RESIDENCY APPLICATION GUIDE
What is an ERAS headshot?
An ERAS headshot is the photo you can upload and assign to selected residency programs in MyERAS. AAMC says programs most often use it to help identify you when you report for an interview.
Published and last reviewed: August 30, 2026
ERAS headshot examples
Strong examples use centered head-and-shoulders framing, even lighting, professional clothing, and a simple background. The same AAMC file rules apply to women and men; there is no separate technical requirement for a female ERAS headshot.
These are AI-generated examples. Your selected photo should accurately represent your current appearance.
What is the ERAS photo used for?
According to AAMC, programs most often use the photo to help identify an applicant when they report for an interview. The photo can be assigned to selected saved or applied programs. AAMC also tells applicants to research individual programs to verify their photo requirements and use.
Read the official AAMC photo pageERAS photo vs. passport photo vs. LinkedIn headshot
These portraits can look similar, but they serve different systems. Do not assume a photo that works for one automatically satisfies another.
| Photo type | Main use | Key constraint |
|---|---|---|
| ERAS photo | Residency application and interview identification | JPG/JPEG or PNG, 150 KB maximum, face centered |
| Passport photo | Government identity document | Country-specific biometric and size rules |
| LinkedIn headshot | Public professional profile | Platform crop, usually square, without AAMC limits |
Three ways to create an ERAS headshot
DIY phone photo
$0
Applicants with good lighting, a helper, and basic editing skills.
- ✓No purchase required
- ✓Complete control over the final image
- ✓May require cropping and compression
ERAS Headshot AI
$19
Applicants who want many professional options without scheduling a shoot.
- ✓40 generated options
- ✓Typical 7 to 10 minute processing
- ✓375×525 px JPEG downloads under 150 KB
Professional photographer
Varies
Applicants who want live direction and maximum control over lighting and pose.
- ✓In-person direction
- ✓High-resolution master files
- ✓Requires scheduling and a separate ERAS export
How to choose the final photo
- 1
Check likeness
Choose a photo that looks recognizably like your current appearance. Reject odd teeth, eyes, hairlines, jewelry, or clothing details.
- 2
Check facial placement
Confirm your full face is visible and centered, with a natural head-and-shoulders crop.
- 3
Check the technical file
Confirm JPG/JPEG or PNG format and a file size no larger than 150 KB.
- 4
Check program guidance
Review any instructions from the residency programs to which you plan to assign the photo.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ERAS headshot?
An ERAS headshot is the photo an applicant can upload and assign to selected residency programs in MyERAS. AAMC says programs most often use the photo to help identify an applicant when they report for an interview.
Do I need a professional photographer for an ERAS photo?
No. A clear DIY photo, an AI-assisted headshot, or a photographer's portrait can work if the final file follows current AAMC technical rules and accurately represents you. Choose based on budget, time, and how much creative control you need.
How much does an ERAS headshot cost?
A DIY phone photo can cost nothing, ERAS Headshot costs $19 for 40 AI-generated options, and an in-person photographer often charges substantially more depending on city and package. Always compare the final number of edited files and turnaround time.
Should an ERAS headshot have a neutral background?
AAMC's current public guidance does not require a specific background color. A simple light gray, off-white, or pale blue background is a practical recommendation because it keeps attention on your face and tends to look consistent in professional contexts.
Can residency programs have their own photo preferences?
Yes. AAMC tells applicants to research programs individually to verify their requirements and use of the photo. Check program instructions and confirm the current AAMC requirements before final upload and assignment.
Create options, then choose carefully
Get 40 professional residency headshot options for $19. Every order includes consistent small-file exports, a 14-day quality guarantee, and access to the free browser checker.
Create 40 headshots - $19