ERAS Headshot Examples

Illustrations of centered and off-center framing.

Compare the framing

These are original diagrams, not real applicant photos. They illustrate the difference between a centered face and a face placed noticeably to one side. The AAMC says the face should be centered; the diagrams do not define an official crop or scoring threshold.

Centered framingThe face sits near the middle of the portrait. This illustrates the centering point in the AAMC guidance.
Off-center framingThe face is shifted toward the edge. Re-cropping may help bring it closer to the center.

Other checks before you submit

The current AAMC Photo page lists JPG/JPEG or PNG, a 150 KB maximum file size, and a centered face. Its separate residency-applicant documents page also lists 2.5 × 3.5 inches and 150 DPI. Check your current MyERAS instructions if you see different guidance.

Use the photo checker to inspect the final file. The checker’s centering and background results are estimates and are not official acceptance decisions.

Sources: AAMC Photo page · Documents for ERAS Residency Applicants.