background check for VSAS

[yoyohomieg5432]

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I know this was asked recently but there wasn't really a good response in the thread. There are a few programs that require a background check within the last 12 months.. where do I go about getting these?

I'm confused what kind of background check they are looking for too.. There's county, state, nationwide, sex offender database and a lot of other things. nobody states what they want other than "background check".

Any advice?? Thanks in advance

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

My advice is to not apply to these programs. Too much trouble.

 

[Bancrofti]

Just ask the program coordinator at that program if they have a preference or where people commonly go. When I rotated at Miami, I had to have it done and they provided a link for me.

 

[speedyxx626]

My advice is to not apply to these programs. Too much trouble.

Could you please elaborate on this?...not sure why it would be so much trouble lol

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

Could you please elaborate on this?...not sure why it would be so much trouble lol

I would only go through the trouble of ordering a background check if it is a program you really want to go to, and it is in a geographic region that you would not likely be able to penetrate by applying through ERAS alone.
i.e.- If you are attending a medical school in the northeast or south and you really want to apply to competitive programs in California (UCLA, UCSF) BUT HAVE NO FAMILY THERE. If you have family in that particular area then you may not have to do an away assuming you lived there at one point. However, there are tons of other programs in Cali that don't require a BC check anyway.

Also when you apply to away rotations, if you are living off loans you'll get to do 2-3 at most. If you don't have financial limitations, then by the time you finish your 3rd away you'll be mentally drained from all the traveling. Keep in mind this is BEFORE interview season.

TL;DR
1.) Go through the trouble of a BC for an away that is at a competitive program in a geographical area you want to go, but have no ties with.
2.) You'll end up only doing 2-3 aways total anyway. Apply to your 30 and be done with all the paperwork. Ordering a BC is not worth the time/money.

 

[speedyxx626]

I would only go through the trouble of ordering a background check if it is a program you really want to go to, and it is in a geographic region that you would not likely be able to penetrate by applying through ERAS alone.
i.e.- If you are attending a medical school in the northeast or south and you really want to apply to competitive programs in California (UCLA, UCSF) BUT HAVE NO FAMILY THERE. If you have family in that particular area then you may not have to do an away assuming you lived there at one point. However, there are tons of other programs in Cali that don't require a BC check anyway.

Also when you apply to away rotations, if you are living off loans you'll get to do 2-3 at most. If you don't have financial limitations, then by the time you finish your 3rd away you'll be mentally drained from all the traveling. Keep in mind this is BEFORE interview season.

TL;DR
1.) Go through the trouble of a BC for an away that is at a competitive program in a geographical area you want to go, but have no ties with.
2.) You'll end up only doing 2-3 aways total anyway. Apply to your 30 and be done with all the paperwork. Ordering a BC is not worth the time/money.

I already knew all that info, but I appreciate it anyways. I just meant that a background check is super easy to get and isn't trouble at all...so I wasn't sure what you meant. I literally paid $20 and got a national background check done in like 2 minutes online. Unless I'm missing something here...

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

I already knew all that info, but I appreciate it anyways. I just meant that a background check is super easy to get and isn't trouble at all...so I wasn't sure what you meant. I literally paid $20 and got a national background check done in like 2 minutes online. Unless I'm missing something here...

$20? That's 6 Chick-fil-a sandwiches.

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

I already knew all that info, but I appreciate it anyways. I just meant that a background check is super easy to get and isn't trouble at all...so I wasn't sure what you meant. I literally paid $20 and got a national background check done in like 2 minutes online. Unless I'm missing something here...

But in all seriousness, if you have to pay $20 for five or more programs, IMO that's $100+ not worth spending.

 

[speedyxx626]

But in all seriousness, if you have to pay $20 for five or more programs, IMO that's $100+ not worth spending.

Eh I find that to be a bit short-sighted. $100 is nothing in the long run, especially when doing an away at a certain institution if that will put me in a good position to match there. I'm applying to vascular surgery, and anybody who knows anything about matching into this field know that away rotations are essential for getting a good match.

 

[jw3600]

But in all seriousness, if you have to pay $20 for five or more programs, IMO that's $100+ not worth spending.

You only need the background check once. I think most schools even do it for you for free. Your advice is questionable....

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

Eh I find that to be a bit short-sighted. $100 is nothing in the long run, especially when doing an away at a certain institution is what will put me in a good position to match there. I'm applying to vascular surgery, and anybody who knows anything about matching into this field know that away rotations are essential for getting a good match.

Great! To each their own. Best of luck to you

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

You only need the background check once. I think most schools even do it for you for free. Your advice is questionable....

I'm sure it is questionable to some. I was quite financially strapped in 3rd year, never paid for a BC and did fine.

 

[tnedoots]

So, did anyone find a place to get this done? A link would be very helpful.