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ERAS® Application Changes & Updates – Match 2026
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In this blog you will find a summary of the key changes and updates to the MyERAS® application and related processes for the 2026 Match cycle, based on AAMC announcements.
What’s new in ERAS 2026?
Before we get started, if you are looking for a comprehensive ALL-IN-ONE Application Resource for MATCH® 2026, including ERAS application template, personal statement examples, MSPE samples, LOR examples, and much more, click here.
We also have detailed guides on how to complete your ERAS application, how to write your personal statement, and 250+ residency interview questions.
What’s New for the 2026 MyERAS® Application
The AAMC updates MyERAS each year based on research and feedback, aiming to improve the experience and support holistic review. For the 2026 season, here are the key updates:
New Section: Specialty Questions
- Applicants to Anesthesiology, Neurological Surgery, and Plastic Surgery-Integrated will now be required to answer specialty-specific questions before applying to programs in these specialties.
- If you save programs in one of these specialties, you’ll be reminded to complete the required questions before submitting applications.
- Responses are only visible to programs in the corresponding specialty.
- These questions must also be answered during the 2026 SOAP if applicable.
- The specialty specific questions are listed below. For sample answers to these questions, check out our ERAS Application Template here.
- Anesthesiology
○ “Describe a time when you faced adversity, how you overcame it, and any lessons learned from it.”
○ “Describe a situation in which you would have made a different decision that might have led to a better outcome.”
○ “Describe your ideal career as an attending.” - Neurological Surgery
○ “Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision. What did you consider when making the decision? Who did you consult or not and why?”
○ “Describe a specific situation where you received negative feedback about your performance. How did you adjust your behavior? What did you learn from this situation?”
○ “Describe a specific situation when your workload was overwhelming. What specific actions did you take to manage your workload? What was the outcome?” - Plastic Surgery – Integrated
○ “Describe a specific situation when a team you were on had to collaborate to achieve an outcome and there was a disagreement. How did you specifically contribute to the solution?”
○ “Describe a specific situation where you experienced a setback. How did you overcome this challenge?”
○ “Describe a time when you had to make an important decision quickly. What did you consider when making the decision?”
Education Section Updates
Postgraduate Training
This section was updated for the 2026 ERAS Cycle. Under Postgraduate Training is where you list your current and prior residencies, fellowships, and other postgraduate training experiences.
Previously, only training accredited by the ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or UCNS could be listed here. Now, you may include any residency or fellowship training, even if it is not accredited by these organizations.
If your program is not accredited by ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or UCNS, you are required to specify the accrediting body for that residency or fellowship.
Extensions and Interruptions
This section asks whether your medical training was interrupted or extended due to academic or professional reasons.
Beginning with the 2026 season, the section has been renamed to Academic/Professionalism: Interruptions or Extensions and split into two separate questions:
– One asks about academic interruptions/extensions.
– The other asks about professional interruptions/extensions.
As ERAS explicitly notes:
“This section is not intended to solicit information about your health, disability, or family status.”
If your interruption or extension was due to non-academic or non-professional reasons (e.g., personal, health, or family circumstances), you should consider answering “No” to both questions.
If you answer “Yes” to either question, be prepared to briefly and clearly explain the circumstances for each in the space provided.
Looking for expert guidance to strategize your program signaling and boost your match opportunities?
Pilot Projects for the 2026 ERAS® Season
AAMC will conduct three pilot studies this season:
| Topic | New for 2026 |
Program Signals | Applicants to Anesthesiology and Plastic Surgery-Integrated will provide additional context (signal statements). |
Geographic Preferences | Programs in Otolaryngology and Orthopedic Surgery will pilot opting out of collecting geographic preferences. |
Specialty-Specific Questions | Specialty-specific questions will be piloted in Anesthesiology, Neurosurgery, and Plastic Surgery-Integrated. See the 2026 ERAS Applicant Worksheet for details. |
Watch this new tutorial to learn how to fill your ERAS Application!
Program Signaling Information, Updates, and Changes
Program signaling allows applicants to indicate genuine interest in specific programs at the time of application. Programs can use this as one data point among others to decide on interview invitations.
- Applicants assign and send signals at the time of application. The number of signals available still varies by specialty.
Important change to consider:
- Changes to certain specialties participating in signaling – reflected on the list below.
- Changes to number of signals for certain specialties – reflected on the list below.
- Applicants to Anesthesiology and Plastic Surgery-Integrated will provide additional context (signal statements).
○ These changes are likely being made to alleviate some of the confusion surrounding whether applicants should signal certain programs, notably home programs and programs they have done away rotations at.
○ We are still waiting to hear final guidelines/recommendations on this. - In late August 2025, AAMC will release a full list of residency programs participating in signaling for the 2026 ERAS residency season.
The following specialties are participating in the signaling process for the 2026 season.
| Residency Specialty | Number of Program Signals |
| Anesthesiology | 5 (gold), 10 (silver) |
| Child Neurology & Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Dermatology | 3 (gold), 25 (silver) |
| Diagnostic Radiology and Interventional Radiology | 6 (gold), 9* (silver) |
| Family Medicine | 5 |
| General Surgery | 15 |
| Internal Medicine | 3 (gold), 12 (silver) |
| Internal Medicine & Psychiatry | 2 |
| Interventional Radiology* | 8 |
| Neurological Surgery | 25 |
| Neurology | 8 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | 30 |
| Otolaryngology | 25 |
| Pathology | 5 |
| Pediatric Medical Genetics | 3 |
| Pediatrics | 5 |
| Pediatrics/Psychiatry/Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | 3 |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 20* |
| Public Health and General Preventive Medicine | 3 |
| Plastic Surgery – Integrated* | 20 |
| Psychiatry | 10 |
| Radiation Oncology | 4 |
| Thoracic Surgery | 3 |
| Transitional Year | 12 |
| Urology* | 30 |
A * denotes either the addition of a new specialty or a change in the number of signals available for a given specialty.
Looking for a full ERAS Application Template including samples of Experiences, Education, Geographic Preferences, Publications, and Personal/Biographic Information? Get your FREE ERAS Template here!
For more details, visit:
Program Signaling for the 2026 MyERAS Application Season
The Residency Explorer™ Tool: Make Smarter, More Informed Residency Applications
Residency Explorer™ Tool is the only tool that gives you source-verified data from national organizations, so you can research programs confidently and sharpen your application strategy.
Here’s what Residency Explorer offers:
- Assess Your Competitiveness: See how your profile compares to past applicants who were invited to interview at the programs you’re considering.
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- Access Verified, Trusted Data: Get details on application requirements, interview formats, and exam expectations directly from official sources.
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What’s Coming Summer 2025: Even More Tools for Your Residency Search
Residency Explorer is getting even better. Here’s a preview of what’s ahead:
- Expanded Licensure Score Data: See program-specific Step 2 CK and Level 2 CE score ranges for applicants who were invited to interview.
- Enhanced Program Details: Access richer information about each program’s application process, interview style, eligibility rules, and updated exam expectations.
- Broader Specialty Coverage: Explore data across 40+ specialties (up from 25+), offering insights for an even wider range of fields.
FAQs
When can I submit my ERAS application?
You may begin submitting your ERAS application starting September 3, 2025, at 9 AM EST.
When will program directors be able to review my ERAS application?
Program directors will be able to review your ERAS application starting September 24, 2025, at 9 AM EST.
When is it recommended to submit my ERAS application?
It’s advisable to submit your ERAS application 1-2 days before residency programs begin reviewing applications to ensure a smooth submission process. Although programs start reviewing applications on September 24 at 9 AM EST, submitting your application around September 22 or 23 can help avoid potential delays caused by website crashes or other technical issues. This proactive approach allows time to address any unexpected complications that may arise during the submission process.
Is there a difference between submitting my ERAS application on September 24 or an earlier date?
No, because they will all be stamped by the same time, which is Sep 24, 9 AM EST.
Is there a difference between submitting my ERAS application on September 24 or later?
Yes, it is recommended to submit your ERAS application before programs can review applications on Sep 24, 9 AM EST. If you submit later, programs might not review your ERAS application if they already downloaded applications prior to your submission.
We hope this blog has given you valuable insights into the new changes of ERAS 2026.
If you need help with editing your ERAS application or having an expert lay an eye on it and give you comprehensive feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out to us HERE!
You can also bundle your personal statement editing with ERAS application editing and interview preparation by signing up to our Match Application Packages HERE.
If you have any questions about any of our services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support service here.
If you are looking for a comprehensive ALL-IN-ONE Application Resource for MATCH® 2026, including ERAS application template, personal statement examples, MSPE samples, LOR examples, and much more, click here.
Good luck with your application and always remember, The Match Guy is here for you!
To your Match,
The Match Guy
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