1) What do people usually give letter writers when asking for a rec? CV? Personal statement? Copy of transcript?

2) What is included in the ERAS application for ortho? Is the personal statement completely open-ended for us to discuss anything?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

1) All of my letter writers wanted a CV. Some wanted GPA (we're on a 4.0 scale), board scores, and class rank. No one asked for a copy of my transcript or personal statement.

2) The ERAS application is standard for all applicants, regardless of what they are applying for. It includes:

Contact info
Education background
School awards and memberships in honrary/professional societies
Certification/Licensures
Boards taken
Work experience
Volunteer experience
Research experience
Hobbies and interests
Language fluency (other than English)
Other awards/accomplishments
Personal Statement
Letters of Reference
Dean's Letter

I think I got everything. Hope that helps.

try to get people that actually know you somewhat to write your letters. My director gets the same letter for everyone from my old school from the "famous" old chairman. He actually told me that he never reads this guys letters cause they say the same thing, but I was looked at much harder because I had letters from a guy who knew me personally and a person that I did an away under. This guy was the chairman of AAOS and all that, but he writes crappy letters that don't tell anyone anything about you, so they are discounted.