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Match and ERAS Information

“Dean’s Letter” or Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

Each year prior to November 15th a MSPE is prepared for each student.  The MSPE includes a summary of the entire academic and behavioral record in years OMS I, OMSII, and OMSIII.  The MSPE is used nationwide to provide both objective and subjective evaluations of the student as they apply for residency training.  The MSPE has replaced the traditional Dean’s Letter.  The MSPE includes records from the Registrar, the Associate Dean for Medical Education, the Assoc. VP for Student Services, the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, and the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and/or Dean. 

The Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs will provide an assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the OMSIII year. Both cognitive skills and non-cognitive issues are addressed. This assessment is based on evaluation forms, log sheets, discussions during site visits, with preceptors or site leadership and student interviews. All students are encouraged to meet with the Associate Dean for Clinical Academic Affairs for guidance prior to the end of the third year, especially those who are unsure of the direction of their fourth year.

ERAS® www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/eras/

Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) is a service that transmits applications, letters of recommendation (LoRs), Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs), medical school transcripts, USMLE transcripts, COMLEX transcripts, and other supporting credentials from applicants and their designated dean's office to program directors. ERAS consists of MyERAS, Dean's Office Workstation (DWS), Program Director's Workstation (PDWS), and ERAS PostOffice.

Components of ERAS

ERAS is comprised of four (4) main components:

  • MyERAS is the Web site where applicants complete their MyERAS Application, select programs to apply to, and assign documents to be received by programs.
  • DWS is the software used by the designated dean's office. From this software, medical school staff create the ERAS electronic token that applicants use to access MyERAS. They also use this system to scan and attach supporting documents to the application, such as photographs, medical school transcripts, MSPE, and LoRs. These documents are then transmitted to the ERAS PostOffice.
  • PDWS is the ERAS software used by program staff to receive, sort, review, evaluate, and rank applications.
  • ERAS PostOffice is the central bank of computers that transfer the application materials from applicants and their designated dean's office to residency programs.

How Does ERAS Work?

  • Applicants receive an electronic token from the registrar's office and use it to register with MyERAS.
  • Applicants complete their MyERAS application, select programs, assign supporting documents, and transmit their application to programs.
  • Schools receive notification of the completed application, and start transmitting supporting documents: transcripts, LoRs, photographs, MSPE.
  • Examining boards receive and process requests for score reports.
  • Programs contact the ERAS PostOffice on a regular basis to download application materials.

Note: ERAS® is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The information above is found on their website under About ERAS.

National Match Websites:

National Matching Service (OSTEOPATHIC MATCH): www.natmatch.org

National Residency Matching Program (ALLOPATHIC MATCH): www.nrmp.org