ERAS Pictures

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

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Hey everyone,

long time away, but back for some advice. Sorry, I saw a bunch of ERAS photo threads but most were convoluted with excess nonsense about blue suits and what not. A few specific questions and/or suggestions.
I am taking a professional photo for ERAS in a few days. Plan on wearing a dark charchoal suit with a navy blue collar shirt and a tie. The two tie options are (sorry, don't know how to post pics)

1. Amazon product ASIN B004BTRQXA
2. Amazon product ASIN B01BDTKZ2Y
the first tie is identical to the one I own. The second one is very similar. Is the second one (plaid one) okay, or is it more appropriate to go with #1?



also, when looking on the photo requirements, this is what I found:

• It must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format.
• The maximum file size accepted is 100 KB.
• It must be no larger than 2.5 by 3.5 inches in size.
• It must be a clear, full front view of your head and shoulders. Your face should be in the middle of the photograph, and your expression should be natural with your eyes open and looking directly ahead.

So, do I just request a digital copy from the photographer and upload it myself? Or does my school need to upload it? Thanks for the clarification

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

sorry, had some issues with the last post. There are ties 1 and 2.

 

[Hangry]

Tie choice really does not matter. You will need a digital copy from the photographer and I believe you will upload it (at least that's how it was for vsas)

 

[URHere]

Stripes > Plaid when it comes to photos, but that's just my opinion.

What usually happens is that you will be given a CD with digital images from the photographer. You simply upload one of them onto the ERAS portal sometime after ERAS opens this summer. Whatever the photographer gives you will meet the requirements - they are used to doing head shots. Some people even opt to take their photos with a smartphone, but I think professional photos are a good call. You can usually tell the difference if you look at the photo roster on your interview day.

Also, as an FYI, you are the one responsible for uploading everything except for your LORs, MSPE, transcripts, and USMLE scores. You need to make requests to your writers/school/NBME for those things.

 

[DrBowtie]

Charcoal suit with navy shirt?

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Charcoal suit with navy shirt?

Maybe not navy. It is not light blue, but it is not dark blue either. Something in between.

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

And thank you to everyone for your advice!

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

One other thing...based on the description listed that I listed about:

"your expression should be natural with your eyes open and looking directly ahead."

Did you guys maintain a neutral facial expression or did you smile? A lot of the pictures that I have found online, the applicant was smiling. Is it okay to smile or would you recommend smiling?

I know I am harping on details but I actually think it matters here. I think I would look much more pleasant if I smiled, as opposed to just standing their stone faced. And I don't want to have an unfriendly or unwelcoming image when programs look at it to potentially rank me, because it might affect how they perceive me! (who wants to work with a grounch!?)

 

[Rajayray2019]

You're taking a professional photo. Dark suit, white shirt. A navy shirt stands out (not in a positive way) when scanning through photos. As far as ties...the checkered looks better. The striped tie looks like it was bought at Costco. Also. White pocket square. You want a small and tight fold. Typically this is called a "presidential fold." It's a small touch, but it goes a long way. Get your hair cut the day you take the photo.

 

[DrBowtie]

One other thing...based on the description listed that I listed about:

"your expression should be natural with your eyes open and looking directly ahead."

Did you guys maintain a neutral facial expression or did you smile? A lot of the pictures that I have found online, the applicant was smiling. Is it okay to smile or would you recommend smiling?

I know I am harping on details but I actually think it matters here. I think I would look much more pleasant if I smiled, as opposed to just standing their stone faced. And I don't want to have an unfriendly or unwelcoming image when programs look at it to potentially rank me, because it might affect how they perceive me! (who wants to work with a grounch!?)

Definitely smile. Don't look like a weirdo. Don't dress oddly or edgy.

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

You're taking a professional photo. Dark suit, white shirt. A navy shirt stands out (not in a positive way) when scanning through photos. As far as ties...the checkered looks better. The striped tie looks like it was bought at Costco. Also. White pocket square. You want a small and tight fold. Typically this is called a "presidential fold." It's a small touch, but it goes a long way. Get your hair cut the day you take the photo.

Thanks for the reply! The suit that I mentioned is pretty dark, just not black. I have a solid black suit but everyone that I have spoken with (classmates and few friends who are interns) recommended a dark grey/charcoal over a solid black. So, with your advice, I am a bit confused as to what to do.

For clarity, I have attached a picture that is comparable to my suit, except that my suit is regular suit and does not have the thin collar.

and the shirt that I have is the same style/brand as bellow (tommy hilfiger, with the same tint of blue except without the miniature lines

Would really love anybody else to provide their input as I am confused as to what to wear now. Thanks Everybody

 

[Ismet]

One other thing...based on the description listed that I listed about:

"your expression should be natural with your eyes open and looking directly ahead."

Did you guys maintain a neutral facial expression or did you smile? A lot of the pictures that I have found online, the applicant was smiling. Is it okay to smile or would you recommend smiling?

I know I am harping on details but I actually think it matters here. I think I would look much more pleasant if I smiled, as opposed to just standing their stone faced. And I don't want to have an unfriendly or unwelcoming image when programs look at it to potentially rank me, because it might affect how they perceive me! (who wants to work with a grounch!?)

You should smile normally.

 

[Rajayray2019]

White shirt. Always. It's more professional looking. I'm basing that on time in the industry.

 

[KinesiologyNerd]

I'm not feeling that suit/shirt/tie combo. White shirt and I agree with the people saying the striped tie looks like it's from costco.

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Alright, thanks guys. Going with the dark grey, white shirt, plaid tied. Thank you to everyone for your input

 

[Moko]

"your expression should be natural with your eyes open and looking directly ahead."
Did you guys maintain a neutral facial expression or did you smile? A lot of the pictures that I have found online, the applicant was smiling. Is it okay to smile or would you recommend smiling?

Smile like your future depended on it!

 

[IH8ColdWeath3r]

Windsor knot?

 

[Dave89]

Lol. I took a selfie headshot with my phone in my apt. Wore a blue shirt with a nice tie; no suit.

Didn't affect my interview opportunities.

 

[Rajayray2019]

Windsor knot?

What is your build? Half windsor usually best.