The MSPE is an objective evaluation of a student’s medical school performance rather than a letter of recommendation. In addition to statistical data and rotation grades, and comments, it includes selected information about the student’s background and accomplishments from the undergraduate years through the first three years of medical school.
The Office of the Dean prepares an MSPE for every graduating SOM student. The MSPE is submitted primarily to the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for students participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). When requested, it may also be submitted through other residency application services or directly to individual residency programs that do not participate in ERAS.
Preparation Timeline
MSPEs are prepared according to the anticipated graduation year, not the anticipated residency application year. For example, a student graduating in 2028 will have an MSPE prepared during the 2027-2028 academic year, even if the student delays applying for residency until a later year.
The MSPE process begins toward the end of Year 3 when students complete the MSPE Information Form (MIF). The form is available during a four- to six-week submission period in January–February of the year before graduation. For example, students expected to graduate in 2028 complete the MIF in January– February 2027.
MSPE Coordinators, under the direction of the dean of the School of Medicine, update the document throughout Years 3 and 4.
Student Review
During the summer, students receive a review copy of their MSPE and may submit corrections to factual errors only. The MSPE format follows Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) guidelines, uses a standardized format for all students, and cannot be modified at the student's request. The assigned MSPE coordinator has final responsibility for the content and wording.
Students may request an unofficial copy of the finalized MSPE after graduation.
Endorsement Level
The Summary section of the MSPE includes an Endorsement Level (EL) assigned by the MSPE coordinator under the authority of the dean of the School of Medicine. The six ELs are Outstanding, Excellent, Very Strong, Strong, Good, and Adequate.
Academic performance is the initial determinant of the EL. Professional behavior is a major modifying factor and is assessed primarily through clerkship evaluation comments. Other indicators of professional behavior throughout the MD Program may also influence the EL, including disciplinary actions, problematic interactions with faculty, administration, and staff, multiple leaves of absence, repeated failures of NBME Clinical Subject Examinations, and other professionalism concerns.
USMLE scores are included in the MSPE as a service to residency programs but are not a major determinant of the EL.
Submission and Distribution
MSPEs are uploaded to ERAS and other residency application services in late summer to early fall. After October 1, students may request that their MSPE be sent directly to residency programs that do not participate in a matching service. Requests must include the program contact’s name, title, department, hospital, city and state, and email address.
MSPE coordinators also send transcripts to residency matching services and individual programs and provide SGU Department Chair Letters directly to students who require them.
Updates
MSPEs and transcripts submitted through ERAS or other residency application services are not updated automatically. Students must contact their assigned MSPE Coordinator to request an update. MSPE updates are made only for new core clerkship grades; elective grades are not updated.
Students reapplying during a subsequent residency application cycle must request an updated MSPE and transcript from their assigned MSPE Coordinator after reopening their ERAS account. ERAS carries documents forward from the previous application cycle, but the documents are not updated unless the student requests an update from the School.
After graduation, no new information is added to the MSPE. The document is finalized to include all grades and the student's graduation status.
Additional information about the MSPE process is available on the Clinical MSPE Team page of the SGU Portal.