When your applying for away rotations is it best to look at the best programs in the respective rotation or the ones that you have the best chance of getting an interview at when applying for residency. I ask because what if the ones that you have a shot at (during residency) are the bottom of the list and your not a strong applicant in that specialty but might have a chance at the lower ranked progarms
Away rotations
- Thread starter thrombin
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I would "Showcase" at the programs you really want to go to. If they are more competitive, you will want to show your face/skills ahead of time.
I understand that if you are not as competitive as you should be, you would want to showcase at places you know you can get a spot. However, if those programs are less competitive than your top choices, you may have a shot getting in not even having rotated there.
By not rotating at your top choice and not having the strongest numbers, you essentially rule yourself out there. IMHO, I feel that showing you are a strong candidate during a rotation can help make up some lost ground on mediocre board scores/GPA (assuming that your numbers aren't at the bottom).
Again, this is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.
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It really depends on your stats and the specialty in question. If you know based on your record that you will be able to match somewhere (eg. you are applying to medicine with average scores), then I would do aways at reach, dream programs, if at all.
If you are applying to something where matching at all is in question, I would recommend aways at programs where you have a decent shot. There is no point in rotating at a program that is not going to consider your application.
If you are applying to something where matching at all is in question, I would recommend aways at programs where you have a decent shot. There is no point in rotating at a program that is not going to consider your application.
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That is true unless you are looking for another LOR from a distinguished program or attending to boost your application.
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There are plenty of "distinguished" attendings to go around. You don't have to waste a month at MGH just to get a good letter...you can find a rotation that puts you in a position to get a strong LOR and where you have a decent shot at residency and can improve your chances.
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Very true, and it's known that programs are more receptive towards letters and/or input from fellow faculty who have worked with a candidate personally
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I think its a pretty weak reason to rotate somewhere. In most cases you can find a program at which you have a shot and there is also a person with reasonable clout to write you a letter. The bottom line is that these rotations are very demanding and very expensive. You should try to get as much as possible out of the investment. Letters are pretty low down on the list for getting you an interview. On the other hand, most places give interviews to any student who rotates the. This will just be an invitation to waste more time and money at Hopkins if you aren't a competitive applicant.
