questions about how PD side system works and updates to candidate application

penzi755 said:

I just want to clarify if I understand it correctly how it works - I'm using ECFMG certificate as cirteria example here but it could be any other criteria for filtering applicaitons:

Let's say you apply to programs ABC and XYZ. ABC requires ECFMG certificate when you apply while XYZ filters by people who have completed Step 1 & 2 CK and are waiting for Step 2 CS results.

When you apply to ABC, your application is "Invisible" to them. They don't even see you. You are visible to ABC and they can review your application based on other things.

Now after a month your CS results are in and you receive the certificate in next two weeks. You update your status in MyERAS. At this point you are visible to program ABC.

1- Question is, do you suddenly appear as a "new application" to ABC and that they can review you OR they will need to make a manual effort like "refreshing" by clicking on a button or going back to some other section of system to be able to see you?

2- Other quesiton is, is the myth true generally speaking that early bird gets the worm as in if you apply earlier you have higher chances of getting an interview assuming all other things set aside?

3- Can you safely update status on MyERAS for ECFMG certificate to "Yes" even if you have only received email from ECFMG that you've passed CS OR is it advisable to wait until you have the actual paper certificate in hand two weeks later that email before you should update to Yes in MyERAS?

Thanks in advance. 👍

Click to expand...

About this "invisible" thing. All applications are "visible" to programs. We can create a "filter" that shows us only applications with ECFMG certification. Thus, if someone is using that filter (which they probably will), then yes your application will not be seen. But if someone turns that filter off, then your application will be seen.

Answers:

#1 -- each time we access the postoffice, all new information about all applicants (including rejected applicants) is updated. So, when you update your profile, the next time ABC accesses the post office, your data is updated. Two things happen: the program gets a report that lists all the applications that have been updated/changed since their last post office inquiry (for possible printing), and you now will appear in the "ECFMG only" filter.

Your application will have your ORIGINAL application date on it, as it was actually downloaded to that program 1 month prior in your example, just filtered out.

Programs tend to access the post office very regularly.

#2 -- Sort of. Some programs have a limited number of interview slots. In that case, applying earlier is better. Also, some programs give many or all of their spots to IMG's away as pre-matches. Again, in that case, earlier is better as all the spots may be gone before your interview date.

#3 -- Not sure. Programs can actually filter based upon your answer to "ECFMG Certified" in your CAF, or by whether your ECFMG certificate has been electronically received in ERAS. I expect that most programs that require ECFMG certification would do the latter, but since I don't do that, I can't tell you for sure.

forex said:

Hi AProgDirector,

I want to update my MSPE in the ERAS. The program has downloaded my old one today and the new one will not be available in two weeks, but definitely before Nov 1. So my question is whether the program can see my old MSPE together with the new one. Or just the new version.

In the tracking status, it says the program downloaded but not available to see until Nov 1. What does it mean? The old MSPE is in the program's hard drive (computer) and can't delete when the system update? Pl explain how it works.

I knew for PS and LoRs that once they are downloaded, you can't change. The program can see both new and old ones. MSPE is different as it can't be viewed until Nov 1?

Please clarify on this. Thanks a lot!

Click to expand...

First, for PS's:

if you send a new PS, the new PS completely replaces the old PS. In the eletronic version of your application, the old PS is wiped out. If the program printed your PS, then they obviously have both the old and the new one.

Second, for MSPE's:

In the past, ERAS kept the MPSE's in their psotoffice until Nov 1st, when they were released to programs. This made Nov 1st (and the entire first week of Nov) an absolute nightmare as far as downloading stuff, as all programs were downloading all MSPE's.

Now, MSPE's are downloaded immediately to programs, but are encrypted. That's why your tracking notes that it's been downloaded but not visible until Nov 1st. On Nov 1st, they are somehow unlocked.

So, if you send a new MSPE between now and Nov 1st, it will completely wipe out the old one and the program will not know.

forex said:

Thanks for your reply. What does 'encrypted' mean here in the eras? This new system started this year? In the eras info from ecfmg, it says MSPE is released on Nov 1st.

Click to expand...

'Encrypted" is my word. It means that the MSPE is downloaded to my hard drive, but something has been done to it such that I can't see it until Nov 1st. That avoids the download rush on Nov 1st, as all the MSPE's have already been downloaded.

New system started last year, or the year before. From a student standpoint, there is no change. MSPE's are not viewable until Nov 1st.

Turbofit said:

Maybe if some program tries to change the date in the computer( as nov 2) they can see the mspe😀.

Click to expand...

I was wondering the same thing. They couldn't be that silly at ERAS, could they? Hmmmm.....