OK... here's the way it generally works. In he spring of your first year you'll be given a survey that usually asks for your three top choices of either where you want to go OR what group you want in. There are 13 groups because there are 13 four-week rotation slots. Many people just choose the group because they want to pick when they have vacation, or they might want to pick IM before surgery, etc. It's hard to pick location at that point so 1/2 of the people will just pick Florida. However, if you know you want Orlando or Miami or Pensacola, for instance, put that down and you will be placed in a different group from the other people who choose that site. That way, you aren't competing against people for your slot. If there is one person in your group who wants Pensacola, and you are it, then you get it.
People compete vigorously for class president for 2nd year because your class president ultimately asigns you to your group. You get a group listing when you return for your second year and you usually have a one-time opportunity to swap groups if you don't like where you are. For instance, if just now decided that you want to go to Pensacola, but someone in your group already picked it, then you might be able to change to a group where nobody wants it. It's really up to your class president, though.
Each of our core spots has to fill out a survey during the year that says how many spots they will have available for our students. They will trickle in slowly, so you probably won't get to pick actual rotations until October or November. The finaal submission this year occured in late November. They are working on a new computer system that future classes will use, so I can't tell you for sure how your process will work. In the past, we submitted what we wanted on a spreadsheet and the group met to discuss any overlaps. As a general rule, they'll go back to that first choice you made in your first year, and if you are the one who picked that place in your first survey, then you should get it before someone who changed their mind later.
If your class like mine, then 3 to 5 people in your group will want to stay in the Bradenton area. There are plenty of spots for it, but you may have to negotiate a little within your group. For instance, if you REALLY want to do surgery at Manatee, then you might have to swap an IM choice with someone else to get it.
Note-- there are usually so many people who want to go to Florida East in Orlando and Suncoast in St. Pete that they will have a lottery. Everyone who wants to go to these places gets put in the lottery and those slots (plus alternates) are chosen. Note that if you are on probation for any reason you will be removed from your slot and choose after everyone else gets their picks. If you want to go to northern spots, then you have to wait until Erie picks theirs. However, they have waaaaaay more spots than they could ever fill.
You'll also feel pretty frustrated sometimes because you won't have all the information you need up front. You won't know about the number of spots or about the type of housing they have available because it won't be finalized until all those surveys come in. You should make it your goal to befriend some upper classmen who can help you with choices and how the system really works. Also, make it your goal to really talk to the folks at hospital day in the spring. It's a required event where lots of programs come in to talk about what they have to offer-- both clerkships and residencies. You'll have a chance to meet some of the residents, PDs, clerkship coordinators, etc. Pick their brains and get to know who is in charge there.
I'm getting kind of long-winded. i hope this all makes sense. Good luck to you all!
