applying for residency timeline

[NDESTRUKT]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Let's do a quick "pick your brain" from all of us across the country on when to do residency app stuff.

When should you finish your personal statement?

When should you ask for letters (seriously ask - I already know who will be writing them as they have already promised but you have to prepare your documents to give them to write your letters oftentimes)?

When should you register for ERAS?

Some major senioritis here...need help.

 

[jennyboo]

When should you finish your personal statement?

Before you upload and certify your ERAS application. If you are the model student, that means you should have it finalized before September 1, when ERAS web site opens up.

It's not the end of the world to not have a complete application September 1. But I'd definitely try to get it in a few weeks earlier than the actual application deadline (Nov 1 for many programs). You're better off submitting your app during the first couple weeks of September because some programs in some specialties start inviting people for interviews right away.

When should you ask for letters (seriously ask - I already know who will be writing them as they have already promised but you have to prepare your documents to give them to write your letters oftentimes)?

Now. Send it to them as soon as you ask them. Even if you're a third year student in their first rotation. Have them write it while their memories of you are still fresh. The paper copies can sit in the dean's office for a year or so with no problem, but memories fade over time.

When should you register for ERAS?

Whenever your school sends you the registration information.

 

[gutonc]

When should you finish your personal statement?

Depends on your schedule but as soon as it permits. I had a chill July and did my Sub-I in August (followed by my Surgery core in Sept/Oct) so I had mine done in July. The more important question is "who should see and edit it?". I had my asst dean (IM PD @ my school) read and edit it twice before I put it on ERAS. Make sure somebody who knows what they're doing sees it and gives you some advice on it.

When should you ask for letters (seriously ask - I already know who will be writing them as they have already promised but you have to prepare your documents to give them to write your letters oftentimes)?

If you're asking them you should have your docs in hand. If people have said they'd write letters, either go by their office or drop them an email reminding them and supplying the supporting docs (your PS and CV at a minimum) now. Turn-around time varies widely. Of my 5 letters, 2 were done w/in 48h of asking, 2 took 2-4 weeks and one took nearly 3 months so if you haven't done the official "ask" do it now.

When should you register for ERAS?

Is it open yet? As soon as it opens is a good time. You can't register too early but you can register too late.