On July 5, DO applicants can start applying to AOA-accredited residency programs, so I've had a lot of clients ask me about the importance of getting their ERASes in now. This topic is relevant for MD candidates whose submission date is in early September. These are my thoughts:
1. Yes, getting your ERAS in early helps. At the beginning of the season there aren't as many ERASes to review so, as a former Assistant Residency Director, I recall giving more time and attention to the early applications. I was also impressed by students who could get their materials in promptly.
2. On the other hand, if your application is not in its best shape then submitting early is a mistake. Waiting a week or two is absolutely preferable to submitting a suboptimal ERAS that will be tossed into the "do not invite" pile. Importantly, all osteopathic residency applicants who apply between July 6 and the 14th will display with a July 15 applied date anyway!
