ECFMG | ECFMG ERAS: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 2011 for the ERAS 2011 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 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 and reserve a slot for a letter of recommendation?

For complete instructions on how to designate and reserve a slot for a letter of recommendation, please refer to the AAMC MyERAS User Guide at: http://www.aamc.org/programs/eras/applicants/resources.htm.