Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my applications before all my LoRs are in?
Yes, you can apply to programs before all of your letters of recommendation are submitted. A completed application is preferable to an incomplete one, so if you think your letters will be in very soon (i.e., within one week), wait and apply when everything is in. If you think it may be a while before all the letters are in, go ahead and apply now.

If all my letters are not in when I apply, do the programs frequently check back or re-download my application?
Programs are sent a message each day that tells them when applicants have new information. They are looking to complete your file, so they should download all new information. If there are a few programs that you are very interested in, wait until a day or so after Diane says it has all been scanned in, and then check with the programs and make sure they have downloaded everything.

What if I have one letter writer writing different letters for different specialties?
You need to designate the letters so that you know which one is which. You must add the name of the specialty after the letter writer's name. Please make sure Diane is aware of this so that she can be extra careful in assigning the letters.

Can I apply even though my MSPE won’t be released until Oct. 1?
Absolutely. All MSPEs will be released on October 1. You may apply without it.

Can we add more programs to our list after we apply?
Yes, you can apply to as many programs as you like. Please be sure to check the program deadlines.

Can I have more than one personal statement?
You may have as many personal statements as you want, but only one statement can be submitted to each program.

How much detail is appropriate under the “experiences” section of ERAS?
You should have completed a professional CV by this time, using either bullet point statements or paragraph descriptions under your work and extracurricular experiences. It is appropriate to use the paragraph descriptions under your work and extracurricular experiences. It is appropriate to use the paragraph descriptions from your CV for your ERAS application. However, please be aware that the formatting for the ERAS application system is not as generous as your word processing application. ERAS only allows for plain text...no quote marks, bullet points, italics, etc. Be sure that your descriptions are clean and easy to read. if you used bullet points on your CV, you can simply list each item separately in the text as a list.

What is the best way for me to enter my description of my experiences in ERAS, paragraph or bullet points?
Same as above... please be aware that the formatting for the ERAS application system is not as generous as your word processing application. ERAS only allows for plain text...no quote marks, bullet points, italics, etc. Be sure that your descriptions are clean and easy to read. If you used bullet points on your CV, you can simply list each item separately in the text as a list. There is an option to print out the text of your application to see the exact document your reviewers will see. Be sure to use this option to review your application for errors, etc.

How important is it to fill out the “Hobbies and Interest” section of the ERAS application?
VERY IMPORTANT! If you have specific hobbies and interests, post these on your application. Be specific in your descriptions, instead of "running, traveling, music" consider: Run in local 5k and 10k races. Have traveled 42 of the 50 United States. Play bass guitar in a Ska Band, etc.

This can be an important part of your application in that it tells a lot about who you are and can be a strong connection point between you and someone on the interview committee. If you put a hobby or interest on your application, be sure you can speak to it with passion and conviction...or at least know what you are talking about when asked to expand on it during an interview.

What do I put for AOA status if I don’t know anything yet?
AOA status can be changed. As soon as nominations are available you can add the information.

What is an ERAS Token?
"Tokens" are electronic codes that allow you to register and access MyERAS (your personal workstation in ERAS) online. Tokens will be available on or about July 1, and will be e-mailed to you. This number will be used one time only to access the MyERAS application, at which time the AAMC ID Number will be assigned. Once you obtain your token from our office, you should go to the MyERAS website and click on register. After registering you will be assigned an AAMC ID#. We strongly recommend that you place the number in a safe place as you will need it several times during the course of this process.

When can I register at MyERAS?
The ERAS Web site opens July 1 for applicants to register.
It is recommended that you register on MyERAS as soon as possible. It is important to register early. Our office cannot begin working on your supporting documents until you have registered. To register, go to the MyERAS Login Page. Click on the "Register" button to access the registration page. Enter your token correctly and carefully answer all required questions.

When can I apply to the programs?
You can apply to programs starting September 15. Programs will start to download your information on September 15.

When is the ERAS Application Deadline?
ERAS does not set program application deadlines as the individual programs set the deadlines. You should contact the programs directly for their deadlines. The ERAS PostOffice however closes on May 31 every year to prepare for the next ERAS application season.

When can I update my status in MyERAS?
You can update your information in MyProfile at any time, even after you have applied to your programs. After you have saved the updated Profile, the new information will be transmitted to all of the programs to which you have applied previously.

How can I check the status of my documents?
Track the status of your ERAS application materials using the Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS). The ADTS lists each program that you applied to, the dates the documents were uploaded by your designated dean's office, and the date the program downloaded each document.

Can I submit a photo for ERAS?
Absolutely. For identification purposes applicants may supply our office with a wallet-sized (2.5 in x 3.5 in) color photo. Our office scans the photo and attaches it to the applicant’s record. The Residency Program software is designed to prevent program staff from viewing the photo until the applicant is invited for an interview.

When selecting a photo please keep in mind that you are not able to use the proofs from the photographers (Wycoff-Tweedie). In order to use this photo you have to purchase a package from the photographer which could take 6-8 weeks.

Is a photograph mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory that you submit a photograph; however, many programs will ask you submit one.
The program directors cannot access your photograph until after they have included you in their list of applicants to be invited for an interview.

Where should I send my photograph?

Please send your photograph
Augusta Webster Office of Medical Education
Attn: Diane Hill
303 E. Chicago Ave, Ward 1-003
Chicago, IL 60611

If you would like to e-mail an electronic jpeg photo (under 100kb) please send it to d-hill4@northwestern.edu.

What kind of photograph should I send?
Please submit one (1) color photo approximately 2.5 in x 3.5 in (6.5 cm x 9 cm).

To which mailing address should my letter writers send my letters of recommendations?
Please send your LoRs to:
Augusta Webster Office of Medical Education
Attn: Diane Hill
303 E. Chicago Ave, Ward 1-003
Chicago, IL 60611

How long does it take to scan my documents?
Letters of recommendations are normally scanned in one or two days after receipt.

Have my letters of recommendation been scanned into ERAS?
Our office scans letters into the system as they arrive. The Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS) will allow you to see which letters have been scanned into ERAS. Once you apply, ERAS will notify our office and we will then attach your letters on file to the appropriate letter writer, its then transmitted to the ERAS Post Office, which then sends it to the program. If you apply to a program on Saturday, your letters would not be attached until the next business day.

Why can't I see my documents in MyERAS?
MyERAS is your file. It contains only information that you enter. If we have scanned your documents, they are in our system and, as you know, you cannot see them.

When you apply to your programs, we will transmit your documents to the ERAS PostOffice. You will be able to see the status of your documents via the Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS) at MyERAS. Please go to www.aamc.org/audienceeras.htm, follow the link "For Residency Applicants," and click on "Track Documents" on the next screen.

When will my transcript be released?
In general, transcripts are released with the MSPE. The reason we like to wait is to have as many grades as possible on your transcript before it goes out. We like to avoid rescanning transcripts as new grades become available. If you have a program that is asking for an early transcript, let Diane know and we can put it in earlier. We plan on entering all transcripts around September 15.

Is the transcript counted as one of the LoRs?
No, the medical school transcript has its own category.

Is the MSPE counted as one of the four LoRs?
No. In ERAS there are four categories of documents:
1. MSPE,
2. Medical School Transcript,
3. Color Photograph, and
4. Letters of Recommendation.

In addition to your MSPE you can still assign four Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) to each program.

When can we review our MSPE?
When your letter is complete, you will receive an email indicating that the draft of your MSPE is ready for your review. The MSPEs will begin to be ready in late September. You can view your transcript through Caesar. If you found any inconsistencies or errors, please use the comment feature of the system to alert us of the potential change or correction. Please do not send a separate email. Although we will not change narrative evaluations from clerkships, we will correct typos and grammatical mistakes, so please let us know if you find any.

How do I rank separately for prelim programs vs. my residency programs?
There is a supplemental rank order list that is used by applicants who rank advanced programs ("A" positions beginning in the second year of training) on their primary rank order list and who also want to match to a compatible preliminary or transitional first year program ("P" position) for the first year of training. For each PGY2 "A" program ranked on the primary rank order list, a number of PGY1 programs that correspond to that advanced may be ranked on a supplemental rank order list. Although not a requirement, applicants generally consider geographic location in developing their supplemental rank order lists for specific advanced programs. Therefore, you can have supplemental rank order lists linked to different advanced programs. A supplemental rank order list will be used in the match only if the applicant matches to an advance program on the primary rank order list. The supplemental rank order list is used as part of the main match and is not a separate match. If the NRMP is unable to match the applicant to a first-year program, the match to the advanced program still holds and the applicant must seek a PGY1 position after the match.

Can we release our USMLE Step 1 scores, but not our Step 2 scores?
Yes, you can release just your Step 1 scores. ERAS will ask you if you want your Step 2 scores released as soon as they are available. If you answer "yes," the scores will automatically be released to ERAS when they become available. You cannot change your mind, once you answer "yes." If you say "no" that you don't want your Step 2 scores released, then you can wait and see what your scores are before you release them. If you decide at a later date to release your Step 2 scores, you just need to go back in to ERAS and hit "retransmit scores." ERAS will then transmit your Step 2 scores for you.

Do programs require Step 2 scores?
You need to check with individual programs. Requirements are different at individual programs.For the programs that require passing of Step 2, please be sure to schedule Step 2 (CK and CS) in plenty of time to have your grades available to programs. Count on 3 weeks to get your results.