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I’m guessing many people choose aways by programs they reasonably have a shot at and pick a few as safety nets too. Probably being overly neurotic but an attending at a safety net program could technically write you a halfway decent letter to increase the quality of their residents.... well if a student is doing an away someplace - that place is probably pretty high on their list since they are spending money to go someplace, live there, and check out the program.
At least that was how it was for me. My aways were 1) super balanced program with strength in all subspecialties and trauma in an awesome place to live. 2) as before, but larger and more urban, 3) close to family, good program but weaker in a few subspecialties it seemed like.