The New ERAS 2021 Residency Application Timeline Starts June 2020: What IMGs Need to Know - IMGPrep
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The New ERAS 2021 Residency Application Timeline Starts June 2020: What IMGs Need to Know

May 22, 2020

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We are excited that the US Residency Program Match annual application season is up and running in spite of a period of uncertainty due to the pandemic. Just this week, ERAS issued its dates for the 2021 Residency Application Cycle. According to the new timeline released by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), applicants seeking a US-based residency program will be able to register in MyERAS and begin entering their 2021 residency application information in June. 

The start date for US graduates is June 8th.  For IMGs needing to obtain a token issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical School Graduates (ECFMG), those tokens will begin to be distributed starting June 23rd. Tokens from the ECFMG are required for all IMGs prior to starting their application process in MyERAS.

According to the AAMC, “You do not have to complete the entire application at one time, and it can be completed in any order that works best for you.” The first opportunity to submit completed application to various residency programs is September 1st, and programs will be able to start reviewing applications on October 21st, with Match Program (aka NRMP) deadlines occurring in March 2021 (depending on the specialty). 

Below is a chart showing key dates in the ERAS 2021 application season timeline. Please note that the timelines presented here assume that, prior to registering with the MyERAS portal, the IMG at a minimum has already: (1) registered with the ECFMG, (2) completed the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step1 and Step2 exams; and (3) taken the initiative to set up internships or other opportunities to gain familiarity and experience with the US healthcare system. Key steps for the 2021 ERAS process with deadlines are as follows:

Date Timeline What You Can Do and How IMGPrep Can Assist
June 8, 2020 ERAS 2021 Season Begins

US applicants and IMG applicants who already have tokens can register in MyERAS and begin working on their application.

 Whether the IMG wants help with only one aspect or chooses to be a full-time client and obtain help with the entire process, IMGPrep has a range of services to help. We have the expertise and experience to guide you throughout your journey to a successful residency placement.
June 23, 2020        ERAS Support Services at ECFMG will begin generating and distributing tokens to IMGs.

IMG applicants who obtain the new tokens can register on MyERAS and begin working on their application.		 June is a good time for IMGs to start identifying their preferred residency programs. IMGPrep has customized Residency Program Lists®  that offer information about US-based options and are a good resource.
September 1, 2020 Applicants may begin submitting applications to residency programs.  Working throughout the summer and fall, especially in July and August, IMGPrep helps IMG applicants with the main components of the ERAS, which include: 

  • the Personal Statement (PS); 
  • the Common Application Form (CAF); 
  • the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
  • the Curriculum Vitae (CV); and 
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
October 21, 2020 Residency programs may begin reviewing applications.

MSPEs released to residency programs.		 IMGPrep assists candidates with:

  • Preparing for interviews
  • Editing the requisite thank-you letters or other correspondence needed between submission of the application and the announcement of results. 
December Military match results are available.
January    Urology Residency Match results are available.
March National Resident Matching Program (NRMP®) main residency match results are available.

Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP®) starts.

For more information, please contact NRMP at 202-400-2233 or support@nrmp.org.
May 31, 2021 ERAS 2021 Season Ends: MyERAS closes at 5 p.m. ET

 

For more information about these deadlines and other ERAS application requirements, please visit their website at: https://students-residents.aamc.org/ or the ERAS Support Services section of ECFMG. 

Wondering what to do between now and June? Start researching and identifying residency programs that fit your needs and capabilities. Visit IMGPrep’s customized Residency Program lists to learn more. 

IMGPrep is a leading educational consulting firm dedicated to assisting IMGs in reaching their goals, dreams, and potential. Check out our other Articles and learn more about IMGPrep services at: www.IMGPrep.com.