"With the months leading up to the September 30, 2026 ERAS deadline already underway, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed — but this period is also the most valuable time to strengthen your residency application. What you do before ERAS opens often determines how competitive your application will be on day one.

These months can be used intentionally to build a strong foundation: selecting meaningful clinical experiences (including virtual and hybrid opportunities), advancing research projects toward abstracts or publications, strengthening your CV, and developing a clear professional narrative that aligns with your specialty goals.

In the current residency landscape — with Step 1 now Pass/Fail and Step 2 CS discontinued — programs rely more heavily on the overall quality of an applicant’s profile. As a result, preparation, clarity, and intentionality play an increasingly important role in distinguishing candidates. Beyond scores, committees look for clarity of motivation, consistency in experiences, professionalism, and evidence of thoughtful preparation.

I work with applicants early in the process to help them avoid common pre-ERAS pitfalls, including:

- Fragmented or unfocused clinical experiences

- Research efforts that don’t translate into tangible output

- CVs that lack a coherent story

- Late or poorly planned networking efforts

My approach focuses on structured preparation before submission, including:

- Building a realistic, month-by-month plan leading up to ERAS.

- Selecting opportunities that add genuine value and align with your goals.

- Ensuring your experiences tell a clear, compelling story when programs review your application.

If you want to approach the coming months with clarity rather than stress — and submit an application that reflects intentional preparation — feel free to reach out. Don't waste your time!" less...