VSAS Dilema

[amakhosidlo]

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So, I have 2 one-month slots in which to fit in my aways this fall. I just received an acceptance from program X, which is in my top 5, for the first month. My application for my absolute #1, program Y, is for those same dates. Program X has given 1 week to accept/decline. Program Y just opened their application last Monday (ish), and has given no indication when they might get back to me

Should I:
A: Accept offer from X and try to change the date request for Y (Not keen on this plan, as I'm afraid I might start burning out on aways by month #3)
B: Hold off on X until the 11th hour, and pester Y to try to get a response or at least a time-frame out of them, default to A if I don't hear anything

Also, I'm assuming that backing out of an away offer would look extremely bad come interview season?

 

[OliveTree]

I would accept... backing out graciously is very possible should the need arise

 

[ramsesthenice]

Also, I'm assuming that backing out of an away offer would look extremely bad come interview season?

Don't get eaten by the game. If you have to back out later it might hurt you at the place you back out of but it might not. A lot of very personal factors go into making each person's rank list and more people get that than you think. Most people in the field are actually pretty understanding. I know right now it feels like you would just be happy to get in anywhere but trust me, you don't want to spend 4 good years at a place that can't understand that.

 

[amakhosidlo]

Don't get eaten by the game. If you have to back out later it might hurt you at the place you back out of but it might not. A lot of very personal factors go into making each person's rank list and more people get that than you think. Most people in the field are actually pretty understanding. I know right now it feels like you would just be happy to get in anywhere but trust me, you don't want to spend 4 good years at a place that can't understand that.

Hmm. Very good point. Just heard back from program Y, they won't be handing out acceptances until June, didn't tell me one way or the other whether changing dates would help. Looks like I'll be taking it and trying to switch dates for the others...

 

[Sheldor]

Hmm. Very good point. Just heard back from program Y, they won't be handing out acceptances until June, didn't tell me one way or the other whether changing dates would help. Looks like I'll be taking it and trying to switch dates for the others...

This was the big reason why I didn't like the VSAS process. I ended up doing mine at the places that took me first, and I then withdrew my applications at the other locations. I felt that if I withdrew my application pre "acceptance" then it was less likely to raise any red flags.

If your dream school is still in play, thats fine, but I'd cancel all the other ones you applied to for that time block to avoid any problems later.

 

[amakhosidlo]

So the plot thickens: Program Y just got back with an offer for an away in October. Given the fact that applications will already be in, will it be worth it at that point? I applied 4 hrs after the application opened, is the fact that I didn't get either of my date requests a reflection of the competitiveness of my application?

 

[Lamount]

So the plot thickens: Program Y just got back with an offer for an away in October. Given the fact that applications will already be in, will it be worth it at that point? I applied 4 hrs after the application opened, is the fact that I didn't get either of my date requests a reflection of the competitiveness of my application?

Don't overanalyze about the competitiveness of your application... you will literally drive yourself crazy.

If you really like program Y and could see yourself going there, definitely rotate there. It might even be a good idea to rotate there even if it isn't your first choice because you can talk about your experiences at program Y on interviews at other programs (which will help you establish that your "interest in the field").

Once you get interviews, you have your foot in the door. At that point, you have to be 1) likable, 2) interesting, and 3) prove that you are devoted to the field and didn't just happen upon rad onc.

 

[amakhosidlo]

Don't overanalyze about the competitiveness of your application... you will literally drive yourself crazy.

If you really like program Y and could see yourself going there, definitely rotate there. It might even be a good idea to rotate there even if it isn't your first choice because you can talk about your experiences at program Y on interviews at other programs (which will help you establish that your "interest in the field").

Once you get interviews, you have your foot in the door. At that point, you have to be 1) likable, 2) interesting, and 3) prove that you are devoted to the field and didn't just happen upon rad onc.

What about this scenario: Program A and B offer for the same time. A is a great program in a great location. I would like it very much. They also, unfortunately, have a reputation for not interviewing students that've rotated there, and their program is pretty competitive. This reputation is based solely on discussion here, and I'm not sure how current these rumors are. Program B is a solid program that I'd seem to have good shot at. No real negatives, no real positives. It's lower on my list than A, but I've been told I'd have a better chance at an interview and possibly matching than at A.

What would you pick?

 

[Sheldor]

What about this scenario: Program A and B offer for the same time. A is a great program in a great location. I would like it very much. They also, unfortunately, have a reputation for not interviewing students that've rotated there, and their program is pretty competitive. This reputation is based solely on discussion here, and I'm not sure how current these rumors are. Program B is a solid program that I'd seem to have good shot at. No real negatives, no real positives. It's lower on my list than A, but I've been told I'd have a better chance at an interview and possibly matching than at A.

What would you pick?

Going into the season I chose your program A. Looking back, I wish I had chosen program B (I'm assuming you applied for an away there for SOME reason and its not truly a neutral entity.)

Also, this assumes that you don't need program A in order to get high quality LOR's. If you have the LOR's in the bag, take the one likely to push your application further.

Now for the caveat: If you are a top applicant from a top 10 program, then this advice doesn't apply since you will get many great interviews.