Frequently Asked Questions
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 to Download on the AAMC website.
- Why don’t I see my documents tracked in OASIS?
- How do I request to have my documents returned?
- My documents are not originals. What is the significance of not submitting original documents?
- I have a Dean’s letter, not a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). Can I still submit it?
- How do I answer the question, “Are you certified by the ECFMG?”
- I am a foreign national and require a visa for training. What visa status should I enter in my Profile?
- I expect my citizenship status to change. How do I answer the citizenship question in the Profile section of the MyERAS application?
- I have only passed one USMLE Step or Step Component. Can I still apply to programs via ERAS?
1. Why don’t I see my documents tracked in OASIS?
Currently, it takes three to five 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. It is expected that this Return of Document Service (RODS) will open in February 2010 for the ERAS 2010 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. I have a Dean’s letter, not a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). Can I still submit it?
You can submit a Dean’s letter as your MSPE. The term “Dean’s letter” is no longer used. The term “Medical Student Performance Evaluation” has been implemented 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. The content of the MSPE/Dean’s letter is what matters, not the name of the document.
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 become certified, 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 will also automatically update your certification status in your ECFMG Status Report and upload it to the ERAS PostOffice.
6. I am a foreign national and require a visa for training. What visa status should I enter in my Profile?
There are two sections that relate to visa status. One section asks for your current visa status. If you are in the United States, answer this question based on your visa status at the time you are submitting your MyERAS application. The other section asks for your expected visa status at the time you would enter the program. Answer this question based on the type of visa on which you expect to train. You can update your Profile if your visa status changes during the ERAS application process.
ERAS Support Services advises you to detail your visa status information in your Personal Statement, which you may update at any time, to provide program directors with information they need to assess your visa eligibility in accordance with their institutional policies on visa-related matters. When researching programs of interest, it is up to you to inquire about institutional policies in connection with visa sponsorship. For information on the J-1 visa and the ECFMG Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program, click here.
It is important that you represent yourself to program directors accurately and truthfully.
7. I expect my citizenship status to change. How do I answer the citizenship question in the Profile section of the MyERAS application?
Answer the question based on your citizenship status at the time you are submitting your MyERAS application. You can update your Profile if your citizenship status changes during the ERAS application process. You should also consider detailing your citizenship status in your Personal Statement, which you may update at any time.
It is important that you represent yourself to program directors accurately and truthfully.
8. 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.
