Can I upload LOR to ERAS myself?
When it comes to applying for residency programs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), one of the most common questions among medical students is whether they can upload their Letters of Recommendation (LORs) themselves. The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on the specific program and the policies of the medical school.
ERAS is an online application service used by U.S. residency programs to manage the application process. It allows applicants to submit their application materials, including their personal statement, medical school transcripts, and LORs, to the programs they are interested in. While ERAS provides a platform for applicants to upload their documents, the actual submission of LORs is typically managed by the medical school from which the recommendation was received.
Many medical schools have policies in place that require students to have their LORs submitted directly by the faculty members or department chairs who wrote them. This is to ensure that the LORs are sent in a timely manner and that the process is standardized across all applicants. In these cases, you would not be able to upload LORs to ERAS yourself.
However, there are instances where medical schools may allow or even encourage students to upload their LORs. This could be due to various reasons, such as a streamlined application process or a lack of a dedicated department to handle LOR submissions. If your medical school falls into this category, you may be able to upload your LORs to ERAS yourself.
Before you attempt to upload LORs to ERAS, it is crucial to check your medical school’s policies and guidelines. You can usually find this information on the school’s website or by contacting the residency or admissions office. If you are allowed to upload LORs, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and double-check that all the necessary information is included. Additionally, it is essential to keep a copy of the uploaded LORs for your records.
In conclusion, whether you can upload LORs to ERAS yourself depends on the policies of your medical school. It is important to verify these policies and follow the guidelines provided by your institution to ensure a smooth application process.
