To rotate or not to rotate? Need advice

[kid Icarus 3]

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I know there are similar posts, my apologies ahead of time.

I'm really needing some honest feedback from those that have done this. As I approach VSAS submission in a week or so I'm debating whether I should rotate at all and how many total if I do. I have no home ophtho program (new med school that is proving to be very successful, fortunately). I feel I know my strengths/weaknesses and believe I would do well in an interview but although I work hard and can learn fast I am slightly more reserved than others and hesitate when I try to believe that I'd be the stellar med student I would want to be on an away rotation. I guess I'm saying I would work hard but just know I'm quieter than some.

The main reason I am wanting to rotate at an away facility is for a LOR. I have one solid ophtho letter that will be personal from home school but need a second. As far as the rest of my application goes:
Step 1 - 250+, Junior AOA, All A's in first 3 years of med school minus OBGYN, 1 first author pub in ophtho, with a pending 1st author case report and second author paper both in ophtho as well. Handful of research, EC's, and volunteer including good ophtho volunteerism.

Thank you in advance. Really, really appreciate any thoughts you might have.

 

[DrZeke]

I know there are similar posts, my apologies ahead of time.

I'm really needing some honest feedback from those that have done this. As I approach VSAS submission in a week or so I'm debating whether I should rotate at all and how many total if I do. I have no home ophtho program (new med school that is proving to be very successful, fortunately). I feel I know my strengths/weaknesses and believe I would do well in an interview but although I work hard and can learn fast I am slightly more reserved than others and hesitate when I try to believe that I'd be the stellar med student I would want to be on an away rotation. I guess I'm saying I would work hard but just know I'm quieter than some.

The main reason I am wanting to rotate at an away facility is for a LOR. I have one solid ophtho letter that will be personal from home school but need a second. As far as the rest of my application goes:
Step 1 - 250+, Junior AOA, All A's in first 3 years of med school minus OBGYN, 1 first author pub in ophtho, with a pending 1st author case report and second author paper both in ophtho as well. Handful of research, EC's, and volunteer including good ophtho volunteerism.

Thank you in advance. Really, really appreciate any thoughts you might have.

Your app is strong. If you already have self doubt about your ability to be "on" while at an away then don't rotate. Big wig letters are not everything and a mediocre big wig letter sucks.

Do any of your letter writers have contacts at other programs? It is nice to have someone be able to put in a good word or call for you. In any case, you will get interviews without away rotations.

I would say If you have concerns about your inability to be friendly or outspoken, now is the time to work on those things and practice interviewing. It's important to interview well. Bad interviews can sink an otherwise amazing application.

 

[kid Icarus 3]

Thanks, DrZeke. I appreciate your post. I will say that I try hard to be friendly and professional and I do feel that I will be able to hold my own on aways but I'm still hesitant cause I'm not the guy who shows up ready to blow peoples minds on day 1 (I'd imagine most aren't, lol). I've just heard enough stories about people botching their chances cause they didn't kill a grand rounds presentation or didn't know enough, etc. etc... so I guess I'm wondering if anyone that has gone through this is thinking "he has no ophtho program at his school so its a no-brainer that he needs to do an away" or if my app should be able to weather the application process without a LOR from an established program outside my med school. I like your thought about having my current letter writer contact others. I'll look into it.

Thanks again.