Ophtho Away elective guidance needed

[turica]

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So I feel I'm getting pretty late into the game for applying to these ophtho away electives just because I guess they don't accept many students and everyone around me has already applied to some.

I don't understand how to choose which ones to apply to because I feel if I'm picky, I'm gonna end up not getting anything and regretting it.

But then again, I heard if you get accepted and turn a program down, then it'll be pretty bad because they won't interview you - which I guess I understand.

I started freaking out and threw my application at like 17 programs now just because they only asked for a CV (yes I know I wasted a lot of money but I panicked and felt this was the best thing to do).

Does anyone know what's like the average optho away elective programs you apply to?

Or what their experiences were and how many did they get accepted into/how many they applied to? (% acceptance)

PS I apologize if this is not the best section to post in but I did not receive any replies in the med student forums. Thank you

 

[Equality]

From what I understand, programs generally give you a spot if you apply, but the timing of the spot is not guaranteed. Programs prioritize their own med students before visiting students, and because all students want to rotate before the interview season (fall), spots before fall are limited.

I think you applied to too many programs.

 

[kiwi-doc]

You definitely applied to too many programs. You should do an away at a program that you have a genuine interest in or that you are on the fence about to gauge the program. Doing an away for the sake of an away doesn't really make much sense, especially when you are now in a position to have to reject many programs. Most places probably don't care that you might have to withdraw, but that said you never know and there is no reason to risk it.

I applied to two aways and did both of them. They were programs I was interested in, one of which I matched to. The experience definitely helped in allowing me to get to know the residents and faculty. Just doing the away at a random program is a waste of time and money. Any skills you pick up will likely atrophy over intern year anyway.

 

[turica]

I completely agree with you. The problem is I thought I wouldn't be able to land a spot at the programs I was interested in and then ended up applying to a lot of back ups.

I'm thinking of withdrawing apps now before I receive offers and end up having to reject them.. What do you think?

I'm also debating on waiting to see what offers I get at this point since I kind of already messed up. If I receive an offer from the ones I do like, I'd withdraw the other apps.

Or I guess what do you recommend..? Should I just wait and see what happens at this point?

 

[kiwi-doc]

I completely agree with you. The problem is I thought I wouldn't be able to land a spot at the programs I was interested in and then ended up applying to a lot of back ups.

I'm thinking of withdrawing apps now before I receive offers and end up having to reject them.. What do you think?

I'm also debating on waiting to see what offers I get at this point since I kind of already messed up. If I receive an offer from the ones I do like, I'd withdraw the other apps.

Or I guess what do you recommend..? Should I just wait and see what happens at this point?

I think in general it is better to withdraw before a particular program gives you an offer. That said, do you really think of the 17 you applied to, you won't get a spot at one? Also, to increase your chances you should reach out to anyone at your program that may be able to put in a word for you at the programs you are interested in. I did my aways at well regarded institutions, and having someone drop a mention was definitely helpful. I think it really depends on your particular situation at the end of the day and what your objectives are for the away.