How do I send a LOR without ERAS? (IMG)

[RN1]

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If I ask someone to write me a LOR but I don't have an ERAS account at that time (because the token is not available at that date) then how should I send the LOR?
I will try to get a LOR now but I want to apply for the 2013 match. Do I need to do something special in this case? Can they send the LOR to my med school while retaining "original document" status?
Is it ok to ask for 2 versions of the LOR, one being speciality specific and the other general? Can this be seen as a sign of non-commitment?

 

[billybob22]

LOR's are sent to the ECFMG not to ERAS. When you apply, ECFMG transmits them to ERAS. Any letters you send will be kept in your ECFMG file indefinitely. Call ECFMG to confirm this.

 

[RN1]

To send the LOR I need a cover letter and the DSF. I can't get the DSF if I don't have a token for ERAS. I also need my AAMC ID (which required me to have the ERAS token) for the cover letter and the DSF. I don't understand how I can send it to the ECFMG without ERAS.

Can anyone help me?

 

[Solandri]

You cannot submit LORs to ECFMG until July 1st of the year you plan to apply for the match. July 1st is when tokens are released. So you can hold off on getting the LOR or you can get one now and then go back to the attending next year (I believe that's when you said you are applying) and have him/her submit the letter officially.

 

[RN1]

If I send it to ECFMG this year but apply for next year can't I just use the option to save my LORS for next year in their system (the method that reapplicants use)? The only difference is that I don't apply and just save the letter on ERAS and then apply as a "reapplicant" that didn't match because of not selecting any programs. Does this work?

 

[Solandri]

You can call ECFMG and ask but I'm fairly certain that it doesn't work that way. If you happen to find out it does, please report back. I'm sure that would be useful info for a lot of people.

Good luck!

 

[Paddy]

Maybe, you can have your attending write the letter after you apply to ERAS this July. the ECFMG will carry it over to the next year but only if it has been submitted thru the ERAS site.

 

[donaldtang]

What I did is that: I bought a token last year, so I got the AAMC cover sheet and DSF. I gave them to my attending as soon as I completed my rotation and asked them to send the letter to ECFMG post office. I checked oasis last month and saw the receipt was there, which means ECFMG has received the letters. I will buy another token in July this year, and reuse my letters (as a reapplicant). I telephoned ECFMG, they told me that they will save your letter until you buy the token this year, then they will scan the letter to ERAS).
Hope this helps!