AAMC’s® ERAS® has closed for the 2016-17 Application Cycle as of May 31, 2017. And, as always, ERAS has come up with a few new surprises for residency applicants for the coming 2018 Application Cycle. Following its closure, ERAS announced the following changes for the next residency application season:

Exciting News for Repeat Applicants

Having to re-apply for residency comes with little joy and a lot more hard work. No one likes having to re-upload documents, spend thousands more dollars, and fill out the MyERAS Application all over again. This year, however, ERAS has made it easier than ever to be a repeat applicant.

For this application season, repeat applicants will be allowed to upload their answers from their previous MyERAS Application (prior to 2018).

Of course, applicants will need to read through and save their previous answers. As you review your previous application, it is important for you to update the information and improve your answers from previous years. Be sure to correct any mistakes you might have made as well!

Steps to use the Import Feature:

• If you are an IMG, obtain your ERAS Token from ECFMG® starting June 20, 2017
• Register with ERAS using your Token
• Read through and Accept the Terms and Conditions
• Select to Import your previous application
• If you choose not to import immediately, you will have the option to do so by clicking the Import button on the History tab

**Note: Applicants may only use the Import Feature before they certify and submit. Remember, DO NOT CERTIFY until you are 100% sure your application is complete and error-free. Certification begins September 6, 2017.

Emergency Medicine Candidates and the SVI

Although this was announced earlier this year, this is a reminder for any applicants interested in Emergency Medicine that you will be required to record and submit a Standardized Video Interview (SVI) as part of your overall ERAS application.

The SVI is a brand new component of the ERAS Application that was initially tested last year during the 2017 Application Cycle and approved by the Emergency Medicine community for this year. The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of residency applicants beyond USMLE Exam scores and what’s on paper.

Applicants will be asked a total of six questions, with three minutes each to answer the question. After submission, the ACGME-trained scorers will rate each answer for proficiency in Interpersonal and Communication Skills and Professionalism.

Click to learn more about the SVI.

And Finally, a Few Smaller Notes

While the Import Feature and the SVI are the largest changes announced by ERAS thus far, there are a couple of smaller changes to be aware of.

Terms & Conditions: Once applicants obtain their ERAS Token and log into MyERAS, they will be asked to review the Terms & Conditions and given the option to print the Terms for future reference. Applicants must review and accept the Terms in order to access their MyERAS account.

ACGME & Osteopathic Recognition: ACGME accredits programs with Osteopathic Recognition which recognizes programs that provide additional training in Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP) and will distinguish these programs in MyERAS with filters and visual indicators.  

Select Dates to Be Aware of: As always, key dates and times change every year. You can view a full IMG Timeline and Checklist by clicking here, but a few important dates are:

• June 20, 2017 – ECFMG begins providing ERAS Tokens for IMG applicants
• July 31, 2017 – Deadline for SVI Submission at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
• September 6, 2017 – ERAS allows applicants to begin submitting residency applications
• September 15, 2017 – Residency programs begin receiving applications and NRMP® registration begins at 12:00 p.m. (EST)
• October 1, 2017 – MSPEs released to residency programs
• February 21, 2018 – Rank Order List Deadline at 9:00 p.m. (EST). Last date to register with NRMP
• March 12, 2018 – Match Week and Post-Match SOAP kicks off

As always, it is important to keep an eye on the official services’ website for any further updates  as we grow closer to application submission. Contact Match A Resident at 858-299-2003 ext. 2 or support@matcharesident.com with any questions.

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