Away Rotation Question

[justawonderin]

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Are away rotations at some institutions, ie Hopkins, Mayo, Cornell, more competitive to secure a spot at? Is it strictly first come first serve, or is it dependent on your application. Some places want a TON of stuff, while others want hardly anything... just wondering if anyone has any insight.

 

[electra]

Yes, some programs are competitive to get as away/guest rotations. There are several reasons for this. One, the program has an expectation that you will be at a certain "level" when you walk in the door. Your month with them could be a nightmare for both you and the attending if you get there and can't work at their level. Programs use board scores and grades to determine "where you are". Two, those programs get applications from all over the world, and there is no way to take every student that applies.

Advice? Fill out the application in its entirety and then proof it. Make sure that it looks good and says something compelling (if you need to write an essay). If you have any interest in their program for residency, be sure and say so. And, if the program needs a letter of good standing from your school and you can swing it,try to get a letter that highlights you and your clerkship work (i.e., positive comments from your preceptors, etc).

 

[Winged Scapula]

The "name" schools do tend to be more difficult to get an away rotation at, if only for the number of applicants they get. Frankly, many people who do any away rotation do them at "name" schools to get either a foot in the door for residency or for a LOR from a well-known faculty member. This includes IMGs and FMGs as well.

You can assess the difficulty in getting a spot aside from sheer numbers by looking at the information they're requesting from you. If they want actual Step 1 score (rather than just a pass) or your gpa, then its more likely that they're using that to screen applicants. If they simply want to know you've passed Step 1, done your Core rotations and when you want to come, they're probably a little less competitive.