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Residency Application Timeline

Applying to the match is an intensive endeavor, and you will spend hours (and hours) of your time completing the process. The residency application timeline and tasks below are designed to spread the workload over a reasonable amount of time so you can develop the strongest application possible without the anxiety-inducing stress of missing a detail or rushing through a document because residency application opening day is looming.

Key Application Dates 2025:

June 4 – Tokens available to USMDs and DOs

June 26 – Tokens available to IMGs

July/August – Prepare ERAS/CAS Application 

September 3 – First day to certify & apply to programs

September 15 – Match Registration opens; create R3 account

September 24 – ERAS applications available to programs, 9 am ET

Key Application Dates 2026:

January 30 – NRMP Registration Deadline ($50 late fee after)

February 2 – R3 opens for ranking

March 4 – ROL deadline

March 5 – NRMP Registration deadline

March 16 – Start of Match week/SOAP begins

March 20 – Match Day!

Stay prepared - explore the detailed residency application timeline and checklist below!

residency application timeline

April / May

  • Download the ERAS Applicant Worksheet and begin gathering information. Make a list of questions about the application and ask a knowledgeable mentor to clarify them. 

  • Familiarize yourself with this checklist and keep it updated throughout application season. 

  • Begin requesting Letters of Recommendation (LoRs). Make a list of your letter writers and keep track of requested/uploaded LoRs here. Share the link to the AAMC’s LOR Portal for Authors (LORP) with your letter writers. Note: Letter writers will not be able to upload until you have obtained and registered your ERAS Token in June.
    • IM applicants should secure an IM SEL (previously known as the Chair Letter or Department Letter)
    • EM applicants should use the SLOE in place of LoRs

  • Decide what specialty you’ll apply to. If you’re applying to secondary fields, plan to prepare specialty-specific personal statements and LoRs.

  • ERAS Photo: Schedule professional photos and get this easy item out of the way now!

  • Confirm your school will prepare your MSPE.
    • Write your Noteworthy Characteristics and send to your school.
    • If you must prepare your own MSPE, refer to these AAMC guidelines and template.

June

  • Sign up for an AAMC account (you’ll need this to register your Token).
  • Obtain your ERAS Token via ECFMG’s OASIS (June 26th for IMGs) or your Designated Dean’s Office (June 5th for USMDs/DOs) or . The AAMC offers specific instructions for registering on the MyERAS Portal here.
  • Upload ERAS Photo (via OASIS for IMGs).
  • Follow up on LoRs.
  • Release USMLE transcripts (this may need to wait until July/August/September, depending on when your Step 2/3 exam is scheduled).
  • Begin completing the basic information and demographic sections of the MyERAS Application.

    Save your application progress, but do not certify your application. After certifying, you cannot add or change anything except for personal/contact information.

June continued...

  • Compile a list of all possible CV experiences using a Word or Google doc. This comprehensive list will be used to complete the 10 experience entries in MyERAS (although more than 10 individual experiences may be incorporated). For initial brainstorming, include everything from these categories:
    • Work 
    • Volunteer
    • Education/Training
    • Military Service
    • Research 
    • Teaching/Mentoring
    • Professional Organization

  • Brainstorm ideas for your PS and create a rough draft. It may seem early now, but this document is best approached over a period of weeks, not days!

  • Start researching programs and recording their requirements/preferences. Here’s a simple tracking sheet you can use. 

July

  • Schedule dedicated writing and revision time to finalize your PS by the end of the month. 

  • Select items from the list of experiences you compiled for inclusion in MyERAS and begin writing descriptions.

  • Continue filling in the basic information and demographic sections of MyERAS. 

  • Follow up on LoRs. Letters may take up to 3 weeks to become available in ERAS after uploading.

  • Take Step 2 by 7/29 as it can take up to 8 weeks for your score to be released.

August

  • Continue writing your experience descriptions and select 3 meaningful experiences.

  • Write additional supplemental MyERAS content:
    • 3 geographic preferences
    • Setting preference
    • Impactful experience (if applicable)
    • Gap explanation (if applicable)
    • Hobbies
    • Publications/Presentations
    • Additional information section

  • Re-release USMLE transcripts if new Step score is available.

  • Follow up on MSPE if outstanding.

  • Ensure all LoRs are in place; set follow-up reminders for those that aren’t.

  • Finalize all MyERAS Application content by the end of August.

Early-Mid September

  • Complete a final proofread of your personal statement(s) and upload into ERAS. If uploading multiple versions for specific programs/different specialties, make sure to name each file clearly.

  • Review and proofread your entire MyERAS Application. Download in PDF format, print, and mark corrections with a pen. Why? You are more likely to notice errors on paper than on the screen. 

  • Follow up on any outstanding LoRs. 

  • Follow up on MSPE (if outstanding).

  • Continue program research.

  • Start considering how you’ll use any allotted signals.

  • Register with the NRMP and add your NRMP ID to the Match Information section of ERAS.

Late September

  • Make any final additions to your MyERAS for recent/current experiences; proofread and save.
  • Aim to Certify your MyERAS 1-2 weeks before ERAS opens to programs on 9/24/25 (9a ET).
  • Confirm USMLE scores, MSPE, and LoRs are uploaded/available in ERAS.
  • Finish your program research and finalize your selections
    • Assign LoRs and Personal Statements to programs.
    • Assign signals.
  • Submit your applications at least 48 hours before ERAS releases applications!

All applications submitted prior to the ERAS release date/time will contain the same timestamp. Applying earlier in September is not an advantage. 

Note: IMGs should incorporate USMLE exams and Pathway approval/ECFMG certification milestones as needed from April – September.

Access your copy of a step-by-step checklist to mark off as you complete each major task.