Help: Questions about Rotation Scheduling

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digitlnoize

Rock God
15+ Year Member
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Background Info: 1st year, non-trad DO school (LECOM-B). Wife, 7yo daughter.

The school puts us into groups based on whether or not we prefer Location (i.e. want to stay in Tampa) or Time (i.e. Elective or Vacation in a certain month).

Obviously I want to stay in the area and not leave my family, but I am also interested in Rads and need to do away electives in months where it will "count" for toward my residency apps.

So, questions:

What is the earliest date to submit residency apps?

When do "most" people submit? (i.e. am I "safe" submitting a couple months later?)

Can I do away electives at the end of third year? I know some places frown on this, but is there a consensus?

Anything I should think about in regards to Step 1 or 2 timing?

How do people get time off for interviews? I obviously don't know what month I'll be interviewing, so it's not like I can take a vacation that month. How is this normally handled? Does the rotation you're on give you time off or something?

Any other thoughts/suggestions?