ERAS Residency Application Components Guide for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Below are descriptions for each of the ERAS Residency Application Components, including those specifically for IMGs. The information included for each component is:
- The component + a brief description **
- How many documents you are allowed per submitted application (in parentheses)
- Who is responsible for submitting
- Where to submit
- Processing Time
- Any hints or tips to make the process go smoothly
PLEASE NOTE: ECFMG’s ERAS Support Service suggests having all documents uploaded through OASIS a minimum of 2 weeks before applications are released to programs by ERAS.
MyERAS Common Application (1)
The MyERAS Common Application asks a series of questions to build a CV/resume for programs to view. It covers the following information: personal, match, biographic, military, education/medical education, accomplishments, experiences (work, research, and volunteer), licensure, and published works and presentations.
Who Submits it? The applicant
Where? MyERAS
Processing Time? Whenever you complete the application and Certify
Hints/Tips:
- DO NOT certify the document until it is complete and error-free, wait to certify until the last second because you may want to add or change something. After certification, you will not be able to make any changes for the remainder of the residency season.
- Check out the ERAS Worksheet in the Tools for Residency Applicants section of ERAS to preview the application
- Take advantage of the Hobbies/Interest and Experiences sections. Any written sections should be in narrative paragraphs, do not list any information
- NOTE: Make sure your MyERAS Common Application does not favor one specialty, it should remain generic
Personal Statement (1 per specialty)
The Personal Statement is a short narrative essay where you can introduce yourself to residency programs beyond your other application documents. You can share your accomplishments, characteristics, goals, work ethic, and passion for your chosen medical specialty. Learn more about Personal Statements
Who Submits it? The applicant
Where? MyERAS
Processing Time? None after you write/proofread it
Hints/Tips:
- Follow the format rules for any professional document ex. one page, one inch margins, no special characters, PDF format
- Write one Personal Statement per specialty of interest. No generic Personal Statements!
- There may be new formatting options for Personal Statements in MyERAS, but these options should not be used as most are considered unprofessional.
Photograph (1)
A professional photo used to identify you during interviews.
Who Submits it? The applicant
Where? OASIS or MyECFMG Mobile App
Processing Time? 1-2 weeks processing
Hints/Tips:
- Format: .JPEG (digital), less than 100 KB (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
- Should be a clear view of head and shoulders, head centered, eyes forward
- Get a professional head shot taken if necessary
USMLE Exam transcript (1)
A transcript showing your USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS scores (Step 3 if you have it).
Who Submits it? The applicant or their medical school**
Where? OASIS
Processing Time? Typically same day (up to 5 business days)
Hints/Tips:
- You will need to request transmission ($80 one-time fee)
- If new scores become available, you’ll need to retransmit
- You must submit a request to release the transcript to programs before you can apply to programs
Medical School Transcript (1)
Your academic transcript that shows your subjects studied and exams background.
Who Submits it? The applicant or their medical school**
Where? OASIS
Processing Time? Typically same day (up to 5 business days)
Hints/Tips:
- Be in contact with your medical school and request the transcript with plenty of time
- Ask to review the Medical School Transcript to be aware of its contents
- Even if you submitted a transcript for your ECFMG Certification, you will need to resubmit through the ERAS Support Service
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (1)
The MSPE replaced the Dean’s Letter, and is a measurement of your academic achievement compared to your peers. Consider this required, as its absence will be noted by Program Directors and Interview Committees. Learn more about the MSPE
Who Submits it? The applicant or their medical school**
Where? OASIS
Processing Time? 1-2 weeks processing
Hints/Tips:
- Ask your medical school for a copy of your MSPE to review
- Even if you think your medical school won’t provide the MSPE, make sure to actually try and contact them. If you have talked to or cannot reach your school, you may submit a placeholder and address the absence in your ERAS application or interview
- MSPEs will be released to programs October 1st
Letters of Recommendation (3-4)
The Letter of Recommendation is a document written by a trusted supervisor, evaluating your performance during your time with them. These are a highly important way for programs to see you have the characteristics they are looking for from an observer point of view. You can check out Residency Experts’ helpful tips for Letters of Reference by reading Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide.
Who Submits it? If waived: the Letter Writer or someone they designate
If not waived: The applicant through OASIS
Where? LoR Portal (Letter Writer and/or applicant)
Processing Time? 1-2 weeks processing
Hints/Tips:
- LoRs should be recent (within a year of applications), specialty specific, and preferably from US clinical experience
- Waiving or not waiving is up to you, but choose wisely
- Sit down with your Letter Writer when you are asking and discuss their feedback and your expectations before they write to give you a better idea of what the letter will say
- LoR Writers must be added by the applicant and Letter Request Forms printed/given to the Writers to use
Other possible program-specific requirements:
ECFMG Status Report
- Submitted by ECFMG
Fifth Pathway Certificate
- For the Fifth Pathway students only
Narrative Letter
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**If your school is part of ECFMG Medical School Web Portal (EMSWP) you will not have the option to submit certain documents. If you see this, make sure you CONTACT your medical school and request they send the documents.
This is only a brief overview of the components, be sure you look into each component carefully or contact Match A Resident through email at support@matcharesident.com or 858-221-8510 with questions.
For assistance editing and optimizing the written sections of your MyERAS Application, Letters of Recommendation, and Personal Statement(s), checkout Residency Experts! For help drafting your Personal Statement, visit us at Residency Statement today!
Sources and Resources:
- ECFMG.org: Your support through the application process
- AAMC.org: Hosts ERAS
- ERAS: Apply to medical residency programs
- ERAS Application Worksheet: Prepare for the ERAS Application
- Match A Resident: Purchase customized lists of programs specific to your credentials
- Residency Statement: Edit or have your Personal Statements written
- Residency Experts: Edit, craft, and optimize MyERAS Written Sections
- Electronic Residency: Post-Match Service
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