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Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use ERAS Fellowships?
  • ERAS saves time: All ERAS documents are downloaded and filed electronically - no more envelopes, no more sorting or filing by hand!
  • Fast access to information: 95% of surveyed program users reported that ERAS speeds up the application process
  • Customization: the PDWS software provides powerful tools to help you use your own criteria to review and select applicants.
  • Pricing: ERAS is currently free to fellowship programs

How does ERAS impact my current timeline?
ERAS does not establish application deadlines; individual programs set deadlines. Applicants are advised to contact programs directly for information about deadlines. Since applicants cannot begin transmitting their applications before November 15, programs are recommended not to set deadlines too early so applicants and the ERAS Fellowship Document Office (EFDO) have a reasonable amount of time to get supporting documents into the system.

When will residents be able to apply to my program through ERAS?
Residents will be able to begin applying to programs registered with ERAS starting November 15, 2006.

When will I be able to review which residents have applied to my program?
Program directors will be able to download the applications for their program starting December 1, 2006.

The deadline for applying to my program is November 1. How will residents be able to apply to my program?
Residents will not be able to apply to programs through ERAS until November 15, 2006. Therefore, your application deadline will need to be adjusted to meet this schedule.

Can residents still submit applications after December 1, 2006?
Yes. Each program is responsible for setting its own deadline for when it will stop accepting applications. If no deadline is set by a program, residents can continue to apply until the day of the Match (end of May).

When do I interview residents?
Interviewing would take place from January - March. Interviews could take place into April if the program decides.

How much does ERAS cost?
ERAS is free to fellowship programs. Costs to individual programs may include computer hardware and the program's connection to the Internet. Given the latest technological advances employed by institutions, most already meet ERAS system requirements.

ERAS is supported by fees paid by applicants. ERAS fees, per specialty are: $100 (includes up to 10 programs); $10 each for 11-20 programs; $15 each for 21-30 programs; and $25 each for 30 programs or more.

What are the technology requirements for ERAS?
You will need to install the ERAS Program Director's Workstation (PDWS) from the ERAS Web site. Recommended technical requirements to support ERAS software are:
  • Pentium 2.4 gh processor
  • Windows XP
  • 512 MB RAM
  • Hard drive with 100mb free space and 1 mb for each expected applicant
  • HP printer (or compatible) printing 600 dpi with at least 8 MB of memory
  • Monitor capable of displaying 1024 x768
  • Screen color depth set at High Color
  • Access to the Internet
  • LAN or shared drive for multi-user environments
  • Backup procedures for the ERAS database
More information is available at www.aamc.org/programs/eras/programs/techsupport

What resources are available to train staff on how to use ERAS?
  • ERAS PDWS PowerPoint tutorials are available for downloading on the ERAS Web site. www.aamc.org/programs/eras/programs
  • ERAS PDWS Manual
  • Sample data with fictitious applicant information to practice using the PDWS software
  • ERAS instructor-lead half day, hands-on PDWS training
  • ERAS Help Desk is available M-F 8a-6p EST. (202) 828-0413 or erashelp@aamc.org

What is ERAS doing to ensure the security of documents sent over the Internet?
ERAS works to protect document security in a number of ways. First, data is encrypted prior to being transmitted to the ERAS PostOffice and remains encrypted until after the program downloads it. Second, each ERAS user has a secure account and password that allows access only to one's own "mailbox" in the ERAS PostOffice. Third, ERAS monitors activity on the PostOffice and are automatically alerted to any unusual activity.

Does registering my program for ERAS obligate me to participate with the Match?
ERAS is an independent application service that is not part of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or any other matching service. However, ERAS software provides useful tools to assist programs in organizing rank lists for use in established matching services.

When can I begin to make offers to residents for fellowship positions?
Through participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) the residents will be informed of their placements.

How do I let residents know that our program is participating in ERAS and not to send paper applications?
It is your responsibility to advertise your participation in ERAS to residents. This can be done through postings on your department's Web site and the AAAAI Web site.

What documents will be included in the application the residents are submitting through ERAS?
Each applicant will complete a universal application detailing personal, educational, and extra-curricular information known as the Common Application Form (CAF). Applicants are already familiar with this process since it was used during their residency application process.

Each program will have the opportunity to designate additional required documents such as a personal statement, up to four letters of recommendation, USMLE and/or COMLEX transcripts, MSPE/Dean's Letter, and medical school transcripts.

How do I differentiate between Internal Medicine and Pediatric positions in ERAS?
You will need to list a position as being part of an Internal Medicine or Pediatric track. This is the same mechanism used to identify which positions are clinical positions and which are research positions.

What happens if I have combined (Internal Medicine and Pediatric) positions?
You will not have to differentiate those positions as such. Simply list those positions as being in your program. The positions will only need to be identified if they are only Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.

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