General Information

BOTH the ERAS and the Early Matching Program require a personal statement to be submitted for your application. ERAS does not have a section for CV's.

Description of the Curriculum Vitae

The curriculum vitae, an impersonal, but concise, outline of your academic and work history. It is an excellent reference tool that will give letter writers and interviewers a basic understanding of your education and past work experience at a glance. Creating a CV will aid you in the completion of the work, research, and volunteer activities section of your residency application, and help you when filling out your Deans Letter Data Form. Faculty members may request a copy of your CV to write your letter of recommendation.

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Description of Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to present information about yourself coherently, concisely (no longer than one page in a clearly visible font) and precisely. The Electronic Residency Applications System (ERAS) for participating programs includes a section for your personal statement which permits a bit more that a single typed page. ERAS does not have a section for CV's. Students should be prepared to submit one. All students should prepare a CV. In your personal statement avoid being outspoken, and avoid being too narrow in the expectations you have for your residency program as you present them in this document. Avoid being too stylistic. The personal statement has the potential to turn off program directors. Each program director has individual and unpredictable taste. What one finds an intriguing presentation may be totally distasteful to another. Your personal statement should give some background information about yourself and your medical school experience, but the core of your personal statement should define your reasons for having selected that particular specialty and outline why and how you are a good match for that medical discipline. Provide some information about your future career plans and hopes and your educational objectives.

Click here for Sample Personal Statements