How long did you spend on your ERAS?

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Hey folks,

ERAS for 2012-2013 is quickly approaching! Well, in my psyche, at least. Before we begin tackling that, I was just wondering in general how long people spent on their applications?

I mostly ask because I will pretty much be doing sub-i's/electives back to back all throughout July to the end of September. This sounds fine to me, and I'm ready to work, but how difficult will it be to juggle my ERAS on the side? Personal statement, contacting people for LORs, perennial administrative bull**** at home institution, etc.

Sounds terrifying to me- so, is it? Something I can do casually on the weekends while I frantically catch up on sleep/read for sub-i/prepare presentations?

Thanks!

I'm in the same boat. When does it go up again? July 1?

You should already be drafting your PS and working on obtaining LORs. Other than that, the ERAS application is incredibly straightforward and doesn't require that much effort (general info, demographics, USMLE info, medical education, honors, awards, professional societies, work/volunteer/research experience, publications, hobbies). It's essentially your CV deconstructed. It shouldn't take you more than a weekend to input the necessary sections online if you're truly strapped for time. Your PS is a different story, and time allotted for that varies from person to person.

... and, the ERAS website has a worksheet you can complete (offline) that shows you exactly what will be asked on ERAS, so that you can get all of your wordsmithing done and then just type it in.

Originally Posted by aProgDirector

... and, the ERAS website has a worksheet you can complete (offline) that shows you exactly what will be asked on ERAS, so that you can get all of your wordsmithing done and then just type it in.

That is amazingly useful. You are a benevolent deity. Thanks aPD!

Originally Posted by Valadi

That is amazingly useful. You are a benevolent deity. Thanks aPD!

Nothing against aPD but...one can get benevolent deity status just for pointing out the glaringly obvious? You have very low standards.

Originally Posted by gutonc

Nothing against aPD but...one can get benevolent deity status just for pointing out the glaringly obvious? You have very low standards.

My feelings!

I can't wait until I ascend to benevolent deity status

Just do a little bit at a time. Add your volunteer work one day, do publications the next. I was in the middle of a neurosurgery rotation that require almost an hour commute and was just wiped out at the end of the day. I put my app together in bits an pieces over the course of a couple weeks. Just be sure to proof-read everything. And start working on your personal statement early. Its easily the hardest part of the application.