A tip for your CV and the application process in general:
Unless you are prepared to conduct an interview exclusively in another language, use the term “proficiency” instead of “fluency” when describing your foreign language skills. You do not want to face embarrassment (or worse) regarding an overstatement of your abilities.
This week a client emailed me to say that he recently received a new academic award and wanted to let program directors know. He asked me if there was a way to update his ERAS. Unfortunately, once you have submitted your ERAS it cannot be edited. You can send a letter to the programs or you can un-assign and assign a new personal statement at any time. (The latter option has its disadvantages at this late date.)
Contact me for help.
Here are a few errors to avoid in composing your ERAS and AMCAS:
1. Use full sentences. Some applicants erroneously use phrases in their activity descriptors. You’re submitting a formal application, and full sentences are appropriate.
2. Avoid abbreviations. Again, we’re talking about a formal application here so let’s treat it as such. Also, abbreviations you think are common might be unintelligible to the reader.
3. Ensure the email address you offer has a spam detector that is set low. You don’t want to miss important emails.
4. Do a spell and grammar check. Don’t submit only to be embarrassed by a simple error.
5. Get help. Do not send your application without having it reviewed. You cannot afford to submit suboptimal materials.
For professional, individually-tailored assistance with your AMCAS or ERAS please check me out at www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com. My
Here’s an important tip for those who have not yet submitted their applications to medical school or residency:
If your reader does not understand an activity (or activities) on your application you will not get “credit” for what you’ve done. Although you are very familiar with your accomplishments you need to spell them out in your application as though you are speaking to a lay person.
I read an interesting observation once that when small children do not understand something they don’t cry or get agitated; they simply look away and focus elsewhere. Imagine that this applies to your adult admissions committee member as well. You must explain your research, clinical experience, volunteer work, etc. in the simplest terms if you want your reader to concentrate on it.
For help with your ERAS, AMCAS or secondaries check me out at www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
