VSAS question

[WilliamWallace]

So I was offered a rotation through VSAS, but 2 other more preferential places are pending for the same month. I've got a week to accept or decline this first place. Any issues with contacting the other places to expedite the decision making process? It's a competitive specialty, and I don't want to close any doors.

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[lavender24]

I had the same issue a few weeks back. When I still didn't hear back from my first choice I decided to just take what I can get, since the uncertainty was bugging me out. When I go to click "accept" I realized one of the other options listed is "drop" the elective. So I'm now wondering if it is acceptable, obviously not preferred, for MS3/4s to drop previously accepted away electives when first choice grants an offer at a later date?

Some institutions don't even process the applications until 1-2 months prior to the applied date, which makes me think that the programs know it is unreasonable to completely hold us to our original decision. However, this action may indicate to them that you are not interested in that specialty program at that institution.

I am only doing this for specialties that I don't plan on going into, and probably would not do this to any specialty at a program that I am interested in applying to.

Thoughts from others ppls?

 

[Concubine]

I'm curious about this question too as I have some applications pending and this could potentially come up.

 

[armybound]

Probably gonna have to try it eventually. Might as well go for it now.

 

[checkup1]

Same issue.. I've got one week left to accept/decline at not-first-choice institution. Seriously bugging me out, and would love to hear more thoughts!!

 

[greg1184]

Does an accepted offer affect pending applications at another host institution?

A decision on one application will not affect any others, nor will any host institution know what decisions have been made at another. For example, students can accept two offers at two different institutions as they work on choosing one to attend.

Please note that VSAS will send reminders to students if they have scheduling conflicts with accepted or offered electives, but the software will not take any actions on the applications themselves. The student's home school and affected host institutions will also receive periodic email reminders as well.

https://www.aamc.org/students/medstudents/vsas/faqs/119300/post_submission_changes.html

You can accept a spot on one program and the other program won't know it. I doubt you would close any doors by dropping a course there. In fact it probably makes room for one of their students.

 

[235009]

In fact it probably makes room for one of their students.

every school offers away electives only after their own students have finalized their schedules so no, you wouldn't be doing them any favors. however as long as you give the school ample notice that you are dropping it (at least a month before the rotation starts) there shouldn't be any hard feelings. i have heard though that some schools might take this as a lack of interest in their residency program.