Application Systems

Students submit applications to residency programs through national application systems. These application systems transmit all application components, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPE), medical school and USMLE transcripts, and other supporting documents to residency program directors.

There are six primary residency application systems: five application systems in the US and one in Canada.

For questions on the technical logistics of match systems, please contact Sarah Wood, the UW administrator of the residency application systems.

  1. Print out your application prior to submission. Have several people review it, including people who are not familiar with medicine or the residency application process.
  2. So that your letters of recommendation are submitted on time, give your letter writers a deadline of approximately 1 week earlier.
  3. Once you submit your application, no changes can be made to your application and personal statements. Only changes to your personal profile can be made (contact information, etc.).
  4. Submit your application prior to the date and time when programs can begin downloading applications. Programs may not go back into the system at a later date to see if additional applications were submitted.

Central App

  • Used By: Variable specialties and variable programs within specialties. In the 2023-2024 cycle, some programs in the following specialties participated: anesthesiology, neurology, plastic surgery, and urology. Civilian only
  • System Opens: TBD
  • Application Deadline: Last Wednesday in September
  • Application System only

Students wishing to dual apply will likely need to apply to their second specialty through a second application system.

There are a few key differences between the Central App and other residency application systems that applicants should be aware of:

  • Central App does not require tokens.
  • Not all programs in a given specialty are using the Central App. Be prepared to research each program’s application requirements well in advance to determine if you will apply via the Central App or via ERAS.
  • The school cannot see if you are applying to programs in the system. This means that the School cannot send you targeted reminders about deadlines or documents.
  • The School cannot upload medical school transcripts or MSPEs into your application unless you send them a unique link to upload. You will receive information about which department will upload your documents later in the summer.
  • The School does NOT upload your USMLE transcript into the Central App. Schools are explicitly prohibited from uploading this information.

ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)

  • Used By: All specialties except for obstetrics & gynecology, ophthalmology, and military positions. Civilian only
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year. Tokens required for access
  • Application Deadline: Last Wednesday in September
  • Application System only

List of ERAS Participating Specialties & Programs

ERAS provides helpful resources such as a FAQ, Residency Applicant Worksheet, User Guide and Application Checklist.

Military (MODS)

  • Used By: All military branches
  • Eligibility: Restricted to HPSP students only
  • System Opens: July, prior to 4th year
  • Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by branch, typically in late September to mid-October
  • Combined Application & Match System
  • Branch Websites:

Note: Due to delays in military IT updates, MODS has not been used for the residency application process since 2018. In its place, applications have been submitted to the branches via email. Branch administrators will outline the method of submission and appropriate email address, if applicable, when they communicate the other application requirements.

Military HPSP students apply for residency positions either via email or through MODS. In June, you will receive an email from your branch that specifies the process and requirements (last year, this was sent during the last week of June). Each branch differs in its approach to applications and deadlines, though items such as CVs, personal statements, letters of rec, and MSPEs are all required.

In addition to the application logistics, the branch communication document will outline what the specialty requirements, including if you are required to dual apply and if you are required to apply to civilian residency programs as well. If you are required to apply to civilian programs, you will use the ERAS system to apply to the civilian programs.

Please alert Sarah Wood of which key documents you need uploaded/sent by the school and the dates by which they must be uploaded/sent – these processes vary by branch and tend to change frequently. The military does not communicate requirements or deadlines with medical schools.

ResidencyCAS

  • Used By: Obstetrics & Gynecology. Civilian only
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year. Tokens required for access
  • Application Deadline: Last Wednesday in September
  • Application System only

Students wishing to dual apply will need to apply to their second specialty through a second application system.

SF Match (San Francisco Match)

  • Used By: Ophthalmology
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year
  • Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by residency program, beginning typically in mid-late August
  • Combined Application & Match System

Students pursuing Ophthalmology may be required to apply through ERAS for their preliminary programs.

There are a few key differences between ERAS and the SF Match system that applicants should be aware of:

  • SF Match does not require tokens – Ophthalmology applicants can register at any time once the system opens.
  • Ophthalmology programs have earlier deadlines than ERAS. Be sure to research each program’s individual deadline date well in advance.
  • The SF Match system requires the application form to be completed and submitted before transcripts and letters of recommendation can be uploaded to your account.
  •  You are responsible for uploading your USMLE transcript into the SF Match system. You are required to provide both a medical school transcript and a college transcript.
  • SF Match allows only 3 letters of recommendation – no more, no less.

CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service)

  • Used By: Canadian residency programs
  • Eligibility: Canadian citizens only. Additional application requirements, including French language requirements, vary per province.
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year
  • Application Deadline: The Canadian match is held twice per year. Each iteration of the match has its own application window and deadlines.
  • Combined Application & Match System