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 five primary residency application systems: four application systems in the US and one in Canada.

For questions on the technical logistics of application systems, please contact the respective residency application system for assistance.

  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.

ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)

  • Used By: All specialties except for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emergency Medicine (and EM-combo programs), and Ophthalmology. Civilian residency programs only.
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year. Tokens required for access
  • Application Deadline: 4th 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.

ResidencyCAS

  • Used By: Obstetrics & Gynecology; Emergency Medicine; EM Combo Programs (EM-IM; EM-FM, etc.). Civilian residency programs only.
  • System Opens: June, prior to 4th year. Tokens required for access
  • Application Deadline: 3rd Thursday in September
  • Application System only

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

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; Typically August 30th and October 15
  • Combined Application & Match System
  • Branch Websites:

Military HPSP students apply for residency positions either via email or through MODS. MODS is only accessible from computers on the military network. 

Around July 1, you will receive an email from your branch that specifies the process and requirements. Each branch differs in its approach to applications, 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 the specialty requirements, including whether you are required to dual apply and if you are required to apply to civilian residency programs.

To have key documents sent by the school, contact the following offices with contact information and the dates by which they must be sent – these processes vary by branch and tend to change frequently. The military does not communicate requirements or deadlines with medical schools.

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