How to kindly and politely decline a scheduled away rotation?

[donaldtang]

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I'm an international medical student and I have applied for clinical electives in many American schools, because all of them state on their websites that they are not able to guarantee a spot.
Now I have received confirmations from two schools, and perhaps more invitations will come in the following months. Is it appropriate to tell the contact person that I can't attend the elective simply because I am scheduled by a better place?
Is it possible that they will reject any of my later applications as a result of that?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[IHeartNerds]

Uh, I wouldn't say that you're not attending because you got a BETTER rotation. That seems a little insulting.

I would say something like "Sorry, but I am unable to attending due to scheduling conflicts with other away rotations. I look forward to learning more about your program during the interview season."

 

[Winged Scapula]

They will not be insulted.

You simply need to state that you appreciate their consideration of your application but are no longer able to attend due to scheduling conflicts with other rotations (as above).

Do NOT tell them you are going someplace "better". That would be insulting.

I cannot imagine someone would reject a residency application based on your not coming for a rotation (unless they only accept applications from those who have done rotations with them). This is business not personal.

 

[Psychiatrypd]

I'm an international medical student and I have applied for clinical electives in many American schools, because all of them state on their websites that they are not able to guarantee a spot.
Now I have received confirmations from two schools, and perhaps more invitations will come in the following months. Is it appropriate to tell the contact person that I can't attend the elective simply because I am scheduled by a better place?
Is it possible that they will reject any of my later applications as a result of that?
Thanks for any advice!

They know you are applying multiple places.
Also remember that other students are applying for the spot, and let the program know as quickly as you can that you will not be able to come.
Just send a polite letter thanking them for accepting you and telling them that you cannot do the rotation.