How to Apply, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota

Procedures for Evaluating and Selecting Residents
Psychiatry Residency Program
University of Minnesota

PGY1 Residents

All applications must utilize the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) a program of the American Association of Medical Colleges.

Typically, applicants invited to interview will submit applications with the following features:

No USMLE or equivalent failures
Scores > 190 or Step 1 and Step 2 USMLE
No course failures in medical school
Graduation from an AAMC approved medical school
No interruptions in medical training
Interval between application and completion of medical school/residency < 5 years
No adverse findings during previous professional training or activities
Letters of recommendation from physicians (at least 2 letters, optimally 4) with the following characteristics

• Describe clinical activities within 24 months of expected program entry
• Describe interest in and aptitude for psychiatry
• At least one from a psychiatrist

Well written personal statement that

• Demonstrates originality
• Demonstrates good command of the English language
• Describes the evolution of interest in psychiatry
• Discusses salient features of the application

Typically such applicants are considered only if there is an opening in the program or the applicant has outstanding credentials and is seeking a specific experience offered at the University of Minnesota (e.g. Schizophrenia Fellowship).

The program requires:

• Letter of application explaining the circumstances
• USMLE scores
• Medical School transcript
• Contemporary letters of recommendation
• Confirmation of previous training and delineation of the specific rotations from the program's Director

An interview, if offered, is conducted in the same manner as described above for PGY1 applicants.  The Residency Training Committee decides whether to offer the applicant a position.