This is just a quick reminder that residency applicants can begin applying to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) residency programs tomorrow, September 15.
Blog Archives
Earlier Release Date for Medical School Performance Evaluations (MSPEs)
This year the MyERAS PostOffice will release MSPEs to U.S. residency
programs on October 1, one month earlier than last year. (Remember:
The MSPE is a close equivalent to a dean’s letter.)
U.S. medical students’ designated deans’ offices will attach the MSPE
(and the medical school transcript) to applicants’ electronic files;
the documents are then automatically sent to all the programs to which
a candidate applies.
International applicants must ensure that their MSPEs are submitted to
ERAS Support Services at ECFMG. The documents are then processed and
transmitted to the ERAS PostOffice. (For more information on
submitting documents – including the MSPE – see the ERAS Support
Services for Applicants section of the ECFMG website at
http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/applicants-index.html.)
As always, please ensure your supporting documents are ready early in
order to avoid harmful delays in your application.
The Craft of Writing
Two weeks ago I blogged about the importance of using your personal statement to showcase your accomplishments, while ensuring your essay does not become a resume in prose. In the “The Sound of a Sentence,” Constance Hale reviews techniques a writer can use to invigorate his or her compositions.
During my medical school admissions process, I introduced myself to my Duke interviewer who said, “Ever since reading your secondary essay, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!” I had made a favorable impression and distinguished myself through my writing – the goal of my essay. I find some applicants are simply slogging through the process of writing their personal statements. Remember that you only have a small piece of geography to catch the admission reader’s attention. Use the personal statement space to your advantage, and don’t lose a great opportunity to make a positive impression!
Contact me for help with your written materials – AMCAS, ERAS, personal statements, secondary essays, CVs, letters of intent, etc.
Insider’s New Approach to Helping Applicants
Many of you may know that I have two blogs – one here on the Insider website and one on blogspot. I want to announce that I’ve just rolled out a new format for my blogspot blog, which includes improved searchability and a video bar. Check the blog out here.
The “search this blog” option (on the right, midscreen) can be especially helpful for applicants who are about to starting their personal statements, ERAS or AMCAS, and thus, need strategic application writing tips ASAP.
ERAS: September 1
Just a reminder that today is the day applicants can start applying to ACGME-accredited programs through the AAMC’s MyERAS website.
There are several advantages to an early application: 1) You look organized, a good quality for a future resident. 2) Admissions readers may have more time to review your application thoroughly. Later in the season, the volume can get overwhelming.
Tags: Aamc, Accredited Programs, Eras, Future Resident, Myeras, Reminder
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on The Visible Voices podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast:
