The Class Act Difference
Expertise Beyond Medicine: A Game-Changer
At Class Act Match Consulting, we approach the residency application process with a broad lens and an evidence-based understanding of what programs are looking for. We don’t just polish documents. We help applicants discover and tell the kind of story that makes a Program Director pause. The Match process and the art of persuasive communication are our specialties, brought together by a unique strength: a deep foundation in rhetoric, the study of how language creates meaning and moves people to act.
What is Rhetoric?
By definition, rhetoric is the art of using words to persuade. Lawyers and politicians are expert rhetoricians, for example. They think deeply and strategically about their audience and intended outcome and then use words to achieve the desired results. When you work with Class Act, you’ll be impressed by the rhetorical nuances of our approach.
Our expertise lies not just in choosing the right words, but in understanding how these words can shape perceptions, evoke emotions, and persuade audiences. We apply our mastery of these concepts to each component of your application from the micro-level (words and sentences) to the macro-level (paragraphs, organization, and connection between documents).
rhetoric (n) – rĕt′ər-ĭk: The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
Audience & Outcome
We’ve taken the time to build a robust profile of your target audience: program directors. The profile is layered, with these key ideas serving as starting points for the deeper audience analysis:
- High-level of exposure to similar documents
- Prioritizes efficiency
- Values authenticity
- Receptive to laughing/smiling at content, but doesn’t expect it
- Easily annoyed at certain cliches/tropes
- Preconceived ideas about what the application documents “should” look like…yet…
- Likely appreciates unique approaches that stay within the “acceptable” framework
The ultimate desired outcome is, of course, a match. Before that, though, you must convince a program to invite you for an interview.
With this in mind, Class Act helps develop application documents that are cohesive and engaging upon a quick skim AND hold up under the careful scrutiny of a close read, perhaps during ROL season. It’s sometimes difficult to balance these two goals, but it’s always possible.
The Importance of Peer Review
We believe excellence is born from collaboration. Each of our consultants is a skilled writer and strategist, but we don’t work in isolation.
Every document we deliver benefits from an expert peer review, because the best writing doesn’t just “sound good,” it reflects clear intention. Our consultants regularly review each other’s work to make sure each draft hits the right notes–strategically sound, authentic to the client’s vision, and aligned with what programs are actually looking for. It’s a built-in quality check that helps us deliver work we stand behind with confidence, ensuring our clients don’t only benefit from one consultant’s expertise but gain the insight and support of an entire team committed to their success.
Applying Rhetoric to the MyERAS and CAS Applications
Your residency application is more than a list of achievements. It’s your professional narrative, and crafting it takes finesse. The goal is to minimize generic bullet points and maximize details of your experiences. At the same time, the visual presentation of each description plays a key role in its success. This is where our expertise in technical writing comes into play.
Technical writing is a composition genre that often allows writers to prioritize how something “looks on the page” over any given set of formatting conventions. We take advantage of that while writing about your experiences. Submitting your CV with long lists of bullet points isn’t a strong approach, so we think about how to break up your content into smaller, more impactful sections.
Partnership for Success: What Makes Class Act Different
1. Most services focus on documents. We focus on you.
Editing and advising services are often transactional: upload a file, wait for revisions, and hope they “make it better.”
We build partnerships. We take time to understand your story, your goals, and the strategy behind how you present yourself across your application documents.
2. We strengthen the story and the storyteller.
Our work includes guidance that helps you grow as a communicator. We don’t just fix grammar; we help you understand what programs value, how to tell your story powerfully, and how to speak about your experiences with confidence. This shows up on the page and in your interviews.
3. You don’t get one writer. You get a team.
Our internal peer review system means every document benefits from multiple expert perspectives.
4. We understand the Match—not just the writing.
This is a highly specialized space. We know how programs evaluate applicants because we study it constantly. We know how to shape a narrative, avoid red flags, and highlight strengths in a way that actually connects. We’re strategists first, writers second.
A Final Note
Not everyone needs help crafting their ERAS/CAS application, but given the extreme competition for positions, all applicants can benefit from working with a knowledgeable consultant. There are lots of us out there! Before signing up with any ERAS or match advisor (or service), make sure ALL your questions are answered and that the terms are written in black and white!
Some great questions to ask before signing up:
- How much time can my consultant dedicate to reviewing my documents?
- How many revisions are allowed?
- What if I am not satisfied with my application documents?
- Can I call/text my consultant as needed?
- How quickly will my consultant respond to messages?
When choosing a consultant, make sure you will be their priority, not just a side project or something to work on after a long shift at the hospital. The individualized attention and holistic approach provided by Class Act sets us apart in this regard. We are dedicating 100% of our workday to you.
In your residency application, where every word can tip the scales, a rhetorician’s insight ensures your application authentically conveys your story as well as your strong likelihood of success in residency.
Working with Class Act will bridge the gap between your personal journey and the professional expectations of residency programs, ensuring your application is remembered for all the right reasons.
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