The submission date for ERAS is fast approaching, and while you’ve done most of the hard work, a few final touches can make a big difference. Before you hit the submit button, take a moment to review these three essential tips to ensure your application is polished and stands out.

1. Enhance Your Hobbies and Interests Section

Your ERAS application’s hobbies and interests section is often overlooked, but it’s a golden opportunity to show programs more about your personality and life outside of medicine. This section can spark engaging conversations during interviews and help you stand out from other applicants.

Think Outside the Box:

• Instead of simply saying “traveling,” get specific and say something like “traveled to 29 states, avid road tripper, hiked through 22 U.S. National Parks.” This shows your love for travel and highlights your adventurous spirit and appreciation for nature.
• Rather than just “exercising,” elaborate with details like “hiking enthusiast, marathon training for the Chicago Marathon in [insert month/year], committed to weight training.” These specifics can reveal your dedication, discipline, and passion for fitness.
• Instead of “leisure reading,” offer more insight with “Top 3 favorite books: [Book X], [Book Y], [Book Z]. Currently reading: [Book A], [Book B], [Book C].” This showcases your intellectual curiosity and personal interests.

Be Authentic:

It’s crucial to be honest about your hobbies and interests. Don’t fabricate or exaggerate your activities to seem more attractive. Authenticity is key. If you claim to have certain hobbies or talents, be prepared to discuss them in detail during interviews. False claims can easily be exposed and may harm your credibility.

2. Meticulously Check for Grammar and Typos

A well-written application without grammatical errors and typos demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Here are some steps to ensure your application is error-free:

Print and Review:

Printing out your application can help you catch mistakes you might overlook on a screen. Go through it line by line to ensure clarity and correctness.

Seek External Review:

Ask friends, family, or mentors to review your application. A fresh set of eyes can often spot errors or areas for improvement that you have missed.

Use Online Tools:

Utilize free online tools like Grammarly to check for spelling and grammar errors. Copy your application text into a Microsoft Word document and run it through the Grammarly app. This tool can help you catch mistakes that automated spell checkers might miss.

Remember, applying grammatical errors and spelling mistakes can look unprofessional. Taking the time to review and correct your application thoroughly can make a significant difference.

3. Embrace Confidence in Your Application

Finally, it’s essential to approach your application with confidence. You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and your application reflects your journey and achievements.

Showcase Your Journey:

Your ERAS application is an opportunity to highlight your unique experiences, skills, and accomplishments. Be proud of your achievements and convey that confidence in your application.

Following these tips ensures that your ERAS application is polished, professional, and reflects your best self. Good luck!