For the purpose of emailing and faxing programs you will need to get some documents ready. For programs taking applications through ERAS, your application is ready. You can use the cover letter as the body of the email and attach the rest of the documents. I would create one PDF file from the remaining documents. To do this you can use Adobe Acrobat Standard or higher. A free alternative is to use CutePDF. If all this is over your head, you can go to Kinkos and do the following: If you have a Kinko’s nearby, you can do it there. Here’s how: Kinko’s offers a FREE program called “Kinko’s File Prep Tool” It acts like a printer driver and creates a .KDF file. You can then convert this file to a PDF at Kinko’s on one of their rental machines. Not as convenient, but workable and cheap.
1. Create a cover letter – This letter should point out all your positive points. If you have high scores mention it in the cover letter. If you have low scores, instead of stating the scores mention that you are ECFMG certified. If you have attempts, there is no reason to mention it here. If you are a green card holder or US citizen, make sure you mention those points. Also make sure your contact information is available here, phone number and email.
2. Create a CV – You can use your CAF as your CV. The easiest method is to print your CAF as a pdf if you have Adobe Acrobat Standard or higher. If you only have Adobe Acrobat reader, you can use a program called CutePDF (http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp) to create a pdf from your CAF. Otherwise you can create a new word file and put in all the information of your CAF into this new CV. You can email either the PDF (.pdf) or Word (.doc) files to the programs.
3. Personal Statements (PS) – Just put this into your application packet. If you have multiple PSs for different specialties, you may want to create individual packets for each specialty.
4. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – If you did not waive the right to see your letters, you should have kept a copy so you can email or fax. If you did waive your right to see the letter it would be a good idea to get the writer to send you another letter to prepare for the scramble.
5. USMLE Score Reports – If you have high scores you may want to include this, if you do not then leave it out. Do not put score reports of failed attempts.
6. ECFMG Certificate – Just put this into the packet.