Wait for PTAL to be scanned?

[matchmeplz]

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Hi guys, I have a quick question for someone who would know more about this than me.

I have everything ready to go on ERAS (CV, mspe, transcripts, lors, PS, photo, ecfmg cert), the only thing which is remaining to be scanned is my PTAL which I just received last week. I have the Cali receipt already scanned.

What my question is, should I go head and apply to my cali programs now with just the receipt or wait for ERAS to upload the original PTAL then send. I know some programs require it at the time of application, so I don't want to be filtered out. On the other hand, ERAS may take up to 4 weeks to scan it, so I may have to wait till first week of October for it to be ready.

Any advice would be very much appreciated! Please let me know. I love cali too much to be applying so late just cause of a dumb letter 🙁

 

[snowbank]

While I dont have personal experience with ERAS and PTAL, I did have the PTAL and used it for an advanced speciality match thru SF match.

I would conjecture that its best to send in your apps now - and let the programs see the receipt for PTAL - and simply wait for ERAS to scan the original in. From their instructions, it looks like it'll replace the receipt and will NOT be scanned as a separate document. Also, from other threads here and ERAS instructions, it says that progrs will automatically be notified and will download any NEW or updated information on an applicant - meaning they will eventually see your PTAL - whenever ERAS scans it...

I would think its best not to wait and apply now - but lets see what others say...

 

[matchmeplz]

Thanks snowbank for the reply!

I actually just called a few programs today, and all 3 said to wait till the original PTAL is scanned. They said a receipt means nothing to them and that I will be filtered out if the original ptal is not in the application. Whether they review the application again after the original is scanned is up to them and how many applications they have / how much time they have.

So I guess I will have to wait 3-4 weeks for ERAS to scan it. I wish they could do it faster! I hope the delay from applying early sept to early oct doesn't affect my chances too much in getting interviews.

Any previous cali applicants agree/disagree?