Mastering the MSPE: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Noteworthy Characteristics with Samples

MSPE stands for Medical Student Performance Evaluation, the letter of evaluation your medical school uploads to ERAS for every residency program you apply to. Its Noteworthy Characteristics section holds a maximum of three bullets, each two sentences or less, and the full MSPE is capped at seven single-spaced pages (AAMC, 2016).

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), known as the “Dean’s Letter” until the AAMC renamed it in 2002, is a critical document used in the residency application process in the United States. The student affairs, medical education or dean’s office at your medical school prepares it, and it gives an evaluation of your performance across your medical education (AAMC, 2026).

The MSPE is submitted as part of your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application and is read by residency program directors and selection committees when considering applicants for residency positions. You do not upload it yourself: the MSPE and your medical school transcript are the only documents your school uploads on your behalf, and ERAS sends the MSPE to every program you apply to (AAMC ERAS 2027 DWS User Guide). Program directors and their committees use it to decide which candidates are the best fit for their residency programs.

The Noteworthy Characteristics section within the MSPE is particularly significant. It provides a space to highlight your attributes, experiences, and accomplishments that might not be immediately apparent from your academic record or other parts of your application. This section is a way to humanize your application and provide context to your academic and extracurricular achievements, making you more memorable to the people reading residency applications.

Given its audience and purpose, the MSPE, particularly the Noteworthy Characteristics section, can be pivotal in determining your success in securing a residency spot, especially in more competitive specialties.

Your Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) is crucial in medical residency admissions. The MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics section is especially vital, offering a platform to spotlight up to three traits or experiences that best represent your capabilities and potential as a medical resident.

The sections below cover what the AAMC asks for, when programs see your MSPE in the ERAS 2027 season, how to write each bullet, and dozens of sample Noteworthy Characteristics you can model.

MSPE Format: The Six Sections

The MSPE includes six sections, in this order: Identifying Information, Noteworthy Characteristics, Academic History, Academic Progress, Summary, and Medical School Information. The AAMC MSPE Task Force set that structure in its recommendations, along with a seven-page limit, single spacing and a 12-point font (AAMC, 2016, revised 2017).

The AAMC describes the MSPE as “a summary letter of evaluation, not a letter of recommendation.” Its purpose is “not to advocate for the student,” but to summarize your attributes, experiences and academic accomplishments based, as far as possible, on verifiable information and summative evaluations. That framing is why the strongest Noteworthy Characteristics read like documented facts rather than praise.

When Are MSPEs Released for the 2027 Match?

For the ERAS 2027 season, residency programs could begin reviewing MyERAS applications and MSPEs at 9 a.m. ET on September 23, 2026. Applicants could start submitting applications to programs on September 2, 2026, and the season runs until May 31, 2027 (AAMC 2027 ERAS Residency Timeline). Schools can upload MSPEs earlier, but programs cannot see them until that review date.

The older practice of a separate October 1 MSPE release date no longer applies. The MSPE now becomes visible to programs on the same day they can open applications, so your Noteworthy Characteristics are part of the first impression programs form, not an add-on that arrives weeks later. Practically, your school needs your final Noteworthy Characteristics well before September; ask your student affairs office for its internal deadline.

What Did the AAMC Change About Noteworthy Characteristics in 2026?

In 2026 the AAMC started a multi-year review of the MSPE. Its first phase, January through March 2026, issued guidance for the current cycle on Noteworthy Characteristics only, and the AAMC stated that “no specific changes are being made to the MSPE template at this time” (AAMC, 2026). The limits stayed the same: up to three bulleted items, each two sentences or less.

The new piece is a clarifying statement that schools are invited to place just before the section. The AAMC example reads: “This section reflects information contributed by the learner and reviewed by the medical school for inclusion in the MSPE. Residency programs are encouraged to interpret the Noteworthy Characteristics section as contextual information that complements other components of the application and MSPE, recognizing that practices vary across institutions.” A second phase, running from March 2026 to June 2027, is re-examining the purpose and format of the MSPE as a whole, so expect further guidance before the ERAS 2028 season.

What Sets the MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics Section Apart?

Unlike other areas of your MSPE, this section describes up to three specific traits or experiences that capture the essence of who you are. These can range from specific achievements in medical internships abroad to unusual hobbies that showcase a different facet of your personality. The AAMC asks for items “that highlight experiences and attributes not included elsewhere in the ERAS application,” so this is not the place to repeat your CV (AAMC, 2016). What makes this section challenging is its brevity: each characteristic must be described in two sentences or less.

The limitation on length poses a real challenge. Given the competitive nature of residency, especially in the most competitive medical specialties, there is a strong temptation toward wordy, aggressive self-promotion. However, the two-sentence limit demands creativity, requiring you and your MSPE author to be precise and to let specific facts carry the message.

The Importance of the MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics Section

Is this section crucial? Yes. Clerkship evaluations and comparative data carry much of the weight in the MSPE, and the Noteworthy Characteristics section gives that data context. It shows residency program directors and selection committees who you are as an individual, and the AAMC’s 2026 guidance encourages programs to read it as “contextual information that complements other components of the application and MSPE.” For a more comprehensive look at the MSPE’s role in the residency application process, consult this ERAS Residency Application guide.

Your Role in Crafting This Section

Usually, you’ll have real influence over the Noteworthy Characteristics. The AAMC says they can be identified “by each student in consultation with a designated mentor or advisor, or by the MSPE author” (AAMC, 2016), and its 2026 clarifying statement describes the section as information contributed by the learner and reviewed by the school. Many schools ask students for draft characteristics during the third year and then meet with an MSPE author, often a dean or faculty advisor, to refine them. You’re usually responsible for the first draft, which your MSPE author will then edit. Ask your student affairs office for your school’s timeline, because practices vary.

Common Themes in MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics

The traits you can include here are wide-ranging:

• Academic achievements or research contributions
• Leadership in student organizations or volunteer work
• Milestones or impactful life experiences
• Hobbies or skills that demonstrate distinct interests
• Overcoming challenges or setbacks

Consider mentioning these accomplishments if you have excelled in academic research. The AAMC MSPE FAQs note that research, if included, should be one of the three Noteworthy Characteristics rather than an extra item (AAMC, 2022). If you’re leaning toward competitive fields, your Noteworthy Characteristics can subtly show why you’d excel in the most competitive medical specialties. Learn more about these specialties here.

Tips for Crafting Impactful Entries

Show the behavior instead of naming the virtue. Instead of saying you’re committed to improving your surgical skills, you could say, “On weekends, Jamal meticulously practices suture techniques on simulation models, an endeavor initiated out of his interest.”

Share the Story, Not Just the Outcome

If you’ve had a research breakthrough, detail how that breakthrough came about. For instance, “During his medical internships abroad, Maureen pioneered a technique for more effective drug delivery, which is currently undergoing trials.”

By carefully crafting this section, you can make your MSPE, and your overall ERAS Residency Application, more compelling. If you plan to write to programs later in the season, you can find a definitive guide on Residency Letters of Intent here. And for a broader ethical context to medical practice, the Hippocratic Oath: First Do No Harm offers valuable insights.

What Makes a Noteworthy Characteristic Strong?

A strong Noteworthy Characteristic names one specific activity, shows what you did, and ends with a result someone could verify, all in two sentences or less. A weak one lists adjectives, stacks several unrelated activities, or describes beliefs without actions. The pairs below show the same experience written both ways.

The Value of the MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics Section

This section allows you and your MSPE author to outline up to three qualities or experiences that best define you. While clerkship evaluations are crucial, the Noteworthy Characteristics section adds another dimension to your application and is often what residency program directors remember after reading a stack of MSPEs.

Typically, medical schools encourage students to work closely with their MSPE authors to draft these characteristics. At many schools the process begins in the third year of medical school.

Common topics in this section can range from academic achievements to milestones and even setbacks you’ve successfully managed; the AAMC explicitly allows significant challenges or hardships encountered during medical school. This offers a good chance to mention any remarkable experiences from medical internships abroad or highlight your fitness for the most competitive medical specialties.

Highlighting Resilience and Adaptability

Even though it’s typical to focus on achievements and positive aspects, sometimes your ability to overcome challenges can speak volumes about your character. Here are some modified examples:

• Tristan faced a significant loss in his family during his M2 year but bounced back with determination. He became involved in a grief counseling program and earned top grades in his classes.
• Simone, struggling with dyslexia, took advantage of available resources and focused on improving her academic skills. She tutored other medical students in anatomy, receiving commendations for her teaching abilities.

Both examples present a comprehensive picture that goes beyond mere accomplishments. They speak to the individuals’ character and adaptability, underscoring their resilience in facing challenges, and each stays within the two-sentence limit.

Self-Reflection is Key

Before jotting down your Noteworthy Characteristics, take a moment to reflect. This exercise not only helps you understand yourself better but also helps with your Personal Statement. Both documents are interconnected, woven from the fabric of your life experiences.

You could start with a set of questions similar to those that might come up in interviews for medical school or residency programs:

• What are your thoughts on telemedicine in rural healthcare?
• How have you managed work-life balance during medical school?
• What lessons have you learned from your clinical experiences?

Getting input from other medical students or even residents can be immensely helpful. If you are stumped or need inspiration, don’t hesitate to look at examples. And if you’re targeting competitive residencies, insights from current or past residents can give you a strategic advantage. Our guide to the most important residency interview questions is a useful prompt list, since interviewers often ask about the same experiences your MSPE highlights.

Crafting a Balanced Narrative

Although you’re confined to a limit of three Noteworthy Characteristics, see it as an opportunity to form a clear, focused narrative. Your bullet points can follow a thematic or chronological structure, offering a snapshot that is both individual and comprehensive.

Consider this sample for someone aiming for a surgical residency:

• Alexandra led an initiative to streamline the pre-operative checklist process, improving efficiency by 15%, which received a commendation from hospital administrators.
• While in medical school, Alexandra actively participated in a community health program focused on preventative care for diabetes. Her initiatives led to a 20% increase in community participation.
• In her surgical rotations, Alexandra was noted for her meticulous technique and ability to put patients at ease before complex procedures. Several patients mentioned her calming influence in their feedback to attending physicians.

Each bullet point presents a distinct facet of Alexandra’s career and interests, but combined, they offer a harmonious depiction of her qualities. Thus, they allow the reader to appreciate her multi-dimensional healthcare contributions and suitability for a surgical residency.

How is the MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics Section Written?

If you’re in the process of preparing your Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) for the ERAS Residency Application, the Noteworthy Characteristics section is a chance to shine. At many schools you will meet with your MSPE author, often a dean or faculty advisor from student affairs, during your M3 year. In preparation for this meeting, it is generally advisable to draft 3-4 Noteworthy Characteristics, which will be reviewed, narrowed to a maximum of three, and potentially edited during the meeting.

Institutional Guidelines and Common Focus Areas

Although guidelines differ from school to school, a few recurring areas of focus are often recommended:

• Academic and scholarly accomplishments include research publications, poster presentations, or any academic honors you’ve received.
• Leadership activities: Whether you were a student body president or led a student-run free clinic, leadership roles can speak volumes about your abilities.
• Distinctive life events: Perhaps you’ve had experiences that have deeply influenced your perspective on medicine or life.
• Extracurricular involvement: Hobbies or interests outside of medicine can provide a fuller view of who you are, indicating skills like patience or meticulousness that are useful in a medical setting.
• Overcoming adversity: Confronting and overcoming challenges can show your resilience, a quality highly valued in medicine.

Remember, the focus here is not to explicitly list characteristics that make you a great future doctor but rather to detail experiences or qualities that imply it. For example, instead of stating outright that you excel in emergency medicine, you could talk about an instance where you had to think quickly to provide first aid in a critical situation. This shows your competency in emergencies without directly saying so.

• Highlight Cross-cultural Experiences: It can be worth mentioning if you have had medical internships abroad. This showcases your adaptability and exposure to different healthcare systems.
• Language Skills: Being multilingual can be an asset, especially in diverse environments, as it can broaden your patient communication scope.
• Resourcefulness: As an international student, you may have distinct experiences in working through different administrative or educational systems. This is an opportunity to highlight your problem-solving skills.
• Research Contributions: If you’ve had the opportunity to contribute to international research collaborations, especially those that have made an impact, don’t forget to mention them.
• Global Health Interests: If you’re aiming for competitive medical specialties, highlighting any experiences or interests in global health can be a good strategy.

The Noteworthy Characteristics section is a pivotal component of your MSPE, especially in the eyes of residency program directors. This section allows you to present a rounded picture of who you are and what you bring to the table in a medical and academic context. By carefully selecting and presenting your characteristics, you maximize your potential to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Additional Resources

• Those looking for insights on competitive fields may find this article on the most competitive medical specialties useful.
• For a broad perspective on the ERAS Residency Application process, consult this ERAS Residency Application guide.
• For information on how to write a residency letter of intent, check out this comprehensive article.
• If you are an international medical graduate, our IMG guide to U.S. residency, ECFMG and the Match covers the steps that come before your MSPE reaches programs.
• For what happens after applications close, read our Match Day guide.

By thoughtfully crafting this section of your MSPE, you can increase your chances of standing out in your residency applications.

Noteworthy Characteristics Example

Each entry under “Noteworthy Characteristics” in the MSPE should be described in two sentences or less, and the section holds a maximum of three entries (AAMC, 2016). The AAMC sets no character or word count, so if your school adds its own character limit, follow your school’s instructions.

Your MSPE document must stay within a seven-page length, using single spacing and a font size of 12 points; the Medical School Information section does not count toward the seven pages. The document is structured into six main categories:

• Identifying Information
• Noteworthy Characteristics
• Academic History
• Academic Progress
• Summary
• Medical School Information

Arrange your entries as bullet points for the “Noteworthy Characteristics” part. One useful way to organize them is across three categories: Personal Attributes, Experiences, and Accomplishments. Make sure each characteristic can be backed up by verifiable information and summative evaluations, the standard the AAMC sets for the whole MSPE.

Note: Each characteristic is supported by verifiable information and summative evaluations, limited to two sentences per bullet point.

• Personal Attributes: Emma demonstrates exceptional empathy and active listening skills. During her psychiatry rotation, both patients and supervisors praised her ability to make people feel understood.
• Experiences: Emma spent her gap year working at a rural clinic in Nepal. Her experience significantly influenced her commitment to global health equity.
• Accomplishments: Emma secured a grant for public health research focused on improving maternal health in low-income communities. The project is ongoing and has already led to actionable insights.

In accordance with MSPE guidelines, this document is written in 12-point font and is set to be within the seven-page single-spaced limit. Each characteristic is described in two sentences or fewer, within the AAMC two-sentence limit.

Our Recommended Guidelines for Noteworthy Characteristics Bullet Points

This segment highlights your distinct activities and accomplishments, focusing mainly on your time in medical school. You can also include distinctive background elements, like extraordinary experiences or research ventures.

Initial Steps:

1. Scrutinize various sections of your CV, such as Leadership, Community Service, Research, Professional Experience, and Mentoring.
2. Select 3 items that capture the breadth of your experiences across different areas of your CV, choosing experiences that are not already obvious elsewhere in your ERAS application.
3. Formulate bullet points accordingly, then cut each one to two sentences or less.

Caveats

The AAMC allows “information about any significant challenges or hardships encountered by the student during medical school” in this section (AAMC, 2016). Whether to use one of your three bullets that way is a judgment call: a hardship framed around what you did next can be powerful, while an unexplained gap or lapse is better handled with your dean. Professionalism concerns, and commendations for exemplary professionalism, are reported separately in the Academic Progress section. Should you consider including extenuating circumstances, consult an advisor.

Guidelines (Do’s and Don’ts)

• DO: Use a third-person format.
• DO: Limit each bullet point to 1-2 sentences, not exceeding 2-3 lines. The AAMC limit is two sentences; follow any character limit your school adds.
• DO: Stick to factual information about medical school experiences such as Research, Service Learning, Leadership Roles, and Awards.
• DO: Add any special experiences you had before medical school if relevant.
• DON’T: Mention religious or political affiliations.
• DON’T: Focus on specialties; your interests might change.
• DON’T: Evaluate your own performance.
• DON’T: Incorporate future goals or plans.

Bullet Point Samples

Good Example

• Candidate A initiated a service project that assisted refugees in medical appointment scheduling and offered free clinics for disadvantaged populations.
• Candidate B was an active member of the Student Wellness Board, promoting mental and physical well-being among peers through various activities.
• Candidate C was recognized for community engagement, particularly for efforts in youth mentorship and an impactful role in organizing a community health event.

Needs Revision

• Candidate D’s bullet mentions undefined leadership experiences and academic presentations. (Vague, needs specifics)
• Candidate E focuses on personal beliefs about healthcare for disadvantaged groups without demonstrating activities. (Lacks supporting evidence)
• Candidate F includes family life and previous job roles unrelated to medical school experiences. (Not directly relevant)

Additional Noteworthy Characteristics MSPE Samples

Every sample below stays within the AAMC limit of two sentences per characteristic. Names and details are illustrative; your own entries should describe real, verifiable experiences.

Alejandro contributed to a community outreach program in Albuquerque, focusing on improving healthcare access for the Hispanic community. He worked on partnerships with local organizations to conduct health screenings.

Bianca was a co-author in a peer-reviewed study on diabetes management in rural populations. Her involvement extended from inception to publishing in the Journal of Rural Health.

Chen participated in a public health campaign in San Francisco’s Chinatown aimed at combating misinformation related to COVID-19. This led to a significant improvement in vaccination rates in the area.

Originally from Cairo, Dalia took part in an exchange program to study healthcare policies in Scandinavian countries. She presented her findings at an international medical ethics seminar.

Emeka has been an active part of the African Students’ Medical Association at Johns Hopkins. He initiated programs that connect students from low-income backgrounds with mentors in the healthcare field.

Faduma worked in a hospice care unit in Minneapolis, focusing on end-of-life treatment for patients from different cultural backgrounds. The State Medical Board has acknowledged her work.

Gaurav took up research at the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York, investigating innovative ways to treat pancreatic cancer. The project won a grant from the American Cancer Society.

Hadil, who fled Syria as a refugee, worked to address healthcare needs in resettlement camps. She collaborated with international NGOs to improve sanitation and disease control measures.

Ishita conducted public health research among Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, aiming to reduce the rates of alcoholism and substance abuse. Her work was published in a Canadian peer-reviewed medical journal.

Joon created an online platform for future doctors from underrepresented backgrounds to share experiences and advice. The platform currently has over 1,000 registered users.

Kazu worked in a radiology clinic in Tokyo, where he developed an algorithm for faster image analysis. This resulted in an academic paper and an efficiency boost for the clinic.

Ewa led a public health campaign in Warsaw that focused on early intervention in cases of childhood obesity. The campaign partnered with schools to provide healthy meals and nutrition education, and the Ministry of Health is considering scaling it nationwide.

Gaurav in Mumbai was instrumental in setting up a telemedicine service that served rural communities in Maharashtra. His efforts bridged the healthcare access gap for hundreds of remote villages and won him a social innovation award.

Kareem handled logistics and community education for an immunization drive in Cairo focused on measles and polio. The drive achieved a 95% coverage rate in targeted areas.

Yasmin spent six months in Montreal, researching the effectiveness of various interventions for smoking cessation among teenagers. She published her findings in a Canadian healthcare journal, and several public health agencies are reviewing her recommendations.

Chen engaged in a medical internship in San Francisco, specifically within the Chinese-American community, to study the prevalence of mental health issues. His work contributed to a broader study aiming to develop culturally sensitive mental health services.

Zakaria volunteered in a medical capacity in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on maternal health. His work led to improvements in pre- and post-natal care in several villages, and he collaborated closely with local healthcare workers to ensure the program’s sustainability.

Dragan from Belgrade contributed to a research paper on antibiotic resistance. His findings were crucial in developing new guidelines for antibiotic use in Serbian hospitals, aiming to curb the rise of drug-resistant bacteria.

Joon worked on a digital platform in Seoul that aims to connect North Korean defectors with medical services in South Korea. The platform has effectively provided much-needed healthcare access to this vulnerable population.

Raghav spearheaded a project at a leading hospital in New Delhi focused on optimizing surgical techniques for cataract removal. His work reduced surgery time and improved patient outcomes, garnering recognition from medical associations.

Lin collaborated on a public health initiative in Taipei to mitigate air pollution’s effects on respiratory health. The project utilized mobile apps to alert residents of hazardous conditions, and her work is under review for implementation in other cities.

Larisa from Moscow co-authored a paper on the mental health impact of long-term space travel. She has presented her work at the European Space Agency.

Naveen was chosen as a research fellow at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where he focused on pediatric oncology. His work contributed to the formulation of new treatment protocols.

Olanrewaju managed a mental health initiative in Lagos, aiming to reduce stigmatization. He coordinated with local healthcare providers and community leaders.

Pinar from Istanbul took an active role in addressing the refugee crisis from a medical standpoint. She helped establish mobile clinics providing essential medical care.

Qi from Beijing researched the impact of air pollution on respiratory health. He won a fellowship to further this research at the University of California, Berkeley.

Raghav led a project at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, researching affordable alternatives to costly medical procedures. A national medical association in India has recognized his work.

Sachi, of Japanese and Filipino heritage, led an initiative in Honolulu to educate the public on the importance of organ donation within multi-ethnic communities.

Tariq excelled in both his clinical rotations and as a student representative, mediating between faculty and students at his medical school in Dubai.

Ursula worked in an ER in Frankfurt and focused her research on improving triage procedures during mass casualty incidents. Her guidelines are now part of the hospital’s standard operating procedures.

Vivian took up a year-long rural practice assignment in Queensland, Australia, where she worked to improve healthcare access for Aboriginal communities.

Originally from Pakistan, Waseem set up free online seminars for medical aspirants in South Asia, aiming to improve medical education and access.

Xiomara worked with the Latino Medical Student Association in Miami to provide Spanish-language health education materials to local communities.

Yasmeen from Jordan researched waterborne diseases, leading to a community health project aiming to improve water quality in Amman.

Zakaria, a native of Algeria, performed volunteer medical work in sub-Saharan Africa. He provided primary care services and trained local healthcare workers.

Tariq in Dubai focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence in radiology readings, aiming to detect early signs of lung cancer. His work was awarded a grant for further development and is in the trial stage in two healthcare facilities in the UAE.

Pinar in Istanbul spearheaded a program to provide first aid training to volunteers assisting in the refugee crisis. She coordinated with international aid organizations to standardize the training material and has trained over 500 volunteers to date.

Vivian, in Queensland, Australia, initiated a mental health outreach program designed for Aboriginal communities. Her work involved adapting existing mental health services to be culturally sensitive and inclusive, earning her an award from the Australian Medical Association.

Odette in Port-au-Prince volunteered in a trauma center following the earthquake in Haiti. Her contribution involved surgical assistance and triage, as well as post-operative care for trauma patients. Her service was recognized by several humanitarian organizations.

Mamadou from Dakar worked on a project to reduce the spread of malaria in Senegal. His role involved mapping mosquito breeding grounds and setting up preventative measures, resulting in a 40% reduction in malaria cases in his target area.

Leila conducted research in Tehran on the effectiveness of local herbal remedies in treating common cold symptoms. Her work was published in an Iranian medical journal and caught the attention of pharmaceutical companies interested in natural medicine.

Moises from São Paulo focused his research on the economic impact of delayed diagnosis in Brazil’s public health system. His findings have been used to advocate for streamlining diagnostic procedures, and he’s been invited to speak at several healthcare economics forums.

Sunita in Mumbai organized workshops to train nurses in palliative care, focusing on non-pharmacological interventions. Her efforts have improved the quality of end-of-life care in two major hospitals, and she’s in talks to expand the program across the state.

Elena from Moscow was involved in research that studied the psychosocial aspects of pediatric cancer care. Her work led to the development of support programs for the families of children undergoing cancer treatment, filling a critical gap in holistic care.

Abdul in Riyadh led a team that digitized patient records in three major hospitals. The transition to a digital system has made patient care more efficient and reduced errors significantly.

How Do International Medical Graduates Submit an MSPE?

For international medical graduates, the ECFMG is the Designated Dean’s Office in ERAS, so your MSPE reaches programs through the ECFMG rather than a U.S. dean’s office (AAMC, 2026). If your medical school participates in the ECFMG’s school portal, the school must upload the MSPE on your behalf; otherwise you can submit an official copy from your school yourself, and processing takes up to five business days (ECFMG, 2025).

Many international schools do not produce a document called an MSPE. When none is available, the ECFMG provides a neutral placeholder letter in its place. Do not finalize an MSPE as a letter of recommendation or assign it to programs as one. Our IMG residency strategy guide covers how to strengthen the rest of your application.

Final Thoughts

The MSPE Noteworthy Characteristics covered above, from academic accolades to substantial contributions to the community, show what can make a candidate stand out to residency program directors. These characteristics can greatly influence your ERAS Residency Application.

The Noteworthy Characteristics section is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Incorporating distinctive experiences such as medical internships abroad can provide valuable global perspectives, which are increasingly a focal point in medical education and training. Not only can these international experiences elevate your MSPE, but they can also make you a strong candidate for some of the most competitive medical specialties.

Our consulting team offers guidance on crafting an impactful MSPE and on choosing and succeeding in medical internships abroad. We can guide you through the residency admissions process, helping you curate experiences and accolades that will enrich your professional portfolio.

Reviewing sample MSPEs and using them as reference points for your own can add further depth and polish to your application. It can help you understand how to articulate your skills, experiences, and contributions compellingly and relevant to the specialty or specialties you are interested in. It’s essential to strike the right balance to reflect your individuality and suitability for a medical career.

The MSPE is critical to your ERAS Residency Application. It’s an opportunity to highlight your strengths, demonstrate your commitment to medicine, and underscore why you would be an asset to a residency program, especially in the most competitive medical specialties.

In an increasingly interconnected global health landscape, having a well-crafted MSPE with a robust set of Noteworthy Characteristics can be your passport to a fulfilling and impactful medical career. To move through this complex process as effectively as possible, consider working with our consulting team on your residency application. This kind of professional guidance can prove invaluable in setting you apart as a well-rounded, competent, and promising future physician.

By integrating these critical elements into your ERAS Residency Application and MSPE, you’re building a strong case for your admission and laying down a solid foundation for a successful medical career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MSPE stand for?

MSPE stands for Medical Student Performance Evaluation. It is the letter of evaluation your medical school prepares for your residency applications, and it was called the Dean’s Letter until the AAMC renamed it in 2002 to reflect its purpose as an evaluation rather than a recommendation (AAMC, 2002).

What’s the optimal length for the Noteworthy Characteristics in my MSPE?

The AAMC recommends a maximum of three Noteworthy Characteristics, presented as bullets, with each characteristic described in two sentences or less (AAMC, 2016). The AAMC sets no word or character count, so if your school adds its own character limit, follow it. Lengthy biographical descriptions are not recommended.

What should be highlighted in the Noteworthy Characteristics section?

Include accomplishments, skills, or experiences that differentiate you as a candidate and are not included elsewhere in your ERAS application. This can range from clinical experiences, research contributions and leadership roles to life experiences that have informed your path in medicine, including significant challenges or hardships during medical school (AAMC, 2016).

How crucial is the Noteworthy Characteristics part?

The Noteworthy Characteristics section serves as a qualitative counterpoint to the rest of the MSPE, which is filled with grades and comparative data. In 2026 the AAMC encouraged residency programs to read it as contextual information that complements the rest of the application and MSPE (AAMC, 2026), and it can help differentiate you, especially in highly competitive medical specialties.

What’s the standard length for an entire MSPE?

The AAMC recommends that the MSPE be a maximum of seven single-spaced pages in 12-point font, excluding the Medical School Information section (AAMC, 2016). The document should be comprehensive but not unnecessarily lengthy, so include only pertinent information.

Who is responsible for writing the Noteworthy Characteristics?

The student affairs, medical education, or dean’s office at your medical school prepares the MSPE (AAMC, 2026). The AAMC says the Noteworthy Characteristics can be identified by the student with a designated mentor or advisor, or by the MSPE author, so most students write the first draft and the school edits it.

Is it advisable to include research or academic work in the Noteworthy Characteristics?

Yes, including research or scholarly work can be beneficial, especially if the work has been published or received awards. The AAMC MSPE FAQs say research, if included, should be one of the three Noteworthy Characteristics (AAMC, 2022).

Should issues or lapses in professionalism be included in the Noteworthy Characteristics?

No. The AAMC places professionalism in the Academic Progress section, which includes a separate statement on professional standards and describes both unprofessional incidents with their remediation and commendations for exemplary behavior (AAMC, 2016). Significant hardships during medical school, by contrast, may appear in Noteworthy Characteristics.

Is an MSPE mandatory, or can a Dean’s Letter suffice?

The MSPE and the Dean’s Letter are the same document: the AAMC renamed the Dean’s Letter the Medical Student Performance Evaluation in 2002. U.S. medical schools upload an MSPE to ERAS for their students, and the MSPE and transcript are the only documents the school uploads on your behalf (AAMC, 2026).

When are MSPEs released to residency programs?

For the ERAS 2027 season, residency programs could begin reviewing MyERAS applications and MSPEs at 9 a.m. ET on September 23, 2026 (AAMC, 2026). Schools can upload MSPEs earlier, but programs cannot see them until that date. In the ERAS 2026 season the date was September 24, 2025.

Can I read my MSPE before it is sent?

That depends on your school. The AAMC asks each school to state in the Medical School Information section whether students may review their MSPE before it is sent (AAMC, 2016). AAMC guidance from 2002 said students should be able to correct factual errors but not revise evaluative statements.

How do IMGs submit an MSPE?

The ECFMG is the Designated Dean’s Office for international medical graduates in ERAS. If your school participates in the ECFMG’s school portal, the school uploads the MSPE; otherwise you can submit an official copy yourself, and processing takes up to five business days. If no MSPE exists, the ECFMG provides a neutral placeholder letter (ECFMG, 2025).