When to submit LOR for 2018 match?

[goal270]

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Since the ERAS token is available now, and I purchase it and get my LORs uploaded, will they remain uploaded for the 2018 match or will I have to repurchase the ERAS token and transfer the LORs again?

 

[gutonc]

Since the ERAS token is available now, and I purchase it and get my LORs uploaded, will they remain uploaded for the 2018 match or will I have to repurchase the ERAS token and transfer the LORs again?

Are you going into the 2018 match for the first time, or are you going to be a re-applicant?

As I understand it, ERAS is now able to save LORs and other data so, if you're an applicant/SOAP-er this year and you're anticipating having to be in next year's match, then sure, go ahead and upload.

If you're just being a gunner (as I suspect based on your username)...slow your roll brah.

 

[ddjamb]

YES. the token 2017 will expire in May 31st 2017. If you have uploaded your documents using the 2017 token, they will transfer to the 2018 cycle. HOWEVER, you will have to buy the 2018 token NO MATTER WHAT. So pretty much you are paying twice the token but you are being proactive. lol. Good luck

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I would wait. Request letters now if you want. Then have them uploaded in 2018. Unless there's going to be some problem doing so.

Are all 2017 LOR's available for 2018? Or only IMG's through the ECFMG?

 

[goal270]

I would wait. Request letters now if you want. Then have them uploaded in 2018. Unless there's going to be some problem doing so.

Are all 2017 LOR's available for 2018? Or only IMG's through the ECFMG?

I think all of them are available as long as you choose the option for it to be available next year as well.

 

[goal270]

YES. the token 2017 will expire in May 31st 2017. If you have uploaded your documents using the 2017 token, they will transfer to the 2018 cycle. HOWEVER, you will have to buy the 2018 token NO MATTER WHAT. So pretty much you are paying twice the token but you are being proactive. lol. Good luck

Thank you. That answer was exactly what I was looking for. 🙂

 

[goal270]

Are you going into the 2018 match for the first time, or are you going to be a re-applicant?

As I understand it, ERAS is now able to save LORs and other data so, if you're an applicant/SOAP-er this year and you're anticipating having to be in next year's match, then sure, go ahead and upload.

If you're just being a gunner (as I suspect based on your username)...slow your roll brah.

I'm not even applying for the 2018 match, I just want my LORs to be uploaded so that they remain in a safe place 😛

 

[IM2GI]

I'm not even applying for the 2018 match, I just want my LORs to be uploaded so that they remain in a safe place 😛

So your letters will be 2 years old by the time you apply? I don't understand this strategy.

 

[gutonc]

I'm not even applying for the 2018 match, I just want my LORs to be uploaded so that they remain in a safe place 😛

So gunner then. Duly noted.

 

[goal270]

So your letters will be 2 years old by the time you apply? I don't understand this strategy.

well I did my elective rotation during my internship (I'm an IMG), so I can't let those LORs go to waste.

 

[IM2GI]

well I did my elective rotation during my internship (I'm an IMG), so I can't let those LORs go to waste.

I dont interview applicants, but if I saw a letter from 2016 and it was 2019, I would wonder how relevant the letter is.

 

[gutonc]

I dont interview applicants, but if I saw a letter from 2016 and it was 2019, I would wonder how relevant the letter is.

I wouldn't. I would ignore it completely.

 

[goal270]

I wouldn't. I would ignore it completely.

Good things you guys don't interview applicants then. 🙂

 

[IM2GI]

Good things you guys don't interview applicants then. 🙂

Pretty sure he does.

I was also trained at "top" programs, and I assure you the reaction would likely be the same.

But you can go on being a smug gunner and ignoring everyone else, cause you're certainly right. They will be super impressed by your 3 year old evaluations. I applied to fellowship with my high school AP chemistry teachers letter. That guy really liked me!

 

[goal270]

Pretty sure he does.

I was also trained at "top" programs, and I assure you the reaction would likely be the same.

But you can go on being a smug gunner and ignoring everyone else, cause you're certainly right. They will be super impressed by your 3 year old evaluations. I applied to fellowship with my high school AP chemistry teachers letter. That guy really liked me!

No smugness here. It's not like I have a choice. Applying as an IMG is wayyy different than having studied in the US. I believe any LOR counts, and since it is the only chance IMGs have at a hands-on clinical experience, why would I not include my LOR from there?

I'll do few more observerships and gather LORs too, but isn't a hands-on elective better?

 

[mvenus929]

No smugness here. It's not like I have a choice. Applying as an IMG is wayyy different than having studied in the US. I believe any LOR counts, and since it is the only chance IMGs have at a hands-on clinical experience, why would I not include my LOR from there?

I'll do few more observerships and gather LORs too, but isn't a hands-on elective better?

The work around is to approach your letter writer and say "hey, I'm going to be paying for US residency in xxxx cycle, and would like a letter from my time with you. Can we keep in touch so I can get a letter before that cycle?"

That's what I did when I applied to Med school 2 years after I got rejected during the first cycle. I had letters from people who had worked with me during my gap years, but one of my professors, I just approached him and requested an updated letter.

 

[goal270]

The work around is to approach your letter writer and say "hey, I'm going to be paying for US residency in xxxx cycle, and would like a letter from my time with you. Can we keep in touch so I can get a letter before that cycle?"

That's what I did when I applied to Med school 2 years after I got rejected during the first cycle. I had letters from people who had worked with me during my gap years, but one of my professors, I just approached him and requested an updated letter.

That was really helpful. Thanks!!

 

[rokshana]

Good things you guys don't interview applicants then. 🙂

i believe gutonc does...and that thought process is probably the same for most people who do interview...old letters (meaning dated >1 year of applying) are going to be looked at with suspicion or are filed in the circular file...if they are willing to write you a letter now, they should be willing to do so when you actually apply.

 

[rokshana]

No smugness here. It's not like I have a choice. Applying as an IMG is wayyy different than having studied in the US. I believe any LOR counts, and since it is the only chance IMGs have at a hands-on clinical experience, why would I not include my LOR from there?

I'll do few more observerships and gather LORs too, but isn't a hands-on elective better?

IMG here and while different, its not THAT different and in fact those older letter are certainly NOT going to help you...ask those letter writers to write you a letter closer to the time that you are applying.

 

[RookTookIt]

No smugness here. It's not like I have a choice. Applying as an IMG is wayyy different than having studied in the US. I believe any LOR counts, and since it is the only chance IMGs have at a hands-on clinical experience, why would I not include my LOR from there?

I'll do few more observerships and gather LORs too, but isn't a hands-on elective better?

I think it's smart to ask for the LORs now while you and your performance are still fresh in their minds. But I would touch base again before actually applying to ask them if they wouldn't mind updating their letters at that time. I had to apply twice and I'm fairly sure that one of my "updated" letters was just a date change.