Submit ERAS App with zero SLORs?

[ShanFan]

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I did a search for this and didn't find any threads talking about this particular predicament.... so I hope you don't mind this being asked!

I have my ERAS application all ready to go today, however, I don't have any SLORs or LORs yet. I did an away rotation last month, and have a SLOR and LOR on the way, but I don't know when they will be complete. I'm also doing my EM home rotation this month and plan to get another SLOR and LOR from this rotation, but they won't be ready until the end of the month. I was still planning to submit it this afternoon, though, since I know that the LOR section of the ERAS program can be added to progressively.
However, I got some last-minute advice today from my school's dean's office. They told me to wait until I have at least one letter uploaded before I submit my application. They said that programs might set my application aside as "incomplete" since it has no letters yet, and they might not get back to looking at it seriously, even after the LORs are available. They said "It's only Sept 1, don't worry about it yet."

Should I submit today or wait until I have a SLOR/LOR??

 

[frikarika]

Good question, I'm curious as this applies to me as well.

 

[otacon88]

Hmm...my PD told me to go ahead and send my app in today and then add the LOR when I get them in...

 

[gman33]

I was advised to just submit it, although most places won't really look until you have a couple of LORs.

Too late for me to change my mind and I just submitted it.

It's been at least 5 minutes and I don't have any invites yet.
I guess I'm screwed.😱

 

[otacon88]

I was advised to just submit it, although most places won't really look until you have a couple of LORs.

Too late for me to change my mind and I just submitted it.

It's been at least 5 minutes and I don't have any invites yet.
I guess I'm screwed.😱

i was talking to a fellow classmate and they said they submitted this morning right when it opened and already got an interview invite at Mayo! No joke








except this was for peds...haha

 

[ShanFan]

....decided to submit it!

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

I am a HUGE fan of early application. At the same time, waiting just a few weeks is NOT going to be a deal killer. If that makes you more comfortable, I would just wait a few weeks and get the LOR.

You are correct in that programs may either not look at you at all until your application is 'complete' or they might look at what data you DO have as incomplete and put you in a further review stack. I think its unlikely you would potentially be set aside and never looked at again.


Good Luck...

 

[otacon88]

I am a HUGE fan of early application. At the same time, waiting just a few weeks is NOT going to be a deal killer. If that makes you more comfortable, I would just wait a few weeks and get the LOR.

You are correct in that programs may either not look at you at all until your application is 'complete' or they might look at what data you DO have as incomplete and put you in a further review stack. I think its unlikely you would potentially be set aside and never looked at again.


Good Luck...

Do programs receive a notice when an applicant has added LORs to their applications? or do they have to personally check to see if they are uploaded and sent?

 

[Daiphon]

Do programs receive a notice when an applicant has added LORs to their applications? or do they have to personally check to see if they are uploaded and sent?

I may be wrong, but I believe programs do not specifically get a notification that an application has been modified. Keep in mind, hundreds of people - with many iterations on ERAS, apply to residencies... the RCs would be overwhelmed by these notifications.

Generally speaking, this early on, most EM programs realize you may not yet have everything fully locked down; but there's no penalty for getting the basics in. Even if you're "incomplete," when you have your SLORs, just call the program and/or send an email informing them that your application has been updated, and that "you're really looking forward to hearing about interview opportunities" or something to that extent. That way, they're prompted to re-download the ERAS information and your application can then be "complete" for consideration.

I don't miss the stress of ERAS/NRMP; good luck!!!

-t

 

[otacon88]

I may be wrong, but I believe programs do not specifically get a notification that an application has been modified. Keep in mind, hundreds of people - with many iterations on ERAS, apply to residencies... the RCs would be overwhelmed by these notifications.

Generally speaking, this early on, most EM programs realize you may not yet have everything fully locked down; but there's no penalty for getting the basics in. Even if you're "incomplete," when you have your SLORs, just call the program and/or send an email informing them that your application has been updated, and that "you're really looking forward to hearing about interview opportunities" or something to that extent. That way, they're prompted to re-download the ERAS information and your application can then be "complete" for consideration.

I don't miss the stress of ERAS/NRMP; good luck!!!

-t

I see. I always hear I should email the program with updates to my applications - but who exactly do I email? The PD? Or the residency coordinator?

 

[alwaysaangel]

I applied last year before my SLORs were uploaded. I just submitted, they downloaded everything I had and a few places offered me interviews based on that. The a couple more when I had two letters and a couple more when I had 3. I didn't email any of them to let them know that I was complete.

aPD (one of the posters in the ERAS forum) said that their system automatically downloads anything that hasn't been downloaded when they ask it to. And then a program director can filter for applicants that are 'complete' or have at least 2 letters uploaded etc.

So just submit it if you're done and don't worry so much.

 

[MSmentor018]

submit it then upload your slor asap. it shouldn't be problem. a classmate ahead of me switched into doing EM during interview season. had zero SLORs but got an interview anyways and eventually accepted into the program.

 

[otacon88]

is it worth it to personalize all the personal statements you send to all the schools? or is it fine to just send a common one?

 

[SepulvedaMD]

Can't even see haw this is feasible. The average applicant for EM is going to apply to >20 programs. Personalizing a PS that many times might come off as trite, since you would likely be exchanging program x's name/reasons with program Y's.

How much difference would something like that really make? Not sure since most that I have talked to look at the PS as a means of telling if an applicant is cocky, reasonable or crazy.

 

[Zanegray]

is it worth it to personalize all the personal statements you send to all the schools? or is it fine to just send a common one?

A common one! Especially if it's good!

 

[MSmentor018]

is it worth it to personalize all the personal statements you send to all the schools? or is it fine to just send a common one?

I get what your saying but I don't think you can change personal statement once you upload it....at least you couldn't 2 yrs ago. you can pick/choose which LOR to use but PS? keep your PS general. it should be why you'd be a good fit in any EM program