How to Prepare for your Medical School Application or Medical Residency (ERA) Headshot Session
I’m sure you’ve been getting plenty of advice as you apply for Medical School or Residency ERA. Here’s one more thing to consider that too often is neglected. What are you going to use for your photo?
Sure, you could try a selfie or have a friend grab a quick shot on a mobile phone, but this is the photo that will likely carry you through medical school, residency, fellowship, and wherever you need an ID badge.
Getting a medical professional headshot helps to highlight your personality and projects a stronger sense of your capabilities. And, planning and preparing for a professional photo headshot session is remarkably easier than prepping for the MCAT!
Students and future residents who get a professional photo shot to go with their application are happy to have an image that truly represents them. You will want to look at your best, so avoid scheduling your photo session when you’re stressed or not rested.
Why Is It Important to Have a Professional Headshot for Your Medical School Application or Residency ERA?
Avoid being part of the “process of elimination”
Medical school and the residency matching program is competitive enough. You can make the decision process easier for your selection committee by preparing a standout application with a high-end professional headshot.
If the interviewer has a stack of applications with all the headshots on display, you want yours to stand out among the crowd. You can do your future faculty a favor and cut down on their deliberation time by hiring a professional headshot photographer.
Yes, your credentials and past schooling accomplishments should be stellar and speak to your work ethic, but you’ll want to portray your best qualities through your headshot photo — since a picture is worth a thousand words.
Imagine this: the interviewer is choosing between two applicants with the same MCAT scores and GPA. The first student whose mindful planning for their professional headshot photo makes them look determined, resourceful, and astute.
In comparison, the second student whose profile photo was taken by a friend with their phone didn’t factor in proper lighting and flattering angles and the student looks rushed, uncomfortable, and too casual. You guessed it: the second student’s application was set aside and read later.
We don’t want you to be tossed aside — due to a rushed headshot — even though they had shining resumes.
It’s a fact: it’s easier to read about a person through a picture than a resume in a split second.
2. A good headshot photo is empowering to you and your references
Your headshot session can empower you to finish the other key components of your application, including your personal statement. Give yourself the extra confidence boost as you’re collecting and preparing the entire application.
When you give your photo to your previous professors for letters of recommendation, a good headshot photo is a staunch reminder of your character and the professional traits you want highlighted in their letters. You want to facilitate their well-written words with a great visual of who you are.
3. Profile photos confirm identification
According to the AAMC’s guidelines, “The photo is most often used by programs to help identify applicants when reporting for an interview.” You want to be identifiable when you show up for your interview — and you want your interviewers to associate your outstanding resume with your standout headshot.
A photo with your applications adds security and credibility, which is why using a current headshot is imperative to include in your application. Faculty will confirm who you are in the system by “putting a name with a face,” and they also might investigate your identity through other social and professional platforms. So, be prepared to be cross-referenced.
The headshot is the first item your future professors will see on your application — so make a good first impression!
What’s the Process for Preparing for my Medical Profession Headshot?
Scheduling: when should I book my headshot for the ERAS or med school applications?
Don’t wait to schedule your appointment at the last minute. I recommend booking your session between late winter and early spring, if your applications are due in the summer. I book clients months in advance, so please schedule your appointments accordingly. Additionally, this will ensure enough time to reschedule if you catch a cold on one of your rotations.
Planning ahead will also give you time to coordinate your wardrobe and schedule tailoring sessions for your suit or jacket.
Again, keep this in mind: if you have a friend take your photo on a phone or even on a high quality camera (but they’re truly not a professional), the procrastination on this detail could cost you consideration or admission. Don’t skimp on this extremely important first step of your application process.
What should I wear for my medical profession photoshoot?
Remember you’re hoping your work stands out among other applicants, not your personal style, so don’t veer on the side of individuality through vibrant colors and patterns. Stick with standard business formal dress codes: wear neutral colors under your darker jacket or blazer.
Wear what you would wear to your in-person interviews for med school or residency programs. For women, or those who identify as a woman, wear a higher neckline shell or blouse under a jacket. For men, or those who identify as a man, wear a suit with a tie, or dress shirt, tie, and blazer.
However, bring multiple outfits for your personal/digital headshots! Yes, you’re coming in for your medical professional headshot, but come prepared with other ensembles for other headshots (gifts, profile photos, digital personal/professional brands).
You can bring your scrubs and white coat for your session, but I don’t recommend wearing your white coat for your application headshot. It’s not considered business professional attire. I know you look and feel great in your white coat, but it’s work-wear; not sharp, professional attire that represents your achievements and authority. Wear it when I take your personal brand or LinkedIn profile headshots!
How should I prepare for the actual photoshoot?
After ironing your shirts and jackets, SLEEP should be first on your to-do list. Practicing for an 18 hr shift at the hospital right before your photoshoot is not a great idea.
You’ll want to look rested, energized, and ready for anything.
Do your homework and get your rest the night before your headshot session — your cranial nerve VII will thank you and work in your favor.
For women, stick to the same guidelines for medical professional business attire, just add professional hair styling and makeup application. I have a wonderful professional hair and makeup artist, but if you choose to do your own beauty routine, wear your hair down, and go for the natural look in your makeup. You can check out my full guide for preparing for professional headshots for women here.
Hydrate days before the session and take extra care of your skin. You can practice your expressions in the mirror, but don’t stress too much. I’ll coach you through posing and positioning so you feel and look your best!
Bring glasses if you wear them, but you don’t have to go out of your way to purchase some for the photoshoot or for your interviews.
Don’t worry about resizing your digital photo on your own — I’ll make sure to send you the photos with full resolution and with the ERAS photo requirements for submission (dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in, resolution: 150dpi, file size: 150kb).
You won’t regret being prepared for your medical school or residency applications, so remember to schedule your professional headshot session soon!
About Alissa
Alissa is a professional headshot photographer who creates photos that capture your essence. Alissa is based in New Jersey and provides her headshot services in NJ and NYC. Check out more of Alissa’s portfolio on the homepage, and read more photo stories on the blog.