How to Submit an ERAS Application and Checklist Prior to Submission

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is a centralized application service that allows medical students to apply to residency programs across the United States. The ERAS application is a crucial part of the application process and can make or break your chances of getting an interview. Here are some tips and a checklist to help you put your best foot forward on your ERAS application.

Five steps to submit an ERAS application:

1. Register for an ERAS token

2. Complete the supplemental ERAS application (if applicable)
3. Complete your ERAS CV on the portal

4. Upload you personal statement, medical school transcripts, and other required documents
5. Final review/proof-read and submission

We have further divided these steps into actionable items below:

-Create an account with the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

-Register for an ERAS token by September 14th (check the deadline online on the ERAS portal as it may slightly vary every year)
-Complete the supplemental ERAS application (if applicable) by September 16th (confirm the date for your MATCH application year)
-Gather all required documentation, including your CV, personal statement, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
-Upload all required documents to your ERAS account.
-Select the programs to which you would like to apply.
-Submit your application and pay the application fee.
-Monitor your application status and respond to any requests for additional information from programs.
-Prepare for and participate in interviews with the programs to which you have applied.
-After interviews, make a final decision and submit your rank order list.

Checklist before ERAS application submission:

Review the program requirements and ensure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Review and update your CV to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
Review and update your personal statement to ensure that it is well-written and effectively communicates your qualifications.
Double-check that your medical school transcripts and medical education credentials are uploaded and released appropriately to programs.
Ensure that your letters of recommendation from faculty or other medical professionals are uploaded and released.

Check all assigned documents to each program individually and make sure that there is no faulty assignment of documents or any kind of unintended overlap
Review and update your test scores, including USMLE, COMLEX, or NBOME scores.
Review and update your medical licensure information.
Review and update your work and research experience.

It is extremely important to get your ERAS application and all of it’s components reviewed by peers who have gone through this process or senior mentors. You do not have to incorporate suggestions made by everyone, but it is important to not ignore points raised by your mentors. Give them ample time and advance notice (atleast 4-6 weeks) to review your application.