The Residency Application - Application Systems
There are several residency application platforms currently in use. The appropriate application platform varies by specialty. Students who are planning a dual application may need to use multiple application platforms. A summary of each of the application platforms is included below. Note that the application system in most cases is different from the match program and is described separately.
Students should inform OSA if they are applying to programs outside of ERAS.
ERAS
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the centralized online application service from the AAMC which aims to streamline the application process by delivering the residency application and all supporting documents (including the MSPE and Letters of Reference) to residency programs.
A comprehensive list of specialties and programs currently participating in ERAS can be found at this link.
Access to ERAS is granted through OSA via “Tokens” or electronic codes that allow you to register and access your personal MyERAS workstation. Tokens are available mid-April and will be emailed to you. Each token provides individualized and one-time access to MyERAS. Applicants will also need their AAMC ID number to access MyERAS; the AAMC ID number can be found on your MedScope Portfolio.
External Resources:
ERAS (to register, select “Sign in to the MyERAS Portal”)
MyERAS Tools and Resources
ERAS Frequently Asked Questions
ERAS Fee Scheduling
ResidencyCAS
ResidencyCAS is a centralized application platform used by Emergency Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology residency programs (2026 Cycle) managing applications, interviews, and communications in one place. Access to ResidencyCAS is granted through OSA invitation. Emergency Medicine and OB&GYN are participating in the ResidencyCAS application process in the 2026 cycle.
External Resources:
ResidencyCAS Applicant Quick Start Guide
SF Match - Ophthalmology Central Application Service
The Central Application Service of the SF Match (or San Francisco Match) is the application platform for Ophthalmology residency applications. The SF Match CAS distributes applications to residency programs. For additional information regarding the application including contents, timeline, and fee schedule visit the SF Match Ophthalmology. The SF Match has an earlier application and match timeline than the “Main Match” (i.e. ERAS/NRMP) with applications released to programs at the beginning of September and ending with an Early Match in February. The MSPE is not a part of the initial application and is uploaded by OSA per AAMC rules on the standard release date at the end of September.
Military Match
The Joint Service GME Selection Board, also known as the Military Match, is the application process for Health Professions Scholarship Program students to apply into military residency positions. For best chance of match, HPSP students typically apply both through the Military Match and also through the civilian counterpart (ERAS, SF Match, etc). Each branch of the military will release specific application procedures for a given year's match cycle, typically around June of your fourth year. Additionally, each Branch of the service has a yearly document that lists every confirmed and possible training position (in the Air Force, for example, this is called the Health Professions Education and Requirement Board or HPERB).
Applications are submitted through MODS (Medical Operational Data System) website, which is the equivalent to civilian ERAS. Applicants can submit their application and CV from July 1 through August 31 on a computer on the military network (e.g. while on ADT). When you apply to the military match, you actually submit two rank lists. The first is your preference for categorical training. Your second is a preference for one-year preliminary training positions in internal medicine, general surgery, or transitional year, and your preference for each of the military bases where these training programs are offered. Additionally, you can rank “civilian deferred,” which will allow you to participate in the civilian match. Possible Military Match outcomes include match at a Military Training Facility, a Civilian Sponsored Program, Civilian Match, Deferred Match, or match into a preliminary/transitional year. Of note, there is no formal couple's match within the Military Match.
UMSOM will submit your transcripts, licensing exam scores, and MSPE's via the Physician Education Branch organization email. Applications close and all supporting GME documentation must be submitted by ~October 15th. Interviews typically occur from July to October while on audition rotations and match results are released around December 15th.
Additional Resources
- Navy: Navy Medicine application
- Air Force: Air Force Medicine application.
- Army: The Army GME office can be reached regarding application questions at 703-681-8042 or 703-681-8043.
- This comprehensive guide from AAMC is very useful.
- This unofficial guide may also be helpful.
Canadian Early Application and Match System (CaRMS)
U.S. and Canadian students are permitted to participate in both matching programs. As the CaRMS match is run earlier, students participating in both programs must agree to accept the Canadian program to which they are matched. Their names will be automatically withdrawn from the NRMP Match if they match under the CaRMS. Those not matched by the CaRMS will remain in the NRMP Match. The CaRMS furnishes a listing of all dual participants to the NRMP for appropriate withdrawals.
Additional information for the Canadian Match can be found at www.carms.ca.