Common ERAS Mistakes to Avoid: How to Strengthen Your Residency Application

Applying to residency with ERAS is a high-stakes and time-consuming. Even strong candidates can fall short and not get noticed by their top programs if they overlook some of the most common, but easily fixable, application mistakes. Below, we break down these pitfalls to avoid, and then I would love to work with you one-on-one for individualized guidance on truly strengthening your app.

Division and Setting Preferences

The division and setting preference sections are opportunities to make programs feel that you have a personal interest in them based on their location. Leaving these blank or writing vague responses is a big mistake because you're missing out on an opportunity to stand out. Be as specific as you can be!

ERAS Residency Application Experience Section:

Mistake #1: Narrow Experiences

Applicants sometimes include only clinical experiences and neglect leadership, volunteer work, research, or teaching. Others list outdated experiences from several years ago without mentioning more recent experiences.

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Aim to include 10 quality experiences from a range of domains.

• Keep all experiences relevant and recent—ideally from within the past 5 years.

Mistake #2: Mixed Formatting

Whether you use bullet points or paragraphs, be consistent.

✅ Formatting Tips:

• If using bullet points, start with an action verb (present tense for current roles, past tense for past roles).

• Use the description space to explain your contributions and impact.

Mistake #3: Repetition and Redundancy

Repeating job titles, dates, or organization names in the description wastes precious space.

✅ Focus Instead On...

• What you did.

• What skills you built.

• How it connects to medicine and the specialty you're applying to.

Mistake #4: Not Clarifying Your Specialty

Reviewers should be able to tell what specialty you’re applying to. A lack of clarity makes it seem like you aren’t committed.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Tailor experience descriptions to show skills relevant to your intended specialty.

• In the "Most Meaningful" sections, make it clear how experiences connect to your career goals.

  
  

  The exception to this is if you are dual applying. Avoid naming a specific specialty but highlight transferable skills applicable to both.

  
  

Residency programs want to know who you are, what you’ve done, and where you’re going. Avoiding these common mistakes can dramatically improve your ERAS residency application. By being clear, concise, and consistent while tailoring your narrative to your chosen specialty, you'll stand out for all the right reasons.

For more tips, listen to the full episode here. For one-on-one editing, check out the services I offer relevant to ERAS!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ERAS Applications

1. What hobbies or interests should I include in my ERAS application?

Choose 2–3 genuine interests that reflect your personality and show balance outside of medicine. Avoid listing generic or one-word hobbies without context.

2. How do I mention red flags like a leave of absence or failed course in my application?

Briefly explain the situation, emphasize growth, and show how you've improved or adapted. Avoid sounding defensive and don't include too many details that aren't relevant.

3. How should I approach the "Other Impactful Experiences" section in ERAS?

Use this section to reflect on a meaningful moment that shaped your values, resilience, or professional identity. Look at the examples that are provided since this section may not be relevant to you.