How does this change to the AAMC Letter Writer Portal impact applicants?
Applicants will continue to request letters through the MyERAS® application, with enhancements designed to make the process easier and more transparent.
What should residency and fellowship applicants know?
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Letters are still requested through the MyERAS application
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Applicants may select a specialty when requesting a letter
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A “General” option is available for applicants to select for requesting narrative letters that may be sent to one or more specialties.
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Both applicants and letter writers will have improved visibility into the status of requested letters
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Applicants may assign up to four (4) letters per program; refer to specialty guidance statements and individual program requirements for specifications.
What happens to letters uploaded before June 1, 2026?
Letters uploaded in the current Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) will be transferred to the new system and available for the 2027 Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®) application cycle.
If a letter request already exists, can it still be used?
If a letter is uploaded before June 1, 2026, it will be available for use. Incomplete letter requests after that date will be removed and a new request must be generated through the new system.
Will letter writers need to create an AAMC account?
No. Letter writers can submit letters as a guest using a secure email link without creating an account.
Can letter writers use an existing AAMC account?
Yes. Existing AAMC accounts can be used to access the AAMC Letter Writer Portal.
Is there anything important to know regarding specialty-specific standardized letters?
If requesting a specialty-specific standardized letter for Dermatology, Urology, or Plastic Surgery, applicants must select the correct specialty at the time of request. This ensures that the appropriate letter format is sent to the letter writer.
What changes should applicants and letter writers expect compared to previous ERAS seasons?
The primary change is that letter submission will occur through the AAMC Letter Writer system rather than the ERAS LoR Portal. While the overall process of requesting and assigning letters remains with the MyERAS application, the submission workflow for letter writers will differ.
How should applicants determine whether to request a narrative or standardized letter format?
Applicants should review each specialty’s requirements so they can select the letter type that best fits their application needs. There is specialty-specific information available on the ERAS Participating Specialties & Programs webpage including AAMC-OPDA guidance
Will applicants still control which letters are sent to specific programs?
Yes. Applicants will continue to assign letters of recommendation to programs within the MyERAS application, consistent with current practice. They should review each program’s requirements before making assignments.
Can letters be submitted after an application is submitted?
Yes, letters of recommendation may be submitted after an application is submitted, but applicants should be aware of program deadlines and review timelines to ensure materials are available when programs evaluate applications.