Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)

Image of a young adult medical student takes notes while working on his laptop.

The MSPE, aka Dean’s Letter, can shape your residency path. Here’s how to get ready.

The MSPE, also known as the Dean’s Letter, is a critical part of your residency application. It gives program directors a clear picture of your academic performance, professionalism and readiness for residency. This guide will help you understand what’s included, how to prepare and what to expect along the way.

What is the MSPE?

Purpose of the Dean’s Letter

The MSPE isn’t a recommendation letter—it’s an objective evaluation prepared by your medical school. Program directors use it to understand your academic progress, strengths, and any challenges you faced. The goal is to provide a full picture of who you are as a learner and future physician.

Key sections of the MSPE

While the format may vary by school, most MSPEs include:

  • Academic history (dates of matriculation, leaves of absence, extensions)

  • Summary of preclinical and clinical performance

  • Clerkship evaluations with narrative comments

  • Professional attributes and any areas for improvement

  • Final summary statement from the dean

How to prepare for your MSPE

Scheduling your dean meeting

To make sure letters are as accurate as possible, deans or their designees will hold short appointments with students before drafting the MSPE. Take this meeting seriously—it’s your chance to share updates, highlight accomplishments and ensure your record is complete.

Getting answers to the following questions will help you prepare for this meeting and know what to expect from the process:

  • When can you begin scheduling appointments to visit with the dean?

  • Whom should you contact to schedule an appointment?

  • What documents should you have in preparation for your meeting with the dean? Should you have a draft of your CV and personal statement ready? What other information (e.g., transcripts, list of potential residency programs, etc.) should you bring along?

  • How do you obtain the MSPE to send to residency programs that are not participating in ERAS?

  • How long does it take for the MSPE to be drafted, signed and sent out?

  • Will you have the opportunity to review your MSPE before it is submitted?

What to bring to your appointment

Bring a current CV, a list of your leadership, research, or volunteer activities and any honors or awards you’ve earned. This helps the dean’s office capture your achievements accurately.

Reviewing your MSPE before submission

You’ll usually have the chance to review a draft. Read it carefully for accuracy. While you may not be able to request changes to evaluations, you can point out factual errors or missing information.

MSPE review checklist (before it’s submitted)

  1. Name, dates and credentials are correct

  2. Clerkship names/grades match transcripts

  3. Narrative comments accurately reflect your evaluations

  4. Noteworthy characteristics align with your strengths

  5. Gaps/LOAs are described factually and completely

  6. No missing awards, roles or publications

  7. No spelling errors or typos on school-entered content

MSPE submission timeline

ERAS embargo and release date

In ERAS, all MSPEs are released on the same day—typically October 1. This ensures programs review applicants fairly. Make sure your school meets ERAS deadlines well in advance.

Sending MSPE to non-ERAS programs

If you’re applying to programs outside ERAS, check requirements early. You may need to request that your school send the MSPE directly to those institutions.

Frequently asked questions and concerns

Do I have to disclose any misdemeanor or felony charges?

If you have a record of disciplinary or legal issues, your school is required to disclose them in the MSPE. Be proactive—know what will be included, and be ready to address it professionally during interviews.

Do IMGs need to submit an MSPE?

IMGs applying through ERAS also submit an MSPE or its equivalent. If your school doesn’t provide one, you may need to prepare a substitute document that summarizes your performance and curriculum.

Should I address gaps in education or performance?

Took a leave of absence? Faced academic struggles? These will likely appear in your MSPE. Be honest, provide context and focus on what you learned from the experience.

More residency application resources

Preparing your MSPE is just one part of the application process. Explore these resources to strengthen your overall strategy:

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