ERAS Support Services for Applicants

AAMC has developed a series of tutorials on using the MyERAS site. These tutorials answer such questions as:

• How do I register at MyERAS?
• How do I create my Personal Statement?
• How do I request my USMLE transcript for my ERAS application?

To access these tutorials, visit Resources on the AAMC website.

1. Why don’t I see my documents tracked in OASIS?
2. How do I request to have my documents returned?
3. My documents are not originals. What is the significance of not submitting original documents?
4. Is a “Dean’s letter” acceptable as an MSPE?
5. How do I answer the question, “Are you certified by the ECFMG?”
6. I have only passed one USMLE Step or Step Component. Can I still apply to programs via ERAS?
7. How do I designate a letter writer and finalize my LoR Authors?
8. What is SOAP?
9. How long does it take to process my MyERAS request for a USMLE transcript?
10. I see my document in the Verify Receipt of Documents section of OASIS. Why hasn’t the program received it?
11. Am I automatically registered with the NRMP when I register with ERAS?

1. Why don’t I see my documents tracked in OASIS?

Currently, it takes five to seven business days from their receipt at ECFMG for documents to appear in your OASIS account.

2. How do I request to have my documents returned?

ERAS Support Services at ECFMG offers a service that allows international medical students and graduates who apply to residency programs using ERAS to request the return of eligible documents. ERAS Support Services is now accepting Return of Document Service (RODS) requests for the ERAS 2012 season. All RODS requests must be made on-line through ECFMG’s OASIS; written requests will not be accepted.

3. My documents are not originals. What is the significance of not submitting original documents?

Any disadvantages from not submitting original documents are determined by the programs and not by ERAS. ECFMG’s policy requiring original documents is consistent with the current standards set for U.S. medical graduates.

4. Is a “Dean’s letter” acceptable as an MSPE?

While ERAS Support Services will accept a “Dean’s letter” from your medical school, we strongly encourage medical schools to provide an MSPE that follows the MSPE guidelines detailed in the AAMC’s A Guide to the Preparation of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation. MSPE has replaced the term “Dean’s letter,” to better describe the purpose of this document, which is to evaluate the performance of the medical student. It is not a letter of recommendation.

5. How do I answer the question, “Are you certified by the ECFMG?”

Because this information is located in the Profile section, you can update your answer to this question at any time during the ERAS season. If you are not certified at the time you complete the MyERAS application, you should answer “No.” Once you receive your certificate in the mail, go to the Profile section and change your ECFMG certification status to “Yes.”

After you update the Profile section and save the entry, the information will be automatically uploaded to the ERAS PostOffice, where it can be accessed by all of the programs to which you have applied. ERAS Support Services at ECFMG also will automatically update your certification status in your ECFMG Status Report and upload it to the ERAS PostOffice.

6. I have only passed one USMLE Step or Step Component. Can I still apply to programs via ERAS?

You may apply to programs via ERAS prior to passing all exams necessary for ECFMG Certification. However, to participate in the Match, you must meet NRMP’s examination requirements, and your passing examination results must be available in time to participate. For the examination requirements for ECFMG Certification, refer to the ECFMG Information Booklet. For score reporting turnaround times for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS), refer to the USMLE Bulletin of Information, available on the USMLE website. For Step 2 CS, updated information on the score reporting schedule is available on the USMLE website.

7. How do I designate a letter writer and finalize my LoR Authors?

For complete instructions on how to designate a letter writer and finalize your LoR Authors, please refer to the AAMC’s MyERAS Documents Tab Tutorial.

8. What is SOAP?

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is expected to replace the post-Match Scramble with a new Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) for the 2012 Match. SOAP will allow eligible applicants who did not obtain a residency position in the Main Match to apply for available positions that were not filled in the Match. SOAP will take place during the 2012 Match Week, March 12-March 16. For detailed information on SOAP, including eligibility requirements and schedule, monitor the NRMP website.

9. How long does it take to process my MyERAS request for a USMLE transcript?

It usually takes one to two business days for your USMLE transcript to be processed. Be sure to assign it to the programs that you would like to receive it.

10. I see my document in the Verify Receipt of Documents section of OASIS. Why hasn’t the program received it?

You need to use two different systems to track supporting document activity. The Verify Receipt of Documents section of ECFMG’s OASIS lists documents submitted to ERAS Support Services. The Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS) in the MyERAS application lists documents that have been scanned, uploaded, and assigned/transmitted to the programs.

11. Am I automatically registered with the NRMP when I register with ERAS?

No. You must also register with the NRMP to participate in the match process.

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