Quick question]


I can't remember if ERAS has their own cut-off time or not...I think it's just based on the date of the individual program (which for most is October or November). I'd check on the dates of each program you're interested in.

However, I will say the earlier the better. It's a trade off - you tend not to shine as much on your first away, but its early enough to get your letter to all programs. By your second away, you'll look sharper, but its getting a little late in the game. The most important thing is to pick the right person to write the letter, and then stay on them about getting it in!

I didn't receive my strongest letter until November 8th because I had just finished rotating there. However what I did was put another letter that I already had in the spot of the letter I was waiting to get. Once I received my desired letter I swapped it out on eras with the letter that I had put in its place. Every time the residency program logs onto their eras account newly available items automatically download. So for most programs they still got my new letter even though it was mid November. However i still emailed all the programs I swapped the letter at and told them that I got a strong letter recently and nicely asked them if they could download it on their systems. Almost everyone said that they either already downloaded it or would download it soon. Only a couple of programs asked me to email or mail them the actual letter.

Thanks guys! Helps a great deal!