Competitiveness of away rotations

[t2oo5]

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Hi all,
I'm a bit confused with away rotations. Are away rotations generally competitive to obtain? What about for more competitive specialties? Most of the websites I viewed just said to contact the registrar. Is there an application process? If so- do people apply to more than they are able to do, then choose?
Thanks!

 

[pingouin]

Most -not all- institutions are using VSAS now, through the AAMC. Here's a link: https://services.aamc.org/20/vsas/

You can't register for VSAS until your home school gives you permission to do so.

Competition varies greatly by specialty and geographical preferences of applicants. I'm going into a lesser-competitve specialty, whereas a classmate is going into a more competitive one. We both applied to the same "top 10" host institution for aways in our respective fields. I was told that they couldn't accommodate my request for July, but anything from August on was open. My classmate was told that every spot was filled for every month so sorry, we can't accommodate you at all.

 

[t2oo5]

That's great info- thanks.
So- I'm assuming you can pick and choose which (of your accepted) programs fit your schedule?

Most -not all- institutions are using VSAS now, through the AAMC. Here's a link: https://services.aamc.org/20/vsas/

You can't register for VSAS until your home school gives you permission to do so.

Competition varies greatly by specialty and geographical preferences of applicants. I'm going into a lesser-competitve specialty, whereas a classmate is going into a more competitive one. We both applied to the same "top 10" host institution for aways in our respective fields. I was told that they couldn't accommodate my request for July, but anything from August on was open. My classmate was told that every spot was filled for every month so sorry, we can't accommodate you at all.

 

[astrocreep96]

I think there is some level of competitiveness and some of timing - by which I mean, the earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get the spot you want. I forgot to drop a spot from one school after they offered a position (informally via email despite the application being through VSAS) - they called about two weeks after the acceptance deadline asking if I still wanted the position and if not, other students were waiting in line. Either I was more competive than those people, or I just got my application in earlier than they did.

And yes, you can pick which away you want to do depending on your schedule, to an extent. Some schools say you must decide within two weeks and you may not have heard from other programs yet, so that limits your flexibility some.

 

[drizzt3117]

I think it's more about applying early than anything else.

 

[coldweatherblue]

some electives are definitely competitive, especially in july-august-sept months.

I probably got lucky. I applied to one away, was in contact with the program coordinator before their secondary opened, submitted my VSAS the day it opened, and was accepted the next day.

 

[vicinihil]

What I found to be helpful was to show them you really want the spot. Get in touch with the contact person and send them emails keeping them up to date with your application process. If it's not a VSAS school, you can keep the coordinator up to date with your progress by telling them you've mailed everything, please let you know when they receive it, etc. Stuff like that makes them think you're serious about their school so if they have a spot, they are more likely to offer it to you.

Timing is probably the biggest factor. I applied to 6 chicago aways rotation slots less than a month before the start date. 5/6 told me they were full within 24hours. One told me there was 1 spot open. I kept in touch with the coordinator, overnighted my application, got accepted informally via email. Now either no one else wanted that spot or she kept it for me because I made it sound like I was definitely going to go if accepted (and I did).

Some schools like UNC have an application process. Those may be more competitive than others since they make you write a short paragraph about your interest and it seems like they actually read it.

 

[DrBowtie]

Also some programs will screen based on Step 1. If you wouldn't have a shot to match there, they won't let you rotate there.

 

[Daedra22]

Also some programs will screen based on Step 1. If you wouldn't have a shot to match there, they won't let you rotate there.

I guess that would be kind of nice to know anyway >.>

 

[astrocreep96]

What I found to be helpful was to show them you really want the spot. Get in touch with the contact person and send them emails keeping them up to date with your application process. If it's not a VSAS school, you can keep the coordinator up to date with your progress by telling them you've mailed everything, please let you know when they receive it, etc. Stuff like that makes them think you're serious about their school so if they have a spot, they are more likely to offer it to you.

Timing is probably the biggest factor. I applied to 6 chicago aways rotation slots less than a month before the start date. 5/6 told me they were full within 24hours. One told me there was 1 spot open. I kept in touch with the coordinator, overnighted my application, got accepted informally via email. Now either no one else wanted that spot or she kept it for me because I made it sound like I was definitely going to go if accepted (and I did).

Some schools like UNC have an application process. Those may be more competitive than others since they make you write a short paragraph about your interest and it seems like they actually read it.

That may be department specific. If I recall you're doing derm - I applied for an away and UNC in Ortho and I did not have to write a paragraph. Incidentally, they are another school that accepts informally via email before your VSAS application changes, which I find annoying.

 

[t2oo5]

I think it's more about applying early than anything else.

When's early (generally speaking?)

 

[2012mdc]

When's early (generally speaking?)

it depends on the elective. they have different dates for when their apps open. you can find the info easily on VSAS and if they're not on VSAS use the program's website or call/email them. just apply the first date you can b/c some electives have as a few as 1 spot

 

[astrocreep96]

When's early (generally speaking?)

I had my applications in within 8 or so hours of when they opened on VSAS - I got 5/5 offers for aways for the times I requested. As drizz said, timing is likely a big factor.