The ERAS 2026 applicant worksheet is now available for download! Learn how to use it effectively to strengthen your residency application and stand out in the Match.
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ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet Released – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a medical graduate planning to apply for residency in the 2026 cycle, this is your cue to start preparing! The ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet is now officially available for download from the AAMC website. This essential document is designed to help you organize your experiences, streamline your MyERAS entries, and build a compelling residency application.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the ERAS worksheet is, why it matters, and how you can use it to gain a competitive edge in the upcoming Match.
What Is the ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet?
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the centralized online system medical graduates use to apply to U.S. residency programs. The ERAS Application Worksheet is a preparatory tool released by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) each year to help applicants collect and organize key information before entering it into the MyERAS portal.
This PDF worksheet mimics the structure of the actual application and includes sections such as:
- Personal Information
- Educational Background
- Work, Volunteer, and Research Experiences
- Publications and Presentations
- Licensure and Certifications
- Personal Statement Planning
- Noteworthy Characteristics (for certain specialties)
By completing the worksheet early, applicants can ensure that their information is comprehensive, accurate, and ready to go when the ERAS portal opens.
Why the ERAS 2026 Worksheet Is So Important
With thousands of applicants competing for limited residency spots, standing out starts with a polished and strategic application. Here’s why downloading and using the ERAS 2026 applicant worksheet now is crucial:
- Early Planning = Fewer Mistakes
Mistakes in the ERAS application can delay interviews or even cost you a spot. The worksheet helps you plan every section, so you enter data accurately when the time comes. - Strong Content = Better Impressions
The experiences section is one of the most important areas of your application. Use the worksheet to brainstorm and refine your entries before uploading them. - Efficient LOR and PS Prep
Starting early gives you time to reach out for Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and draft a compelling personal statement that aligns with your experiences. - Less Stress When MyERAS Opens
When the MyERAS system goes live, you’ll be ready to transfer your well-prepared content instead of starting from scratch.
How to Use the ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet Effectively
Here’s a step-by-step strategy to make the most of the ERAS worksheet:
1. Download the Official Worksheet
Get the official PDF from the AAMC website. It’s free and easy to use.
2. Work Section by Section
Start with personal and educational details. Then move on to your work, research, and volunteer experiences. Write thoughtful descriptions for each.
3. Follow the STAR Method for Experiences
For each experience entry, structure your descriptions using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate your skills and impact.
4. Draft Your Personal Statement Outline
Use the worksheet to start outlining your personal statement. Reflect on your journey, motivations for medicine, and goals in residency.
5. Track LOR Requests
Plan who you’ll ask for Letters of Recommendation and when. Add deadlines and reminders to keep this process on track.
6. Review and Get Feedback
Once you’ve filled out the worksheet, ask a mentor or advisor to review it for clarity, grammar, and consistency.
ERAS 2026 Timeline: Key Dates to Keep in Mind
Here’s a brief timeline of ERAS 2026 Residency Match Timeline
- June–July 2025: MyERAS opens to applicants
- September 2025: Applicants can begin submitting applications
- Late September 2025: Programs begin reviewing applications
- October 2025 – January 2026: Interview season
- February 2026: Rank order list deadline
- March 2026: Match Week
By using the worksheet early in the process, you give yourself a huge head start for every step that follows.
Who Should Download the ERAS 2026 Worksheet?
The worksheet is essential for:
- U.S. MD and DO students entering their final year
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs) planning to apply to U.S. residency programs
- Reapplicants from previous Match cycles
- Medical advisors, mentors, and coaches guiding applicants
No matter where you are in your medical journey, this tool is a must-have for organizing your application efficiently.
Final Thoughts: Start Early, Match Strong
The release of the ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet marks the beginning of the new Match season. Whether you’re an IMG, a U.S. senior, or a reapplicant, this document is your launchpad to a successful application.
Don’t wait until MyERAS opens — download the worksheet, start drafting your entries, and take charge of your journey to Match Day.
📥 Download the ERAS 2026 Applicant Worksheet here: https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/9711/download
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