Monday, July 4, 2011

July 15 is not the new ERAS deadline

If you log into ERAS this week, you will see a MyERAS Alert on the main page:

Applicants will not be able to certify their applications until July 15, 2011 when programs have the ability to download applications. Please use this time to begin the application process, and fill out the information requested within the MyERAS application.

What does it mean? The July 15 date only applies to people applying for fellowships, as well as to people applying to osteopathic programs. The vast majority of you don't need to be concerned about it; you'll still be applying to residency programs on or after September 1.

Personally, I think that the ERAS alert should have been phrased more clearly. There are actually a number of confusing things about ERAS, and it's always best to ask for help and advice. Please feel free to email me with your questions.

UPDATE: I originally posted this on July 4; since then, ERAS has updated the alert to make it a little clearer (new text in red):
Applicants will not be able to certify their applications until July 15, 2011 when July cycle programs have the ability to download applications. Please use this time to begin the application process, and fill out the information requested within the MyERAS application.