Applying for Away Electives

Getting your desired rotation is often easier than you may think. Just stay on top of when you can start requesting your dates. I would NOT apply to multiple aways for the same time frame. You will have no problem finding time at a place you would like to go.

i agree with boneblaster...it is not in your best interest to cancel an away elective that they've gone to some trouble scheduling for you. Don't expect an interview from these programs if you cancel your elective. What better way to show your lack of interest in that program?

Apply for 1 elective for every month and you'll get them if you apply early enough.

I'm just about finished setting up my two aways for next year, and it was pretty easy. I've found that even if you have not mailed in the appl. yet, the program may save you a spot if you call, sound really enthusiastic and ask (nicely, of course.)

Also, from talking to some residents, the away rotations may not be as crucial as a lot of people make them out to be. This, of course, depends on how competitive the programs are that you're looking at. But a ton (if not the majority) of people get interviews, and even match at programs where they never rotated.

Good luck!
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Thanks for the info. That was really helpful.

It sounds as if many of us are concerned about the importance of away rotations. Could those of you who have matched (including current residents) post weather or not you rotated at the program in which you matched.

I rotated at UC Davis, Mayo, And SUNY Buffalo.
I matched at SUNY Stony Brook. :pimp:

Rotated at UTSW, CWRU, and Vandy

Matched at the University of Kentucky

I rotated at West Virginia and Ohio State. Matched at Ohio State.

I rotated at Mayo, CWRU (home program), and The Cleveland Clinic. Matched at CWRU. Might have had a good chance to match at the CCF if I ranked it No. 1. And would have definitely matched at the Mayo if I had ranked it No. 1. Since I'm not a "Mayo" or "CCF caliber" applicant on paper, I think rotating at those places definitely showed them that I was a lot stronger than my application.