specialty.

Your program may also require a letter from someone outside the field of medicine. Carefully scan the specific program requirements of each program on their website to determine exactly what you’ll need.

4 | ERAS Photo

Adding a photo is optional for your application, but it’s highly recommended, as a friendly, professional photo will help those assessing your application remember you. Faculty will see your photo as they make decisions and deliberate over your potential candidacy for residency, and it will help them identify you when you report to interviews.

Upload your own photo in MyERAS by selecting Upload New Photo in the Actions column.

The photo file cannot exceed these requirements:

• Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.
• Resolution: 150dpi
• File Size: 100kb

Ensure it’s a professional-looking, high-quality photo. Wear professional clothing; ideally, something that would be appropriate for a medical school interview. Smile, and ensure you appear friendly and approachable. The background should be plain and subtle, with nothing that will distract from you.

If you know any photographer friends, this is a good time to ask for a favor. If you aren’t experienced using a professional camera yourself, and you don’t know anyone who is, you should pay for a professional photo. You’ve come all this way and have already spent an unbelievable amount of money on medical school. Pay this small cost to ensure you have a quality headshot.

Learn more: ERAS Residency Application Photo Requirements and Tips .

5 | Transcripts

You need to request your USMLE transcript (or COMLEX-USA transcript for DO schools) for your application. Authorize the release of this document during the summer. As you create a timeline for your final years of medical school, ensure you schedule Step 2CK well before the September of your residency application, as it can take weeks for test results to come back.

If you’ve made the request, your school will assemble your MSPE (Medical School Performance Evaluation) letter and transcripts and upload them for you.

Avoid these common mistakes when preparing for and submitting your residency application.

• Certifying (locking in) your ERAS application before it’s perfect.
• Submitting a bland personal statement that doesn’t directly address why you will be a good fit to join a certain specialty.
• Allowing small mistakes to slip through due to carelessness and sloppy editing.
• Not getting strong letters of recommendation from people who will speak highly of you.
• Rehashing your original medical school personal statement.
• Not bothering to submit a photo of yourself.
• Submitting a low-quality or distracting photo.
• Waiting until the deadline to submit your application.
• Waiting too long to begin researching and considering your preferred specialty.
• Not taking notes during your work, volunteer, and research experiences. (Notes will help you describe your experiences in detail.)
• Not considering your residency application throughout your time in medical school.

Applying to residency is quite a bit different than applying to medical school. Read our 9 essential strategies for applying to residency .

How Do I Access MyERAS?

Contact your Designated Dean’s Office to access MyERAS . They will issue you a token, which is a one-time access code to register for MyERAS.

You must acquire an ERAS token from your own Designated Dean’s Office, as your documents will not be accurately uploaded with a token from a different school or organization. You also must make sure that your ERAS token is from the current MyERAS season, as a token from a previous season will not work. ERAS tokens can only be used once to register.

An AAMC account is required to register for MyERAS. If you don’t already have one, you will need to register for one.

How Much Do Residency Applications Cost?

ERAS application fees are based on the number of programs applied to per specialty. If you apply to up to ten programs, it will cost you $99. If you apply to 11-20 programs, the cost is $19 each. Applying to 21-30 programs will cost you $23 each, and applying to 31 programs or more will cost you $27 each.

Additional fees include your USMLE transcript ($80) or your COMLEX-USA transcript ($80), both of which are assessed once per season.

MyERAS automatically calculates your fees. You can pay online using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. ERAS does not offer refunds for any reason.

Are There Programs That Don’t Participate in ERAS?

Some specialties or programs do not participate in ERAS. If that’s the case for a program you are interested in, you need to contact that program directly to determine how to apply.

Which Specialties Require a Supplemental ERAS Application?

There are a few specialties that require a supplemental ERAS application in addition to the main MyERAS application. Internal medicine, dermatology, and general surgery use a short (and free) supplemental ERAS application with new questions that provide programs with more information about applicants.

Residency Application Editing With Med School Insiders

Approaching your residency application with care and tact is critical to your success. Our team of doctors has years of experience helping medical students get matched with their ideal program.

Med School Insiders can help you prepare a stand out residency application. We offer a number of Residency Admissions Consulting Services tailored to your needs, including personal statement editing , USMLE tutoring , interview prep and mock interviews , and overall application editing .

Med School Insiders

6 Shocking Facts From the 2024 NRMP Match

Let’s dive into the results of the 2024 NRMP Residency Match. Did emergency medicine make a comeback, or is it still a declining specialty? Why are more DOs applying?

Medical School vs Residency Comparison

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2024 SOAP Match Guide (Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program)

Our SOAP Guide covers the Match Week process, strategies for SOAP success, and answers to frequently asked questions about SOAP.

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Writing Your Personal Statement for Residency

Tips to convey “ why you for residency specialty”, use your personal statement to introduce yourself to your interviewer..

• Include topics that help the interview go smoothly.
• Be sincere and help the interviewer know what’s important to you.
• Include only the information that you want to discuss.

Write a focused essay, four or five paragraphs in length, that covers the basics.

• The first paragrap h could introduce the reader to you and could focus on what led you to a career in medicine, more importantly your specialty. The tone of the first paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement.
• The second paragraph should let the reader know how you arrived at your choice of the specialty. (Personal experiences from rotations, leadership activities, work, volunteer, community service, studying abroad, background and/or life/ family experiences).
• The third/fourth paragraphs should confirm why you think this choice is right for you AND why you are right for the specialty. This is an opportunity further distinguish yourself.
• The  close/final paragraph could inform the reader what you see as your long-term goals and/or how you see yourself in this specialty. Also, avoid spending too much content on “ What I want/seek/am interested in from a residency program …” The focus should be more on why they should choose you over other candidates

Questions to ask when approaching your Personal Statement:

• What are the reasons for choosing the specialty?
• What are your key attributes?
• What contributions can I make to the specialty and the residency program?
• What are your career plans and how will your background/additional education contribute to the field?
• What makes me unique enough to stand out among other candidates?

Your goal should be to write a well-crafted statement that is both original in its presentation and grammatically correct. Articulate your personal drive in as eloquent language as you can provide. The writing should flow. No one expects you to be a novelist. The most important thing is to write a concise, clear statement about why you?

Don’t spend a lot of time providing information about you that programs will generally assume to be true for most competent medical students; “I want to help people”, “I love medicine”, “I want to match into a residency program where I can learn”

If you explain your reasons for entering the field of medicine, do so to inform the reader of points beyond the career choice. Avoid spending too much time on “Why I Wanted to Go into Medicine.” How did you arrive at your specialty choice and what experiences support how you arrived at the specialty choice?

Support your strengths and skillset with examples . Most medical student personal statement list similar strengths, “hard worker/will work hard”, “good communication skills”, “relate to/interact with patients” – so if you provide strengths that are common among medical students or even unique to you, it will be important to provide evidence to support your claims, directing programs to come to their own conclusion about your strength.

I f you repeat accomplishments already listed on your CV , they should be relevant to your personal/professional growth. You want the emphasis to encourage the reader to bring this up in the interview.

Use your own words rather than rely on quotes; your own thoughts are more powerful. If you can make it work, great, but don’t dwell on quotes. With only 800 words or less…it is favorable to make them all your own.

Do NOT plagiarize your personal statement.

Length ; Since one page in length in a Word Doc is not the same as what one page will equal one page in ERAS for personal statement formatting, the key is stick to 750-850 words for your ERAS/residency application personal statement. One page in ERAS equals nearly 1,200 words, however most programs preferences for a typical personal statements in terms of Word Count will be within range of 650-850 – this will be acceptable for most residency programs.

Need a review of your personal statement…professional review and editing?

• Melva Landrum , TCOM Residency Counselor will provide thorough feedback through an evaluation form that breaks down your entire personal statement including: content, grammar, structure, flow and overall impact. You can email your personal statement to [email protected] within one week.
• The Career Center can also review personal statements and Center for Academic Performance (CAP) office can provide feedback mostly on grammar and structure.

This page was last modified on November 10, 2023

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Making Every Word Count: Tips for Meeting the ERAS Personal Statement Length Requirement

The ERAS ( Electronic Residency Application Service ) personal statement is crucial to your residency application. It provides a unique opportunity for residency applicants to showcase their personal experiences, motivations, and personal qualities to residency program directors. However, one of the challenges residency applicants often face is meeting the ERAS personal statement length requirement while effectively conveying their journey into internal medicine. Here are strategic approaches to creating a concise yet impactful personal statement that resonates, even incorporating personal statement examples and discussing elements like USMLE scores, fellowship programs, and additional documents.

Understanding the ERAS Personal Statement Length Requirement

The ERAS personal statement length requirement is 1 page or 750-850 words . This may seem like a lot of space, but it can be challenging to fit all your thoughts and experiences into one page. As of my last update in September 2021 , the character limit for the ERAS personal statement is 28,000 characters , including spaces. While it may seem ample, quality always trumps quantity. Ensuring that every word counts is crucial to convey your story effectively. Remember that you’re not obligated to use the total character limit.

Here are some tips to help you make every word count and meet the ERAS personal statement length requirement.

Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

Begin with a captivating anecdote or a thought-provoking question about your internal medicine journey. This initial engagement is essential, as it’s the first impression you’ll make on program directors. By immediately drawing readers in, you encourage them to read on with enthusiasm. If you require professional assistance in developing or enhancing your statement, seeking guidance from ERAS experts would be beneficial.

Identify Key Themes and Personal Experiences

Reflect on your personal experiences, achievements, and motivations that led you to pursue internal medicine. Choose key themes aligned with the specialty and your personal journey. Select two or three primary themes to focus on. These could be specific patient interactions, research projects, or personal struggles that sparked your interest. Align these themes with internal medicine and the residency program you’re applying to.

Tell Stories, Don’t List Accomplishments

Avoid a mere listing of accomplishments, including your experiences during medical school. Frame your achievements within narratives or stories. Detail challenges, how you overcame them, and lessons learned. Sharing emotions and thought processes adds depth and authenticity.

Use Vivid Language and Concrete Examples

Use clear and vivid language that appeals to a broader audience. Replace overly technical jargon with accessible terms. Employ concrete examples to illustrate your points. Rather than mentioning involvement in a research project during medical school, explain how you collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to implement a study with tangible outcomes.

Highlight Personal Qualities and Transferable Skills

Highlight personal qualities and transferable skills developed during medical school. Effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and adaptability are valued traits. Showcase how these qualities and abilities have been advantageous in various situations, emphasizing their relevance as you transition into internal medicine.

Link Experiences to the Internal Medicine Specialty Choice

Connect your experiences to your choice of internal medicine. Illustrate how your experiences during medical school and beyond have prepared you for the demands of this specialty. Articulate your passion for internal medicine and align it with your background, clarifying why you’re an ideal candidate for the residency program.

Showcase Self-Reflection and Growth

Demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to growth. Discuss challenges faced during medical school and beyond. Highlight moments of personal and professional development. Program directors value candidates who recognize limitations and proactively seek self-improvement.

Incorporate Personal Statement Examples

Reviewing personal statement examples can offer insights into effective strategies. While your personal statement should be unique, these examples can inspire structure, content, and style. Ensure your final statement is entirely your own, authentic, and aligned with your experiences.

Consider USMLE Scores

While your personal statement isn’t the primary place to discuss USMLE scores, you can allude to how your experiences have prepared you for success in these exams. Keep the focus on your personal journey rather than making this a central point.

Address Cycle Fellowship Programs and Additional Documents

Be judicious if you’re considering cycle fellowship programs or including additional documents, such as research abstracts. Mention these elements if they directly contribute to your narrative. However, avoid overwhelming your personal statement with too many details. Maintain a clear and cohesive flow.

Edit and Revise Ruthlessly

Multiple rounds of editing and revision are essential. Set aside your draft for a fresh perspective before revisiting it. Eliminate redundancies, tighten sentences, and refine your narrative. Seek feedback from mentors, peers, or professionals for valuable insights.

Final Thoughts: Leave a Lasting Impression

Reiterate critical themes in your conclusion, leaving a lasting impression. Re-emphasize your passion for internal medicine, commitment to contributing positively, and readiness for the challenges ahead. Conclude with a sense of closure, inspiring program directors and leaving them eager to learn more about you. If you’re ready to take your ERAS application to the next level, explore our comprehensive guide on perfecting your application components. From mastering your ERAS CV, crafting a compelling personal statement, and making informed program selections, A Perfect Match: ERAS CV is designed to provide you with essential insights and strategies. Dive into the article to discover how these critical elements present your candidacy in the best light.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, meeting the ERAS personal statement length requirement requires strategic crafting. You can create a personal statement that resonates with program directors by focusing on engaging introductions, meaningful themes, impactful stories, and clear connections to internal medicine. Remember that the goal is to present yourself as a dedicated, capable, compassionate future physician specializing in internal medicine while ensuring every word counts.

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• Residency Application

ERAS Application: A Guide to Match Your Top Residency Program

Featured Expert: Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is used to apply for medical residencies in the United States. Many students aren’t sure how to prepare for residency applications or how to use the ERAS system. This blog will cover everything you need to know about ERAS, including the ERAS application timeline, application tips, and how to navigate the system.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 16 min read

What is eras and how does the match work.

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) through the AAMC is used by graduates from medical schools in the US to apply to postgraduate residency training programs. Similar to the AMCAS , AACOMAS , or TMDSAS application you used to apply to medical school, ERAS is your ticket to becoming a resident doctor in the US.

Once your ERAS application is complete, you can register for and participate in the National Resident Matching Program’s (NRMP) Main Match, which pairs medical graduates with open positions in residency programs across the country. The Main Match is the method by which the NRMP facilitates the ERAS application process, allowing medical school graduates to find and select residency positions.

Completing your ERAS application and going through the Match is a long and stressful time. Our students can sum up pretty succinctly how difficult it is to juggle your multiple commitments during this time:

“We all know how stressful residency application can be.” – Qianyu, BeMo student.

“having to get prepared for the interview process for residency while still completing hospital rotation[s], dissertation, and academic demands has been difficult.” – gia, bemo student..

For this reason, we’ve created this ERAS guide for residency applicants to get started and get through their applications with ease.

-----------------------

Looking for the ERAS fellowship application guide?

Applicants use ERAS to apply to residency programs in the US. Programs will then respond to applicants by inviting them for interviews during the fall and winter of their 4 th or final year of medical school. Once interview season has come to an end, applicants will create and submit a residency Rank Order List of programs that they would accept a contract with. Programs will also submit a Rank Order List of applicants they would like to accept as residents.

The NRMP’s Main Match algorithm plays “matchmaker” in setting up applicants and programs based on the preferences in their Rank Order Lists. Come Match week, medical graduates are notified whether they have matched. For applicants who are not successful in matching to any programs, residency positions that remain unfilled are made available for applicants to attempt to secure them before the official Match Day results are released through the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). Students are notified on the third Friday of March about where they were matched. From there, medical graduates accept offers and prepare to begin their residency training.

You MUST register through both the ERAS and NRMP residency match services to submit your residency application AND register for the Match . ","label":"IMPORTANT!","title":"IMPORTANT!"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

How to Navigate the ERAS Application

Now it’s time to break down how to tackle and navigate the information-dense world of ERAS! The official AAMC resources and this guide will help make your application process go smoothly. Use this reference guide or the ERAS applicant checklist to double-check your work and monitor your progress.

Step #1: Check Program Requirements and Deadlines

You can check the requirements and application deadlines of a program through the ERAS portal or by going directly to the program's listed website. It is time-consuming, but it is better to research these programs to make sure they are right for you and that you are the type of candidate they’re looking for. Our student, Erin, secured a residency position by reviewing her application materials and tailoring them to fit her desired programs.

“I had a hard time figuring out personal examples to use in certain interview questions … in reviewing my CV, my personal statement and my interview prep, I was able to secure a general surgery residency at St. Luke's University Hospital.” – Erin, BeMo student.

Also make note of the programs you’re interested in and any important dates to guide your application submission.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can use residency match services or resources like FREIDA residency database to explore ACGME-accredited programs and start narrowing down your list of potential residency programs.

Step #2: Get Your ERAS Token

Contact your Designated Dean’s Office to receive your ERAS token. The token is a one-time code you will use to register with the MyERAS system and begin your residency application. You will receive your code via email. You MUST have your ERAS token to register.

Note that Canadian medical school graduates (CMGs) participating in ERAS use the Canadian Resident Matching System ( CaRMS ) as their Designated Dean’s Office. CaRMS has a separate process for CMGs who want to participate in the US match here .

International medical graduates can receive their ERAS token through the ECFMG , or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates once they have received their ECFMG certification through one of the ECFMG pathways .

If you are a non-matched graduate reapplying to programs through ERAS and have had a previous token, you will have to purchase a new token for the upcoming year.

You will want to register early and as soon as you’ve received your ERAS token to ensure that all of your uploaded documents and information are in order. Certain documents take a few days to upload.

Visit MyERAS to proceed with registration. Read through and answer the ERAS registration questions carefully and thoroughly to prevent mistakes. You can only register once!

Once you’ve successfully registered on MyERAS, you can access your account and begin creating your application.

You can prepare to fill out the actual MyERAS application by consulting the ERAS applicant Worksheet , available on the AAMC website. ","label":"Note","title":"Note"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

What are the least and most competitive residencies ? Watch this video!

Step #4: Fill Out Your Personal Information

Now that you’ve successfully registered on MyERAS, it is time to fill out your personal information. You can always come back and update the information on your Personal Information page, even after you submit your ERAS application. Ensure that your permanent address is correct, as this is one section of the Personal Information page that cannot be changed after submission.

Aside from personal information required the following information may be required of you:

•   AOA ID (Required of all DO applicants)
•   NBOME ID (Required of all DO applicants)
•   ECFMG Certification (Only applies to foreign medical graduates)
•   A checkbox to indicate participation in NMS/Couples Match (Optional)
•   A checkbox to indicate participation in NRMP/Couples Match (Optional)
•  ACLS, BLS, and PALS Certification information and dates. Be aware of the dates you will be attending your training sessions and which certifications you have already completed successful training for.

Step #5: Start Your MyERAS Application

Click on "My Application" in the MyERAS portal to begin. You only complete one application, and once certified and submitted, it is sent to the residency programs you choose.

Your additional documents like ERAS letters of recommendation and your residency personal statement can be customized per program and are attached later. Take your time completing your primary application. You can save your work and continue as you want. If you have not clicked “Certify and Submit,” you can change any information you have filled out at any time.

Step #6: Certify and Submit Your Application

Now it is time to Certify and Submit your application. Review it one last time before submission! Check spelling and grammar and that all fields are filled out.

Prior to submission, there is a section titled “Designated Dean’s Office” authorization to view your application once it has been submitted and certified. Make sure to select yes.

Watch this video to learn residency application red flags to avoid!

This section is for uploading your personal statement, residency CV , letters of recommendation and transcripts. This is a work area where you will tailor your application to market yourself to programs and bring you one step closer to securing your residency spot.

Remember that some residency programs ask you to complete the ERAS supplemental application . You should take the time to complete this and submit it before the mid-September deadline. While the supplemental ERAS application is optional, it allows students to answer additional questions and share more information about themselves with specific programs. Much like medical school secondary application essays , this is an opportunity to increase your chances of matching and set yourself apart from other competitors for the most competitive residencies . Right now, there are 16 specialties that offer students the supplemental ERAS application.

Test Transcripts

Residency programs need your USMLE Step 1 transcript if you’re an MD applicant, and you’ll need to submit your COMLEX Level 1 transcript if you’re a DO. You will have to know your ID number for the type of transcript you are requesting and authorize the release of your scores to programs. You must assign the transcript to each residency program you apply to.

Personal Statements

Different residency personal statements can be assigned to different programs, so you can personalize your statement to a specific program. Sending a generic personal statement is one of the residency personal statement mistakes you can easily avoid! BeMo admissions expert Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, says writing the personal statement was one of the most challenging parts of his residency application, and advises students to take their time and prepare early.

“Writing the personal statements … are particularly hard because there is so much you can talk about, and what may appeal to you may not necessarily appeal to the admissions committee. It is advisable to start as early as possible (possibly months from due date) so that you can extensively revise the statements, have others review it and provide feedback.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, University of Saskatchewan, Diagnostic Radiology

Also be sure to check the ERAS personal statement requirements beforehand. You may upload as many personal statements as you want, but you can only send one PS per program, so title them accordingly so that you recall where to send them. Remember that you cannot edit or update a personal statement once it has been sent to a program.

Letters of Recommendation

The documents section of your ERAS application has an area that allows you to compose a list of faculty members that you have verified will write a letter of recommendation (LOR) for you to submit to your programs of interest.

You can include as many LORs as you feel are necessary in your ERAS documents section. Remember that residency programs typically ask for up to 3 letters of recommendation. Always make yourself aware of the LOR requirements and deadlines for each program. It can take a few days for letters to upload to ERAS before you can assign them. Make sure you give yourself and your recommendation letter writers enough time.

Keep in mind you should ask for letters of recommendation from individuals who have a strong, positive relationship with you for the best possible reference.

“An approach that would sour me is if a student asks for a LOR despite putting an average or below-average performance during the rotation, if they feel entitled to a LOR, and if the student asks for a LOR after having worked only a few shifts with them.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, University of Saskatchewan, Diagnostic Radiology

Mspe and dean's letter.

An important part of your residency application is your Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), which will share with residency programs how you performed during your clinical rotations in medical school .

Your “Designated Dean’s Office” will be the party responsible for uploading both your medical school transcript and your MSPE /Dean’s Letter to your electronic ERAS file. It will be electronically sent to each program that you apply to.

Step #8: Register for the Match!

Visit the NRMP website to register for the Main Residency Match . Registration for the Match will open in mid-September. Remember your MUST register for the Match separately from ERAS!

Step #9: Attend Interviews and Create Your Rank Order List

In late September into October, residency programs will begin reviewing residency applicants and sending out interview invitations. This period can lengthy and stressful, so be ready! Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, one of our admissions experts, says interview invitations can be sent out with very little notice and require careful planning.

“Balancing interviews with rotations [is the hardest part]! At my medical school, it was well accepted that 4 th years would take time off for interviews, so most rotations are forgiving when you need time off. However, it was still difficult to map out an interview schedule as many times interviews would come with little notice or time to schedule.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Harvard South Shore, Psychiatry

Aside from excellent organizational skills, you need to practice your interview skills. How to prepare for residency interviews therefore includes not just preparing yourself to answer common residency interview questions , but remember the best questions to ask residency programs in return.

One of the best ways to practice for your residency interviews is to use residency mock interviews , but expert feedback and implementation of that feedback is also key, says Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, an admissions expert at BeMo:

“To prepare for my residency interviews, I did lots of practice for a few hours every day. This would be a mix of group and individual practice. It is important to seek feedback from others as to what you can improve on, where you are going wrong, etc., and at the same time, spend time reflecting on your experiences and how they have aptly shaped you to excel in the specialty you are applying for. It is good practice to prepare by going over general interview questions, coming up with a personal example for each of the … physician competencies, and building a strategy to approach different types of questions.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, University of Saskatchewan, Diagnostic Radiology

Remember this is your opportunity to meet with programs and evaluate them as they are evaluating you. Interviews will help you to create your rank order list (ROL) and decide what your top-choice programs are. Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, suggests keeping your interviews a two-way conversation, a way to assess whether the fit with a residency program is mutual.

“I found that the most important piece to residency interviews is having a natural conversation. There is a lot more in common between you and the people you are talking to then when I had medical school interviews. I made sure to know my 2-3 key talking points, but focused on just having a good conversation with my interviewer. This is really important when you are talking to a resident, as the most important thing to them is making sure you would mesh well into the program.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Harvard South Shore, Psychiatry

Need practice with residency interview questions? Watch this!

Step #10: Assign Your Documents to Residency Programs

After you have finalized the list of programs you want to apply to you will then assign documents to each program. Every program you select to apply to will receive the same skeleton application of documents, which include your ERAS application, Dean's Letter/MSPE, transcript, and photo. The documents you must personally assign to each program are your USMLE/COMLEX transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, as well as any additional documents such as a residency letter of intent . Double-check your documents to make sure they are going to the correct program. An LOR is ready for assignment after you have "Confirmed" the letter once it has been uploaded by either you or the author.

Step #11: Check Status of Your Applications

There are two vital MyERAS electronic sections that you should routinely check to keep an eye on the progress and status of your ERAS applications, once you have submitted them: programs applied to and message center. The message center displays any correspondence from the programs. Check on it to make sure you are receiving all your messages.

The “My Profile” section has important information for how the programs can get in touch with you. If you move or change phone numbers, update this immediately. Keep your NRMP match participation up to date. Are you an International Medical Graduate? Make sure your visa status and ECFMG status are current.

ERAS Timeline and Important Dates

Here’s a closer look at the ERAS timeline and important Main Match dates you need to know:

Match season ends. You will no longer have access to your MyERAS account or be able to apply to any more programs. "}]">

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), offered through the NRMP, is a way for applicants who went unmatched or partially matched to secure a residency position before the official results are released on Match Day.

SOAP has a very short timeline, so if you want to improve your residency application after going unmatched , you must do so quickly and apply to unfilled positions through SOAP. SOAP applications open on the Monday before Match Day and close on Thursday.

During SOAP, you can apply to new programs or reapply to programs you applied to during the Main Match, and try to secure a spot that went unfilled. For instance, you can upload additional letters of recommendation or submit a new personal statement. If you’re participating in SOAP, also be ready for SOAP residency interview questions and answers , as these will be different from typical residency interview questions and you’ll have less time to prepare!

How to Prepare for ERAS Applications in Medical School

As a medical student, you will begin preparing for your residency applications in the third year of medical school and will be working on your ERAS application by your fourth year. It’s important to get started as soon as possible by not just thinking about what medical specialty you want to pursue or whether you’re interested in a medical fellowship , but by forging relationships with supervisors, participating in research, and gaining valuable clinical experience.

Dr. Taneja, MD, shares how she demonstrated her passion for psychiatry:

“I showed preparedness and interest in psychiatry by engaging in research and taking advantage of unique psychiatry rotations offered at my medical school. These both gave me plenty of stories to talk about how I validated the field and showcase how I see my career progressing in psychiatry [during residency applications].” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD. Harvard South Shore, Psychiatry.

At this time, it may be a good idea to start looking at the Match outcomes for specialties . You can compare their qualifications and match rates for each specialty. It is good to get an idea of what specialties might require. Knowing what scores you will need on licensing exams and how many letters you will need in that specialty will improve your chance of success and your level of preparation when you start your ERAS application. It might be wise to review the most competitive and least competitive residencies to see how you measure up.

It is also never too early to get started on your residency personal statement. Make notes of interesting cases you see or memorable patients. Getting ideas early on will keep you from stressing as more deadlines approach. Still nervous about your personal statement? You may feel more confident with residency personal statement editing with the help of your advisor.

Choose a Medical Specialty

Wondering how to choose a medical specialty for your residency training? Med school is YOUR time to explore various fields and specialties in the world of medicine. Take the time to be honest with yourself regarding your likes and dislikes when figuring out how to choose medical school electives . Each specialty has pros and cons. Make notes of these as you are exposed to them during electives, rotations, clinicals, and research. Create a pros and cons list for the specialties you are interested in.

More importantly, immerse yourself in the specialty you’ve chosen and learn what attributes and skills are most valuable for that particular specialty. You’ll need to showcase those attributes when you apply to residency programs, Dr. Neel Mistry, our admissions expert, says.

“Demonstrating preparedness for your specialty is key to convincing the application committee and ultimately securing your top residency program. To do so, you want to highlight [in your application] specific personal experiences where you have demonstrated key skills required for your specialty. For instance, collaboration, communication, and independent problem solving are essential to the job of a radiologist. I made sure to give specific (and ideally different) examples to demonstrate how I have developed each of these skills throughout medical school.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, University of Saskatchewan, Diagnostic Radiology

Also, consider where you want to live in the future and the type of practice you want to have. Certain areas are in need of different specialists or have different positions available. This may factor into your decision. If you are undecided between a few specialties, spend more time on rotations with those doctors. Immerse yourself in the field to get a feel of what your life would be like. Do not be afraid of consulting doctors and your medical school advisor . They are valuable resources. 

Apply for Clerkships

There are advantages to setting up clerkships, and they may give you an edge. Students are given the option of pursuing a sub-internship and additional elective clerkships toward the end of their 3rd year and the beginning of their 4th year. Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, one of our admissions experts and a graduate from Kansas City University osteopathic medical school , encourages students to pursue these electives to begin exploring potential residency programs.

“As a final year medical student in the United States, you will be completing something called 'audition rotations': these are rotations at hospitals/programs you hope to potentially 'match' with … My advice would be to research specific residency programs before getting started. If you are someone interested in a specific specialty or in a specific institution, you can easily go onto the program's residency website … This will allow you to get a better feel of what type of students a program is looking for, and you can make an informed decision.” Dr. Shaughnelene Smith, DO, Kansas City University Osteopathic Medical School

You should take advantage of this opportunity to work more closely with patients, residents, and attendings, as well. These electives and internships are your chance to really stand out and demonstrate your interest in the field. Showing dedication to a field like family medicine is very important come interview season. Elective clerkships are an ideal time to request those letters of recommendation from attendings.

Applying through ERAS is a time-consuming process. Altogether, your residency application, interviews, and match will take at least a year to complete, and your preparation for residency begins even earlier during medical school. The best way to make sure you ace your ERAS application is to follow instructions carefully and start as early as possible. Make sure you start researching residency programs, putting together your supporting documents, and gathering the information you need to succeed.

You can find a list of ERAS participating specialties and programs here .

There are programs that do not use ERAS for residency applications and do not participate in the Main Match. If you are applying to one of them, be sure to contact the program directly to determine how to apply. 

You need to contact your Designated Dean’s Office that will issue you an ERAS token, which is a one-time access code used to register for MyERAS.

US Seniors/Graduates can contact the medical school from which they are graduating/have graduated. International medical graduates should contact Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

No, registering with ERAS does not register you for the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) or any other matching service. You must register separately through the matching service you choose to use.

Applicants may begin applying to programs in September of the application cycle.

Programs can begin reviewing your applications in mid to late October of the application cycle.

The ERAS application should include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, test scores, your MSPE, your medical school transcripts, and more.

You can upload an unlimited number of references, but a maximum of 4 letters can be assigned per program.

No, they are not considered a reference and will not deduct from the 4-letter limit.

Many programs will require your transcripts as part of the application. Please check with programs of your choice whether it’s an option or a requirement.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

What process should one go through in order to apply and get into SOAP for those getting ERAS tokens after 1st January, now that most programs have completed accepting application letters. Kindly advice.

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello Aaron! Thanks for your comment. Please visit the official NRMP website for details on SOAP.

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The Perfect Personal Statement ERAS: Your Ticket to Residency

Some Reflections on the Importance of Personal Statement ERAS

There are several fundamental opinions on compiling various applications. Some believe that a good personal statement ERAS is one of the most critical parts of your application package and this makes the difference between getting the desired confirmation or rejection. Another opinion is that although it is an integral part of admission, this is not what is too much to rely on, as the committees do not review these papers as closely as people think.

The truth is always in the middle, and the most important thing to get from these two opinions is that your document should be good. Why? Because in any case, your application will be viewed, and if it is, so to say, standard and will meet all requirements of the format, it will not cause any questions and perhaps be able to draw attention to your candidacy and add you a couple of points. But if you think writing an ERAS personal statement is just a formality and you can ignore some requirements, this will certainly pay attention. And here you can be sure it will become a problem.

Therefore, it is better to put aside thinking and philosophizing about the importance of personal application and do everything as it should and correctly.

Where to Start Your ERAS Personal Statement

Let’s start with the basics and briefly explain or remind you what ERAS is, who uses it, and how to prepare your personal statement for ERAS on this platform to benefit from it.

ERAS is an electronic residency application service, through which you submit all the necessary documents for ERAS® residency applicants and can receive feedback on the status of your application. It streamlines the application process by allowing applicants to simultaneously submit their materials, including applications, to multiple programs. But where do you start when it comes to preparing your personal statement ERAS?

• Oddly enough, the hardest part is getting started. Put away the fear of a blank slate and transfer your thoughts to a draft. Think about the qualities making you a unique and attractive candidate. Identify key moments or encounters which ignited your passion.
• Then do thorough research on the programs of your interest. Become familiar with the missions, values, and desired qualities of applicants. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to meet their expectations and demonstrate your appropriatness for their program.
• Also, seek feedback and advice from mentors, professors, or health professionals who can offer valuable advice and guidance. Engage in self-reflection and brainstorming to organize your thoughts and ideas.

By beginning your preparation with self-reflection, research, and seeking recommendations, you will be well on your way to writing a compelling personal statement and demonstrating your unique qualities to residency programs.

Regarding the logical question about ERAS personal statement how to submit it we can note the following. Applications are submitted through the MyERAS Personal Application, a secure online platform that simplifies the residency application process and gives candidates a clear understanding of deadlines and requirements.

Optimal ERAS Personal Statement Length

This is quite a contra version that causes a lot of debate among future residents. Namely, a lot or a little volume is allocated to writing the application.

The standard ERAS personal statement length is usually about one page. This is sufficient to convey your motivations, experiences, and goals objectively and clearly while ensuring that your text is concise and focused. It is important to adhere to these length guidelines, as exceeding the recommended ERAS personal statement word count can lead to your work being ignored or marked as unsuccessful.

On the other hand, a personal statement ERAS length which is too short, can give the impression that you have nothing to say about yourself and lack the necessary qualities. Strike a balance between sufficient detail and brevity to maximize the impact of your statement on ERAS.

How Long Should ERAS Personal Statement Be?

As we said earlier, your personal statement should fit on one page. When it comes to the ERAS personal statement character limit, it has remained the same. Your application should be no less than 750 and no more than 900 characters.  It is important to follow these length guidelines as closely as possible. Note, the documents with excessive word count will be shortened automatically or may be canceled.

General ERAS Personal Statement Requirements

While most of the ERAS requirements relate to the formatting and length of submissions, it is also important to consider the specifics of your submissions. The system is not as strict on the context of a personal statement , but the quality of it is essential, first of all, to attract the attention of admissions committees and your success.

Your personal statement ERAS should present a compelling narrative that demonstrates your passion, highlights your relevant experience, and highlights your unique qualities as a candidate. Be clear and concise in your self-presentation, ensuring your ideas flow logically and coherently. Also, emphasize your personal growth and the lessons you’ve learned along your medical journey. Use specific examples to highlight your strengths and show how those experiences influenced your decision to apply for residency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The text of the ERAS personal statement is not too long and does not take more than a page, but even in this small field, you can make many mistakes that prevent you from getting the desired result.

• Lack of focus: Don’t try to cover too many topics and instead focus on a few key impressions or qualities.
• Poor structure: A disorganized and ignoring ERAS personal statement formatting structure can make your application’s narrative difficult to follow. Provide a logical flow, using paragraphs and transitions to make your message coherent.
• Generic content: General statements lacking personalization and examples of personal experience may not be memorable. Instead, emphasize the unique skills and knowledge set you apart from other candidates.
• Grammatical errors and typos: Neglecting to proofread your personal statement can undermine your professionalism and leave poor impression.

Requirements Regarding ERAS Personal Statement Formatting

The platform imposes strict requirements not only on the ERAS personal statement word limit but also has strict formatting requirements.

• Font and size: Use a clear and legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. The recommended font size is usually 10-12 points to ensure readability.
• Alignment and spacing: Left-align the text and use single spacing. Avoid using extra spacing between paragraphs or lines, as this can make your narrative look disjointed or elongated.
• Paragraph structure: For better readability, divide your ERAS personal statement into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific topic or idea; a blank line is recommended for visual separation between paragraphs.
• Special characters and formatting styles: Avoid using special characters, symbols, or formatting styles (bold, italic, underline) in your statement. Stick to plain text (ASCII) formatting to ensure compatibility with various systems.

Remember also, that you need not only to know how long should ERAS personal statement be but also to ensure it’s free from any inconsistencies, grammatical errors, or typos. So proofread your application several times before and after formatting.

Red Flags Residency Personal Statement to Consider

Indeed you have already read a lot of expert advice and recommendations regarding creating a personal statement ERAS. And you know that there should be no lies, exaggerations, and deceit here. The same applies to red flags, which intimidate most applicants:

• Lack of reflection and growth, e.g., if more than 5 years have passed from graduation to application, this is already a red flag.
• Any academic gaps for several years related to your chosen major.
• Negative attitudes, including bad experiences, past job failures, or toxicity to former colleagues.
• Lack of connection to the program, e.g., lack of appropriate educational background or failure to demonstrate a genuine understanding of a particular program’s possibilities.
• Lack of professionalism – such as clinical experience in the United States, essential to have while applying to U.S. residencies.

These ones are the most common red flags residency personal statement that most applicants want to hide. However, you should not do it. Instead, you must try to explain your position, turning your red flags into your zest.

Get Professional Help From Admission Experts

The requirements and features of eras applications are only easy for those who have processed hundreds of them, so it’s normal for you to need expert feedback or support. No matter what reason you need assistance with, whether it’s a desire to sort out red flags or the pursuit of perfectionism regarding ERAS personal statement requirements, our writing professionals are here to lend a helping hand 24/7.

With vast experience and a thorough understanding of all the nuances of the admission process, our writers are ready to work on your application, turning an ordinary document into an outstanding personal statement ERAS that will lead you to victory.

Leave all doubts behind and rely on us. Just a couple of lines asking for help, and all your writing issues will be solved!

What to Learn From the Best Personal Statement Residency Examples

No Ideas for Writing? Personal Statements Residency Sample Can Help! Personal statement is one of the mandatory requirements for residency application. It’s a short essay where students tell the admissions office about themselves and why they should be allowed to take the program. This is one of the ways an applicant can set themselves apart […]

How to Make a Top Personal Statement Hematology Oncology Fellowship

Prepare for Writing Personal Statement Hematology Oncology Carefully The application process for a hematology oncology fellowship is highly competitive, with numerous qualified candidates and limited positions. In such a scenario, a personal statement holds immense significance, allowing applicants to stand out and showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. A well-written hematology oncology personal statement […]

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

ERAS Support Services

Supporting documents, about supporting documents, document submission, transfer students, reusing documents, submitting lors early.

Following are the documents that ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will upload to the MyERAS application and are typically required for a residency application:

If a program requests additional document types not listed on this page, you should make arrangements with the program to have these additional documents sent directly to the program. This practice is in accordance with the AAMC ERAS policy. ERAS will not process these documents.

Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

What is the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)?

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) evaluates a medical student’s performance during his or her academic career relative to his or her peers. The MSPE has replaced the term “Dean’s letter” to better describe the purpose of this document. While ERAS Support Services will accept a “Dean’s letter” from your medical school, we strongly encourage medical schools to provide an MSPE that follows the MSPE guidelines detailed in the AAMC's “Recommendations for Revising the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).”

An MSPE should:

• Evaluate the performance of the medical student
• Be written on medical school letterhead with the medical school seal affixed
• Be signed by the designated medical school official
• Include the applicant’s full name

How do I submit my MSPE?

There are two ways that your MSPE can be submitted:

• By you via ECFMG's OASIS
• By your medical school via the ECFMG Medical School Web Portal (EMSWP) ERAS (if your medical school participates). See Document Submission for more information.

Please Note: The MSPE is not a letter of recommendation (LoR) and should not be finalized as an LoR and assigned to your programs.

What if my medical school does not provide an MSPE?

If you are unable to secure the MSPE from your medical school, you must indicate this on the Additional Documents page in the MyERAS application. A neutral placeholder letter will be provided in place of the MSPE. This will ensure that your application will appear as complete for those programs that require an MSPE before considering your application. The neutral placeholder will state, “This document is provided in lieu of the applicant’s MSPE. Please contact the applicant with any questions you may have.”

My MSPE is not in English. What should I do?

If the MSPE is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

• A medical school official (for example, a Dean or Registrar);
• A government official (for example, a Consular Officer); or
• A professional translation service. ECFMG’s recommended professional translation service is Straker Translations .

Submit only the English translation to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG.

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Medical School Transcript

What is a medical school transcript?

Medical school transcripts come in a variety of formats, such as:

• Mark sheets,
• Time sheets, and
• Hour sheets.

Medical school transcripts give program directors an overview of:

• The subjects you studied in medical school,
• How long you studied each subject, and
• How well you did on your exams.

The transcript must include your full name and should not be on “security paper” with a busy background. Busy backgrounds make the scanned image illegible. Ask your school to copy your transcript onto plain paper.

How do I submit my medical school transcript?

If you have a copy of your transcript from your school, you can submit it to ERAS Support Services via OASIS. Documents uploaded through OASIS will take up to five business days to process.

If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, the school must upload the transcript on your behalf. Documents uploaded through EMSWP will take up to five business days to process. See Document Submission for more information.

I already submitted my transcript to ECFMG. Do I need to resubmit it for my MyERAS application?

The MyERAS application is separate from ECFMG Certification, and your medical school transcript will not automatically transfer. If you have a copy of your medical school transcript, you should upload the document through OASIS. If your medical school does not participate in EMSWP ERAS, and if you have no other way to secure the document from your medical school, you can request that ECFMG transfer a copy of that document to your MyERAS application. This option should only be used as a last resort, and will take longer to process than documents uploaded through OASIS. To submit a request:

• Register your ERAS Token with AAMC's MyERAS website.
• Log in to ECFMG's OASIS .
• Go to the ERAS Support Services section.
• Select Request for Transcript Transfer from ECFMG Certification.
• Carefully review the information on that page.
• Click on Submit Request.

The total processing time from submission of the request to the availability of the transcript in ERAS may take up to eight business days.

Once submitted, your request will be reviewed within two to three business days. If ECFMG is unable to fulfill your request, you will be notified via e-mail. If ECFMG is able to fulfill your request, your transcript will be transferred to your MyERAS application where you will be able to track the status of the document. The status of the transcript will be updated to “available” in MyERAS within five business days of the date it is uploaded to ERAS.

Please Note: If your school participates in EMSWP ERAS, your school must upload the medical school transcript on your behalf and you will not be able to submit this request.

What if my medical school does not provide a medical school transcript?

If you are unable to secure a medical school transcript, you must indicate this on the Additional Documents page of the MyERAS application. A neutral placeholder letter will be provided in place of the transcript and will state, “This document is provided in lieu of the applicant’s medical school transcript. Please contact the applicant with any questions you may have.” This will ensure that your application will appear as complete for those programs that require a medical school transcript before considering your application.

My medical school transcript is not in English. What should I do?

If the medical school transcript is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

• A professional translation service. ECFMG’s recommended professional translation service is Straker Translations .

I am a transfer student. How do I submit both of my medical school transcripts?

If you are a transfer student and would like to submit more than one medical school transcript for your MyERAS application, please see Transfer Students for more information. If you have any questions about the processing of your transcripts, please contact ERAS Support Services at ECFMG .

Please Note: The transcript does not need to be assigned to your programs. This is done automatically when the transcript is submitted.

Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)

Submitting LoRs that are substantive in content will ultimately provide the residency training program director with a clear picture of your current skills and clinical ability, in addition to your personal characteristics such as professionalism, leadership, and interpersonal skills both with patients and colleagues. You should select your letter writers carefully and contact each program for its LoR requirements. Contact potential letter writers early to allow them plenty of time to reflect upon your performance and provide the letter in time to meet program deadlines for receiving LoRs.

How do I submit my LoRs?

The AAMC LoR Portal (LoRP) enables LoR Authors and/or their designees to upload LoRs to ERAS for distribution to training programs.

• If you have waived your right to view an LoR, your letter writer must upload the letter on your behalf through the LoRP.
• If you have not waived your right to view an LoR, you are permitted to upload a copy through the AAMC’s LoRP, logging in using your AAMC account.

Please Note: Programs are able to view who has uploaded the document.

For tips on uploading your LoRs, please see the Letter Writer Assistance page . It is your responsibility to follow up with letter writers to ensure that LoRs are ready in time to meet program deadlines.

How do I make my LoRs available to assign to programs?

In order for your LoRs to be available to programs, you must:

• Confirm for upload your LoR Authors, and
• Assign the letters to programs in MyERAS.

Is there a limit to how many LoRs I can submit?

There is no limit to how many LoRs you can submit. However, you can assign a maximum of four LoRs to each program. Once LoRs are assigned to a program and you apply, they cannot be unassigned.

How do I reuse LoRs from the previous MyERAS application season?

If you have certified and submitted an application in a previous ERAS season (from the ERAS 2016 season and onwards), your LoRs are saved in the History section of your MyERAS application. For more information, please visit the AAMC's website at https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residency/article/history-and-imports-repeat-applicants/ .

My LoR is not in English. What should I do?

If the LoR is not in English, you must have an English translation prepared and certified to be correct by one of the following:

Programs will use your photograph to identify you at the interview and as a memory aid when creating a rank order list. The photograph must:

• Be a full front view of your head and shoulders,
• Have your face centered, and
• Show your face with a natural expression with your eyes open and looking directly ahead.

If you wish to submit a photograph, you must submit a digital version via ECFMG’s OASIS .

Submitting your Photograph via OASIS

Your photograph must conform to the following technical specifications:

• It must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
• The maximum file size accepted is 150 KB.
• It must be no larger than 2.5 by 3.5 inches (i.e. passport size).

Steps for submitting your Photograph via OASIS

• Log in to ECFMG’s OASIS .
• Click on the link for ERAS Support Services.
• Select Upload Photograph.
• Click the Browse button to select the photograph file from your device.
• Click Upload to upload the photograph.

You will receive confirmation of acceptance if the system uploads your digital photograph successfully. Your photograph will transmit within 24 hours to your MyERAS application.

If your photograph is rejected, you will need to submit a new file that meets the specifications above.

Do not e-mail your photograph to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. We are unable to modify files for applicants.

To make your photograph available to programs, you must assign it on the Additional Documents tab of MyERAS.

You can update your photograph at any time by submitting a new version via OASIS. Once processed, it will replace the previous version in your MyERAS application.

ECFMG Status Report

The ECFMG Status Report confirms your ECFMG Certification status. The ECFMG Status Report contains the month and year that you passed examinations for ECFMG Certification. It does not include your USMLE scores , which can be reported only as part of an official USMLE transcript.*

ECFMG Status Reports contain the following information:

• USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number
• Applicant name
• ECFMG-certified: (Yes or No)
• Certificate issue date
• Exams passed for ECFMG Certification*
• CSA valid through date, if applicable
• Medical school of graduation
• Degree year
• Medical Education Credential Status (complete or incomplete)
• Explanatory notes (if applicable)

Important Note for Pathways Applicants: If you meet the clinical and communication skills requirements for ECFMG Certification through an ECFMG Pathway , this will be reported on your ECFMG Status Report. If you are ECFMG Certified based on a Pathway, your ECFMG Status Report will list the expiration date. *If you received your Standard ECFMG Certificate based on any of the following exams, the scores will be listed on your ECFMG Status Report:

• One-day ECFMG Examination
• NBME Part exams

Your ECFMG Status Report will be transmitted automatically to your ERAS application and will update automatically as new information is available. You do not need to request the Status Report or automatic updates, and the cost is included in your ERAS Token fee.

USMLE Transcript

The USMLE transcript contains your examination history on Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), the former Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS), if taken, and Step 3, if taken. It includes all attempts: passed, failed, incomplete, etc. The USMLE transcript is required by many residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as part of the application to be considered for their positions. For complete information on what is included in the USMLE transcript, refer to Scoring & Score Reporting in the USMLE Bulletin of Information .

How long does it take to process my USMLE transcript request?

Your request will not be processed until you have assigned the document to at least one program and applied. Each time you apply to a program, it may take one to two business days for your USMLE transcript to be transmitted to the MyERAS application, where it can be accessed by the program.

I received a new USMLE score. How do I send the new score to programs?

If you receive a new score after you have applied to programs, log in to MyERAS and go to the Additional Documents page in the Document section to select the option to "Resend My Scores" in the action column for USMLE Transcript.

If you receive a new score before you have applied to programs, your USMLE transcript will include your complete USMLE history when you do apply, regardless of when you authorized the release of the USMLE transcript in MyERAS. The request is not processed until you actually apply and pay the fee.

I am applying to programs that do not participate in ERAS. How do I send a copy of the USMLE transcript to those programs?

If you are applying to programs that do not participate in ERAS and require a USMLE transcript, you request a paper transcript from ECFMG.

Is the USMLE transcript transmitted automatically to the MyERAS application?

No. Applicants must authorize the release of the USMLE transcript in MyERAS, assign the document to programs, and pay the one-time $80 fee for it to be transmitted.

How do I authorize the release of my USMLE transcript?

Log in to MyERAS and go to the Additional Documents section. You will see the option to authorize the release of the USMLE transcript. Read the information on that page carefully before saving.

There are different methods for submitting supporting documents, depending on the document type. See below for specific information on OASIS, EMSWP ERAS, and the AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP).

As your designated Dean’s office, ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will evaluate each uploaded document to ensure clarity of image and to verify that each document has been uploaded to the slot designated for that document type. Document types that are not part of the MyERAS application—diplomas, foreign language documents, curriculum vitae, etc.—should not be uploaded. ECFMG will not transmit these documents to your MyERAS application.

ECFMG’s OASIS allows ERAS applicants to submit several document types in support of their residency application, including MSPEs, medical school transcripts, and photographs.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Some international medical schools submit supporting documents on behalf of their students/graduates who participate in ERAS through EMSWP. Schools that participate in the EMSWP ERAS program can electronically submit supporting documents on behalf of ERAS applicants. If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you will not be able to submit your MSPE and transcripts using OASIS. Please contact your medical school to have these documents uploaded via EMSWP ERAS on your behalf. ERAS Support Services uploads these documents to your ERAS application within five business days of their receipt. To find out if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you can contact the Dean’s office at your medical school.

Documents submitted via OASIS will take up to five business days to process. ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will contact you within five business days, via the MyERAS message center, about any discrepancies found during the quality control process.

Submitting Documents Using OASIS

• Make sure the document is a clean and clear image that will be presented to the programs to which you apply. Documents should be legible and not on a busy background.
• Scan all pages of the document into one file . Save the document as a PDF and name it something you can easily recognize; e.g., surname_MSPE.PDF.
• Make sure that the file follows the technical specifications (document dimensions, file type, and file size) for the document type you are uploading. The specifications can be found on the Upload page for the document in OASIS.

Steps for Submitting Documents Using OASIS

• Log into ECFMG's OASIS .
• Select ERAS Support Services.
• Select the appropriate upload category from the list on the toolbar.
• Carefully read the instructions and notices for the document type.
• Click the Browse button to select the document file from your computer. Be sure to upload the complete document as one file. Do not upload each page of the document separately.
• Click Upload File. You will receive confirmation for a successful upload.
• Repeat these steps for each document type.

If your document is rejected, you will need to submit a new file that meets the technical specifications. Do not e-mail your documents to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. We are unable to modify files for applicants.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Submission of any falsified or altered document to ECFMG is an example of irregular behavior. A determination by ECFMG that an individual engaged in irregular behavior may be sufficient cause to bar an individual from ECFMG Certification, revoke an ECFMG Certificate, or take other appropriate action. ECFMG will send notice of a determination of irregular behavior to residency program directors, among others. See ECFMG Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior .

AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP)

LoRs must be submitted through the AAMC’s Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) . If you have waived your right to view an LoR, your letter writer must upload the letter on your behalf. If you have not waived your right to view an LoR, you are permitted to upload a copy through the AAMC’s LoRP by logging in using your AAMC account. Programs are able to view who has uploaded the document. For tips on uploading your LoRs, please see the Letter Writer Assistance page of the ECFMG website.

LoRs submitted through the LoRP will take up to five business days to process.

EMSWP provides access to ECFMG’s web-based services for international medical schools and includes a program for ERAS.

Through EMSWP ERAS, international medical schools can upload supporting documents on behalf of their students and graduates; track receipt of these supporting documents by ECFMG; and verify the ERAS registration activity of their students and graduates. To determine if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, please contact the Dean’s office at your medical school.

Students and graduates of EMSWP ERAS-participating medical schools will not have the ability to upload their own MSPEs and medical school transcripts. If your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, please contact the Dean’s office at your medical school to request upload of your MSPE and medical school transcript. ECFMG processes documents uploaded through EMSWP ERAS within five business days.

For more information on how your medical school can establish an EMSWP ERAS account, please ask a representative from your medical school to e-mail ERAS Support Services at [email protected] .

For more information on all of the services available to medical schools through EMSWP, please visit the EMSWP Overview page.

If you attended more than one medical school to earn your medical degree, you are considered a transfer student and should submit the medical school transcripts from each of the medical schools you attended.

The method used to submit your transfer school transcripts is determined by whether or not your medical school of graduation participates in EMSWP ERAS. To find out if your medical school participates in EMSWP ERAS, you can contact the Dean’s office of your medical school.

If your medical school of graduation does not participate in EMSWP ERAS

If your medical school of graduation does participate in emswp eras.

If either school has a policy that prevents submission of your transcripts together, the transcripts can be submitted separately. Your medical school of graduation should submit its transcript using EMSWP ERAS. If you have a copy of your transfer transcript from your transfer school, you may submit it as a PDF file to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG at [email protected] . If you do not have a copy of your transfer transcript, contact the Dean’s office of your transfer school and request that they submit your transcript as a PDF file to [email protected] . Please note this e-mail address is for transfer students’ transcripts ONLY. Other types of supporting documents, such as LoRs or transcripts for non-transfer students, should not be submitted to this e-mail address and will not be processed.

Once all transcripts have been received by ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, we will merge them together and process them to your MyERAS application.

If you participated in the ERAS 2023 season and also participate in the ERAS 2024 season, you will be eligible to reuse your documents at the time you make an ERAS 2024 Token request via OASIS .

If you are eligible to reuse your documents, you are not required to resubmit:

• Medical school transcripts
• Photographs
• LoRs that were used in a previous ERAS season

Within five business days from the time you register your Token at the MyERAS website , ERAS Support Services will upload your stored MSPE, medical school transcript, and photograph to the ERAS 2024 application.

If there have been changes to the content of your MSPE or medical school transcript, and you would like to submit the modified document(s), submit the document(s) to ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. See Submission At-a-Glance for an overview of the available methods of submitting supporting documents. Once your modified documents have been received at ECFMG, they will be transmitted to your ERAS application within five business days, replacing last season’s document(s).

If you would like to submit a new photograph, you must submit a digital version using ECFMG’s OASIS. This will automatically replace the previously submitted photograph.

Guide to Reusing LoRs

You can import your LoRs from a previous ERAS season in MyERAS. To access your LoRs from the previous season, you must request your Residency Token using OASIS and register at MyERAS. For more details, please see the information on the AAMC's website .

Please note that once you complete the transfer process in MyERAS, your LoRs will immediately be available to assign to programs. There is no additional processing of those documents.

ERAS Support Services at ECFMG provides an option for submitting confidential LoRs early. Applicants who wish to submit LoRs the year before they intend to apply to U.S. residency programs should follow these steps:

• Purchase an ERAS Token via ECFMG’s OASIS.
• Register the ERAS Token via the AAMC’s MyERAS website.
• Add and Confirm the LoR Author information in your MyERAS application. This creates the Letter ID and Letter Request Form.
• Provide the Letter Request Form to your LoR Author and ask the author to upload the waived confidential letter of recommendation through the AAMC’s LoRP.
• Once the letter is uploaded, ECFMG will process the letter to the current MyERAS application.
• Track the status of your LoRs in MyERAS to confirm that they have been processed. Once your LoRs are available in MyERAS, they will be saved for the next season.

IMPORTANT NOTE : If you are only submitting LoRs early and do not wish to participate in the current Match season, you are required to fill out, certify, and submit the on-line application portion of MyERAS. Your LoRs will not be saved if you do not certify and submit the MyERAS application before the end of the season. You do not need to apply to any programs or pay an application fee.

ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will not provide copies of your letters to you and will not provide copies of your letters to programs except via the MyERAS application system.

Important Dates

• March 11: Applicant matched and unmatched information and filled and unfilled results posted to the NRMP website at 10:00 a.m. Locations of all unfilled positions are released at 10:00 a.m. only to participants eligible for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).
• March 12: Programs with unfilled positions may start entering their Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) preference lists at 11:30 a.m.
• March 14: Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) offer rounds begin at 9:00 a.m.
• March 14: Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) concludes at 9:00 p.m.
• March 15: Match Day. Applicants learn if they matched through the NRMP R3 system and email at 12:00 p.m.

All times shown are Eastern Time in the United States.

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ERAS Changes to Personal Statement Format

AAMC’s ® ERAS ® system generally makes small changes to their systems to improve performance and generally make life easier for medical residency applicants. This year, they’ve made quite a few big changes to their timeline , but there was an unexpected change as well.

This year, ERAS announced they would be allowing several additional formatting options on the Personal Statement page such as:

• Strikethrough
• Align Right
• Increase Indent
• Decrease Indent
• Insert hyperlink

A Note from ERAS: “ Personal Statements created outside of MyERAS should be done in a plain text word processing application such as Notepad (for Windows users) or SimpleText (for Mac Users). Personal Statements created in word processing applications not using plain text may contain hidden and potentially invalid formatting. ”

But, what does this mean?

While it’s kind of ERAS to allow for more freedom in formatting for the Personal Statement– just because it’s available, doesn’t necessarily mean you should use these options.

The medical residency Personal Statement is a professional and formal document , and should be treated as such. You wouldn’t normally use bolding, italics, underline, or strikethrough in a formal document as these are looked at as unprofessional.

You should NEVER EVER use:

• Bullets – All content should be in paragraph form, bulleted lists are lazy!
• Numbering – For the same reasons as bulleting.
• Centering – Not considered proper formatting for a professional document.
• Align Right – For the same reasons as Centering.

You may consider using:

• Increase/Decrease indentation

Use these tools with caution. Aligning left should be ok, because this is common formatting for any written paper. However, indenting can eat up valuable space in your document. If you choose to indent, consider not putting spaces between your paragraphs (this is not advised as it makes the document harder to read).

If you have a professional website, possibly consider hyperlinking to that website to help Program Review Committees get to know you better beyond the Personal Statement . But, this will only work if the Program Director is reading the Personal Statement on a computer as opposed to a print out.

These new changes to the Personal Statement formatting options are exciting, but remember to use common sense when deciding to use any of them. If you are in doubt, it’s better to go without.

Related Posts

Top 9 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Residency Personal Statement

Addressing Gaps in Your Personal Statement

4 Keys to a Successful Residency Statement

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Recent posts.

• Crafting a Cohesive Application: Aligning Your Personal Statement with LORs
• Why Writing Your Residency Personal Statement Early Pays Off
• Residency Interview Planning: How To Plan Cost-Effective Trips
• Interview Prep: Anticipating Questions Based on Your Personal Statement
• How NOT to Write a Medical Residency Personal Statement
• Common Mistakes
• ERAS Application
• Post-Match SOAP
• Residency Personal Statement
• Residency Programs
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Many schools require applicants to write a personal statement when applying for  SOAP residency  because it is their basis to know more about the person. However, some schools specify their residency personal statement word count, which means applicants need to follow the word limit at the same time effectively explain who they are and what they have that others do not have. Thus, you must think of a good personal statement residency structure to get the attention of the readers.

Required Residency Personal Statement Word Count

If you are asking, “how long should a residency personal statement be,” then it can be 500 to 850 words. The personal statement  and  medical residency letter of recommendation  are your chance to sell yourself, and even though there is only a limited word count or page limit, ensure that you put all the details that you think will help you in getting into the program.

When it comes to the word count, bear in mind that it must be limited to one page. This proves also important when submitting and printing on the ERAS application. A word count of 600 up to 650 words is better, but if you want a shorter one, then writing a 500-word essay is okay too.

Additionally, the personal statement is a one computed page in ERAS, and it must be between 750 to 850 words. Be sure that your statements fit in ERAS allotted space because if there are lines that exceed the length restrictions, the program will eliminate it. By the time that you know how long should a residency personal statement be, you must start writing it while you still have enough time.

Common Structure of an ERAS Personal Statement, Pro Writing Tips, and Tricks

• Use of paragraphs: Do not use many paragraphs, especially if you have a word or page limit. It is better to write 47 lines because they will help the admissions committee have an easier time to read your paper.
• A clear beginning, middle, and end: If you submit your personal statement AAMC application, make sure that your essay has a clear beginning and end. Doing so, you will make your essay flow naturally. It is important that all your sentences are connected together so that they are organized when it comes to flow. By following this tip, you can ensure that you’re making a well-presented essay.
• ABC method: If you decide to write about your experience, you need to use the ABC method. ABC stands for action, benefit, and course structure. What qualities you possess, what skills you have and what the activity is it that you did.
• Keep it short: Because you need to meet the ERAS personal statement word limit, you should limit your essay to 4,000 characters. In this case, you should bear in mind of its conciseness by using clear and short sentences. If there are unnecessary words, clichés, and overused words, you have to get rid of them.

Length of ERAS Personal Statement: How to Shorten It and Make Your Residency Application Document a Success

There are times that you need to shorten your essay to meet the ERAS personal statement word limit, so if you are asking yourself on how to do it, here are some tips to get started.

• Highlight all the adverbs: You need to read your personal statement again and highlight all the adverbs. To shorten your essay, remove all adverbs such as very, really, absolutely, completely and extremely. Doing this is essential to complete the medical residency application process by making a concise essay and submitting a good one.
• Look for short phrases or single words followed by a comma: In the medical residency application process wherein need to submit a personal statement, you cannot include them as they would waste space. You must shorten your page to meet the word count requirement. Spot on single words or short phrases, such as in fact, because of this, to be frank, last, hopefully, in fact, in conclusion, and quite frankly. Highlight the phrases or words, and then read the essay again without these words. Remove the ones that do not enhance your essay.
• Delete helping verbs: For instance, replace “is going to visit” with “will visit”.
• Delete to be verbs: Instead of saying “I’m a voracious reader,” try writing “I read voraciously.”
• Turn nouns into verbs: It is better to write, “I concluded” than “I came to the conclusion.”

Tips to Extend a Length of Residency Personal Statement

If you are thinking to extend your personal statement because it has not correct personal statement word limit, and it does not meet ERAS personal statement length, then there are great tips that you can follow.

• What you need to demonstrate: To extend your personal statement, you can write about enthusiasm for a certain subject, genuine interest or things you want to pursue. You can write about your suitability for the job or course and your commitment to study. You might also want to write about your motivation in studying the course and ways that it fits into your future plans. Other things to write in your essay to make it longer include your conscientious attitude, great communication skills, and hard-working attitude.
• The rules: If you forgot writing about “why you want to study that course,” then include it in your personal statement. On the other hand, be sure that you have not copied from others’ work just to get ideas on what you will write. It is better if you write it on your own. Also, when you write, avoid mentioning any courses or universities because the personal statement will be sent off to different schools, especially if you have applied for numerous programs.
• Structure and content: It is better to make a plan on what you will include in your personal statement. The content of your essay should include important points. Even though you want to make it longer, irrelevant words should be eliminated. To replace those words and sentences, you can include information on what have you done to pursue your interest in that subject, things that make you suitable for the program and ways that your grades support your chosen interest.
• Write what you studied: The personal statement is a place to demonstrate your intelligence. To extend your essay, you can talk about what you have found in that program that makes you interested in it and why relating it to what you have studied to reach this point.
• Support with evidence: Whenever you make a claim or statement, be sure to back it up with evidence.

Professional Writing Help with Your Residency Application Personal Statement

Even if you are fully aware of all ERAS® personal statement requirements, there are no guarantees you’ll be able to compose an outstanding personal statement for residency application that will impress the admission committee in a matter of seconds. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place where professional admission experts with decades of writing experience can help you with crafting all types of application documents including residency letter of recommendation, CV for residency application, letter of intent and anything else you’ll request! The ordering procedure is super simple: just fill out the order form, proceed with totally secure payment, get in touch with your personal residency personal statement writer and wait for the first draft! the final version of your personal statement for residency application will be delivered on time, written in adherence to the highest standards and with the correct residency personal statement word count.

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Maryland governor signs bill banning the sale of speculative tickets

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday signed into law a bill that aims to protect consumers from ticket scalpers and resellers.

The legislation is the latest to combat unfair ticketing practices, an issue that has gained significant traction since the sale of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour tickets in 2022. A Minnesota bill named after Swift was signed into law on Wednesday , requiring ticket price transparency and prohibiting resellers from offering the same ticket more than once. 

The bill was first introduced in January by state Sens. Dawn Gile, Brian Feldman, Pamela Beidle and Arthur Ellis. 

In a phone interview, Gile said that the bill will create a "fairer landscape" for consumers and prevent them from getting "tricked into paying more than what they should be paying."

"There was a lot of attention on this bill, and I think it's because people are just so outraged by how expensive tickets are," Gile said.

Resellers will be prohibited from selling speculative tickets, which are tickets that are not currently in the seller’s possession.

Resellers will also be required to disclose the total price of a ticket, including taxes and fees. They must also issue refunds to ticket purchasers if a ticket turns out to be counterfeit, if the event is canceled or if the ticket does not match what was advertised.

The law goes into effect on July 1. Maryland will become the first state to fine resellers and platforms that offer speculative tickets.

Moore said in a statement that the law will “help lower costs” for Maryland residents hoping to enjoy live events in the state’s venues.

“Resale markets have put rapidly rising costs on consumers and this will help our state protect people from unnecessary price hikes,” Moore said. 

Similar legislation has been proposed on a federal level but has yet to move past committee.

The Fans First Act, introduced in December by a bipartisan group of senators, also seeks to ban the sale of speculative tickets and prohibit other deceptive ticketing practices. 

Last month, over 250 artists , including Billie Eilish, Green Day and Chappell Roan, signed a letter in support of the legislation. 

“We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate ticket prices and deprive fans of the chance to see their favorite artists at a fair price," the letter read.

Daysia Tolentino is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

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As Cannes readies for #MeToo bombshell, fest says it won’t automatically kick out accused directors and talent

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A sense of dread is looming over this year’s Cannes Film Festival, with rumors that several stars and directors at the fest could be outed as sexual predators.

But the fest’s president saying they’ll take it on a “case-by-case” basis.

French press has been reporting that a list of 12 actors and directors will be hit with #MeToo allegations during the international festival, which starts next week. 

“French cinema is in a cold sweat,” said a  headline in Le Figaro , which also claimed that the fest is so worried they’ve hired a crisis PR team.

But festival President Iris Knobloch said this week in an interview with Paris Match that if someone with a movie playing the festival is named, their film will not immediately be disqualified. 

“We’re extremely attentive to what is happening today, and we’re following the situation closely,” she said. “If the case of a person being implicated should arise, we will take care to make the right decision on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the board and all the involved parties. But we would also consider the work to see what is best for it. It is the real star.” 

The #MeToo movement has been revived overseas by French actress and activist Judith Godrèche, whose film “Moi Aussi,” (#MeToo) will play the Un Certain Regard selection at the festival.

The film will also pay for free to the public as part of the Cinéma de la Plage beach screenings section.

Godrèche filed two complaints of rape with the police against French filmmakers Benoit Jacquot and Jacques Doillon earlier this year, accusing both of assaulting her when she was only a teenager. 

They have both denied the charges.

Cannes previously reckoned with #MeToo in 2018 as women came out against Harvey Weinstein, a movie industry titan and Cannes regular, with several of his assaults happening during the festival.  

That year, they launched a hotline along with the French government that victims could call to report any incidents.

Former fest president Pierre Lescure and artistic director Thierry Frémaux said in a statement at the time, “These actions point to a pattern of behavior that merits only the clearest and most unequivocal condemnation,” adding they hoped the case would, “help us once again to denounce all such serious and unacceptable practices.”

That same year, French actress Catherine Deneuve and others denounced the #MeToo movement in a letter to Le Monde saying,  “insistent or clumsy flirting is not a crime, nor is gallantry a chauvinist aggression.” 

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