Cancelling Away Rotation

Started by Perfect Hair Day
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Perfect Hair Day

Perfect Hair Day

Grapes of Wrath, Chocolate Ice Cream, Johnny Cash.
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7+ Year Member
What is the etiquette for turning down an away rotation that you have already accepted?

I have heard (though not from any real authority) that canceled aways = no interview. Is there any truth to this at all or is that just a rumor?

Gracias 🙂

PHD
 
Perfect Hair Day said:
What is the etiquette for turning down an away rotation that you have already accepted?

I have heard (though not from any real authority) that canceled aways = no interview. Is there any truth to this at all or is that just a rumor?

Gracias 🙂

PHD
Click to expand...


Will it result in a loss of interview at all places? No

Is it inconsiderate which leads programs to get a bad taste which can lead to no interviews? Yes

In the long run you may have blocked another student who wanted that rotation. Programs may or may not take that into consideration.
 
Perfect Hair Day said:
What is the etiquette for turning down an away rotation that you have already accepted?

I have heard (though not from any real authority) that canceled aways = no interview. Is there any truth to this at all or is that just a rumor?

Gracias 🙂

PHD
Click to expand...
Cancelled 2. 1 before I heard back, 1 after I heard back. Got interviews from both. As always, depends on strength of your application. Just be super polite in your phrasing and email them asap. If you're nervous, feel free to send me what you're thinking of saying over PM and I can give you the green light.
 
As long as you are giving them an appropriate amount of time to fill the now vacant spot it really shouldn’t be an issue. But some may look at it as a sign that they aren’t very high on your list.
 
I turned down one and was interviewed by that program. As long as you cancel with enough time to allow them to fill the spot, and are polite and tactful in the way you do it, you should be fine. Ymmv
 
NYEMMED said:
Is it inconsiderate which leads programs to get a bad taste which can lead to no interviews? Yes

In the long run you may have blocked another student who wanted that rotation. Programs may or may not take that into consideration.
Click to expand...

Why is this inconsiderate in the slightest? Life happens.

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule as to the amount of notice considered "not inconsiderate." I'd say...
Just don't want to go anymore? 2 Months.
Got a better offer elsewhere? 1 month.
Family or other personal emergency? 1 day.

Anyplace who will blacklist you from an interview just because you canceled an away rotation is not a place you want to be.
 
Canceled an away a month before it started (got into my #1), still got an interview there.
 
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