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MSPE INFORMATION

The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), also known as the Dean's Letter, is a document prepared and distributed by undergraduate medical institutions to provide an overview of medical students applying for residency. According to the web page dedicated to the MSPE from American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), “The MSPE is a summary letter of evaluation intended to provide residency program directors an honest and objective summary of a student’s salient experiences, attributes, and academic performance.”

MSPE Overview

The purpose of the MSPE is not to advocate for the student, but rather to provide an honest and objective summary of the student’s personal attributes, experiences, and academic accomplishments based, to the greatest degree possible,on verifiable information and summative evaluations. When possible, comparative assessments of the student’s attributes, experiences, and accomplishments relative to their institutional peers should be provided.

The MSPE should primarily contain information about the student’s medical school performance, although a brief summary of verifiable premedical experiences and achievements can be included when relevant.” The AAMC recommends the length of the MSPE to be seven single-spaced pages in 12-point font and to highlight the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies when applicable. It is also recommended that the information in the MSPE should be organized in a clear and concise manner that will allow readers to easily locate the information. There are six sections recommended for inclusion in the MSPE:

Noteworthy Characteristics

WHAT ARE NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS?

The Noteworthy Characteristics section provides a personalized context for the academic and clinical performance-based content that makes up the remainder of the MSPE. According to the AAMC, this brief bulleted section of the MSPE gives insights into the applicant that may be helpful for residency program application committees who are looking “to achieve a residency class that brings a diverse set of background experiences, characteristics and perspectives.” The Noteworthy Characteristics statements are not meant to be a replication of the applicant’s “Personal Statement,” which is included in the ERAS application. While applicants may reference or go into more detail regarding these personal characteristics in their personal statement, it is important to note that the MSPE is an additional component to their application, making this opening section their opportunity to provide the residency application committee with a brief personal perspective of "who they are" beyond their academic transcript and board scores.

WRITING YOUR NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Because programs may receive hundreds of applications for their program, time spent reading through the MSPE by members of the residency application committees content may be limited. Therefore, the AAMC suggests that the student’s “Noteworthy Characteristics” be presented as three focused bulleted statements, with no more than two sentences per bullet. These statements constitute an opportunity for applicants to present unique experiences and personal qualities that may not be included in their ERAS application. The statements should be written in the third person to help ensure alignment with the rest of the MSPE content. In addition to providing statements about unique personal or professional accomplishments to support their application, students can choose to include a bullet or bullets describing a hardship or challenge faced either while in medical school or prior to enrolling in medical school.

For a great presentation and worksheet to assist you in creating excellent Noteworthy Characteristics, check out the following links:

- Noteworthy Characteristics Makeover Presentation (PDF)

- Noteworthy Characteristics Worksheet (PDF)

As you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your clinical career advisor, Becky Schutt.

Resources

Timeline

May 28, 2021 – Noteworthy Characteristics are Due
June 2021 – NC Recommendations will be provided to Students throughout June
July and August 2021 – MSPEs will continue to be put together by Student Affairs and Clinical Ed Departments
August 15, 2021 – Students will receive their MSPE for review by this date
August 27, 2021 – Student Revisions of MSPE will be Due
September 24, 2021 – MSPE Final Drafts will be Sent to Students and Uploaded to ERAS
September 29, 2021 – ERAS MSPE Distribution Date (All MSPEs will be Successfully Uploaded to ERAS prior to this Date by an RVU team member)

FAQs

What is the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)?
The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) is a comprehensive assessment of your performance in achieving the educational objectives of our medical school curriculum. It is neither a letter of recommendation nor the college’s prediction of your future performance in a residency program. The MSPE describes your performance through three full years of medical school and part of your fourth year. It is then transmitted to the residency programs you apply to during your senior year.

Which part of the MSPE am I responsible for completing?
Students are responsible for completing the Noteworthy Characteristics section.

Where does the information come from to complete the MSPE?

Identifying information - Registrar
Noteworthy Characteristics - Student (with support from Student Affairs)
Academic History - Registrar
Academic Progress - Student Affairs (Professional Performance + Preclinical Coursework Statement)
Clerkships (in chronological order) - Clinical Affairs
Summary (Class Quartile) - Registrar

Will I be able to review my MSPE before it is finalized?
Yes. MSPE drafts will be available by August 15th. Students will receive an email with their MSPE draft and instructions for review.

What steps should I take if I don't agree with a clerkship evaluation?
You should see your clinical coordinator immediately. Don’t wait until you review your MSPE; it may be too late. Neither you nor your reviewer can add or delete statements from clerkship evaluations.

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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Board Preparation provides information and assistance in preparation for licensure exams (COMLEX, USMLE, and PANCE).

RVU provides tutoring services throughout the first three years of medical school to all campus programs. This program is offered at no cost to students.

CONTACT THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

UTAH CAMPUS
255 E. Center Street
Ivins, UT 84738
(435) 222-1241

For faster response, please direct inquiries to the campus email:
utstudentaffairs@rvu.edu