Key Takeaways:
- Build Relationships Early: One of the best ways to obtain strong letters of recommendation is to build strong connections with your mentors and professors.
- Choose Strategically: It’s important to select the right letter writer, so prioritize those who have firsthand knowledge of your clinical, professional, and/or interpersonal skills to ensure meaningful, impactful endorsements.
- Align With Your Narrative: Craft a personal statement that complements your letters by reflecting your values, journey, and aspirations, creating a cohesive residency application.
Strong letters of recommendation can make the difference between an average ERAS application and one that truly stands out. But knowing how to get those powerful endorsements can feel overwhelming. Who should you ask? When should you ask? And what makes a letter strong in the eyes of program directors?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about securing impactful ERAS letters of recommendation. That includes when you should start thinking about them, how to choose the right writers, and strategies to ensure your letters reflect your full potential. Whether you're prepping for Sub-I season or planning ahead for Match Day, OnlineMedEd is here to support you every step of the way with the tools, structure, and confidence you need to succeed.
Let’s make sure your letters work for you and help tell the story of the resident you hope to be.
What Is ERAS And How Does It Work?
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the centralized platform most medical students in the U.S. use to apply to residency programs. Managed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), ERAS helps streamline the process by allowing you to submit all your application materials in one place and send them to multiple programs simultaneously.
What The ERAS Timeline Looks Like
The ERAS season typically begins in June, when students receive an ERAS “token” from their Designated Dean’s Office, granting access to the MyERAS portal. Applicants then spend the summer preparing and finalizing their materials before applications can be submitted in early September. Residency programs begin receiving applications in late September, often sending interview invitations shortly after.
What You’ll Submit Through ERAS
Through ERAS, you’ll upload and organize the key components of your application, including:
- Your personal statement
- Medical school transcripts and Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
- USMLE scores
- A professional photo
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) with work, research, and volunteer experiences
- Up to four letters of recommendation per program
What To Expect After You Apply
Once your materials are submitted, ERAS electronically delivers them to the residency programs you’ve selected. Programs then review applications within the system and use this information to determine interview offers. It’s important to note that ERAS is separate from the NRMP Match, though both processes work together during residency season. As interview invitations begin to roll out — often just days after programs receive applications — it’s essential to feel prepared. OnlineMedEd’s residency interview preparation guide can help you approach interviews with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
At OnlineMedEd, we understand that applying to residency is more than just checking boxes; it’s a major milestone in your medical journey. That’s why our platform is built to support you at every stage, from rocking your rotations to diving deep into our Clinical Content. Every resource helps you build the critical reasoning and decision-making skills residency programs are looking for. Whether you're preparing for Shelf Exams or polishing your personal statement, we provide the tools and guidance to help you not just get through the process but truly own it.
Choosing The Right Recommenders For Your LORs
Securing strong letters of recommendation (LORs) is one of the most important (and sometimes most stressful) parts of your ERAS application. These letters offer programs an inside look at how your mentors and supervisors view you as a future colleague: your clinical acumen, work ethic, communication skills, and overall readiness for residency. Choosing the right letter writers is essential to telling that story effectively.
Here’s how to make that decision with intention:
1. Prioritize Firsthand Clinical Experience
Select recommenders who have worked with you directly in a clinical setting. Attending physicians — especially in your chosen specialty — are ideal, as they can speak to your diagnostic reasoning, procedural skill, professionalism, and bedside manner.
2. Choose People Who Know You Well
A letter from someone with a big title won’t help much if they barely know you. Instead, choose individuals with whom you’ve built a genuine, professional relationship, preferably those who have seen your growth, resilience, and curiosity firsthand. A strong letter captures not just what you did, but who you are as a learner, team member, and future physician.
3. Include A Range Of Perspectives
Aim for a balanced portfolio of letters that showcase different sides of your experience. This might include clinical supervisors, academic mentors, and/or research advisors. Having multiple voices highlight both your clinical ability and character can round out your application and give programs a more complete picture of your strengths.
4. Align With Your Specialty Goals
At least one letter should come from someone in your intended specialty who can speak directly to your fit and potential in that field. When recommenders understand your long-term goals, they can better tailor their message to align with what program directors are looking for. Just as our curriculum at OnlineMedEd is designed to prepare you for what comes next, your letters should echo that same clarity of direction.
By curating your LORs with intention, you’re strengthening your narrative and building credibility as a future resident. Think of each letter as part of your broader application story: a reflection of your performance, your values, and how you’ll contribute to the culture and mission of your future residency team.
How To Approach Potential Letter Writers
Securing strong LORs is a powerful opportunity to reflect on your growth and advocate for your future. Here’s how to approach the process with confidence, clarity, and professionalism.
Ask Early (Really Early)
Timing matters. The best time to ask is at the end of your rotation, when your performance is still fresh in your recommender’s mind. If you’re asking later, try to give them at least 4–6 weeks’ notice, or longer if possible. Most LORs are due by early to mid-September, when ERAS opens for applications, so plan accordingly.
Provide Supporting Materials
Make the process easier (and the letter stronger) by giving your writers everything they need upfront. This includes:
- Updated CV: Includes your clinical experience, academic history, research, leadership roles, and other relevant achievements.
- Personal Statement: Helps your letter writer understand your values, goals, and the narrative behind your application.
- Goals Summary: A brief overview of your career aspirations and the qualities or experiences you'd like highlighted in the letter.
- Program And Specialty Info: A list of the residency specialties and specific programs you’re applying to, so they can tailor their message accordingly.
- Submission Deadline: A clear due date for the letter, ideally before ERAS opens in early September, to avoid last-minute stress.
- FERPA Waiver Instructions: Let them know whether you’ve waived your right to view the letter in the ERAS system. We highly recommend that you don’t view your LORs, because it signals confidence and encourages candor.
Ask In Person (If You Can)
Whenever possible, ask your letter writer in person or via a personal message, not just by email. Let them know why you’re asking them specifically and what their mentorship has meant to you. Be clear, respectful, and sincere. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask, “Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?”
Be Professional And Appreciative
Writing a thoughtful LOR takes effort and care. Respect their time, communicate clearly, and follow up with a thank-you note or email — whether or not they say yes. If someone declines, don’t take it personally. It’s better to find someone who’s genuinely enthusiastic about supporting your application.
Residency applications can feel like a mountain, but you're not climbing it alone. At OnlineMedEd, we’re here to walk with you, helping you approach every step with purpose, preparation, and support. And while the process can be intense, your mental health matters just as much as your metrics. That’s why we created ClubMedEd, a space to connect, decompress, and access free mental wellness resources tailored for medical learners. Because getting into residency is important, but so is getting through it with your well-being intact.
Crafting A Personal Statement To Complement Your LORs
Your ERAS letters of recommendation offer valuable insight into how others see you, but your personal statement is where you get to tell your own story. It’s a chance to show programs who you are beyond your CV: what drives you, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. When done well, it complements your LORs by adding depth, cohesion, and personality to your application.
Highlight Your Journey
Start by reflecting on the experiences that have shaped your path in medicine. What sparked your interest in healthcare? What challenges or turning points helped define your goals? These stories help contextualize your application and connect the dots between your clinical experiences, academic achievements, and personal growth. When paired with strong LORs, your personal statement offers a holistic view of who you are and why you’ll be a great resident.
Align With Your Letters
If your LORs highlight your collaboration on rounds or your compassionate patient care, reinforce those themes in your narrative. Use anecdotes and examples that echo the strengths others have seen in you. This alignment creates a consistent and authentic voice across your application, giving reviewers confidence in your character and capabilities.
Reflect Your Values And Goals
Residency programs aren’t just evaluating competence; they’re also looking for residents who resonate with their mission and culture. Use your personal statement to share your values, professional aspirations, and what you’re seeking in a training environment. Show how your goals align with the program's focus, whether that’s care for underserved communities, academic research, or surgical innovation.
If you need help refining your message, check out our guide on tips for writing a great personal statement for residency applications. It walks you through what to include (and what to leave out) so your statement stands out for all the right reasons.
Resources That Support Your Story
At OnlineMedEd, we know how important it is to balance your personal story with clinical excellence. Our Residency Prep Bundle includes tools like Intern Bootcamp, Case X, and The Intern Guide — each designed to build your confidence, sharpen your clinical reasoning, and prepare you for success. And if you’re feeling the pressure of Match season, our 2025 Match residency resource center offers free weekly lessons, mindfulness tools, and mentorship to help you stay grounded and focused.
Final Thoughts
Securing strong ERAS letters of recommendation is a pivotal piece of the residency puzzle, but it’s only one part of the larger picture. At OnlineMedEd, we’re here to support you not just as an applicant, but as a future physician. Our comprehensive resources — from foundational Clinical Content to Residency Prep tools — are designed to build confidence, promote long-term retention, and help you apply knowledge where it matters most: in real-world settings. Residency is your time to take one step closer to a meaningful career in healthcare. And with OnlineMedEd, you’re never doing it alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About ERAS Letter Of Recommendation
Can I submit more LORs than required on ERAS?
Yes, you can submit more letters of recommendation than a program requires, but there’s a limit to how many you can assign. ERAS allows you to store an unlimited number of letters, but you can assign up to four letters per program. That means you can tailor which letters go to which programs, but be mindful not to exceed what individual programs prefer. Always review each program’s specific requirements and avoid overloading them with unnecessary documents. Quality and fit matter more than quantity.
What are the components of a strong letter of recommendation?
A strong letter of recommendation should offer firsthand, detailed insights into your clinical skills, professionalism, communication, and teamwork. Ideally, it includes specific anecdotes that reflect your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt in a clinical setting. What sets strong letters apart is not just praise, but personalized reflections from someone who has closely observed your performance and believes in your readiness for residency.
How long should an ERAS letter of recommendation be?
An ERAS letter of recommendation is typically one to two pages in length. It should be concise but rich with detail, offering relevant examples of your strengths without unnecessary filler. Remember, program directors are reading LORs from hundreds of applications. A well-written, focused letter that gets to the point while showcasing your potential is far more effective than something long-winded.
How do I submit letters of recommendation to ERAS?
LORs are submitted electronically through the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP). Once you enter your letter writer’s information in the MyERAS system, ERAS generates a unique Letter ID and upload link. You'll provide this to your evaluator, who must upload the letter directly, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with ERAS standards. Letters cannot be submitted by the applicant.
How do residency programs evaluate letters of recommendation?
Programs look for letters that are authentic, specific, and well-aligned with the specialty. They evaluate not only what is said, but who says it and how well they know you. A strong LOR comes from someone respected in their field who can speak to your performance, growth, and potential. Programs value personal stories and clear context — insights that show you're more than just test scores and transcripts.
Can I use the same letters of recommendation for multiple specialties?
You can use the same letter across specialties, but it’s not always ideal. If a letter is too generic, it may fall flat. Tailored letters — written with your specialty in mind — tend to be more impactful because they highlight skills and traits that matter most in that field. If you're applying to multiple specialties, try to secure at least one letter specific to each, and make sure any shared letters express your suitability for both.
