It isn't bad to start now, some don't accept applications until the spring but you may be able to apply now.

thanks ill probably give the programs until after christmas. I have another question how many have done 3 or 4 aways. I am going to do 3 and even considering 4 am I crazy.

Hey ... so I did three away rotations (and one home sub-I) and it was totally fine. That said I did things a bit differently from other people. I did my home sub-I in March. They were hurting for help (cause I was the only med student on the service who was into ortho) so they were stoked to have me and it left me time in the fall to do my aways.
Additionally, I think you need a break between rotations. I had at least a week off between places. It meant that I never burned out, which can definitely happen if you are working like a dog (which you should be).
Lastly, I think early November should be that latest you do a rotation. People may disagree with me. But I think it's rude to be leaving a rotation to go on interviews if you're into that program and they may have sent out all their interview offers before you get there if you're rotating in December. Plus, interviews are stressful and I wouldn't want the added stress of doing an away at the same time.
So do what you want, just be smart about it. I think I was at my best around October. So I scheduled my most ambitious rotation then (and got a LOR out of it). July is chaos because of all the new interns... so it can be very hit or miss then, cause if you can help you're a stud but there may be fewer learning opportunities too.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

thanks im just so excited to start this whole process.

Also an MS-III here. I remember hearing that the ERAS submission deadline was sometime in September....the 15th, I think. So if you were able to get a letter from a program in October, how do you add it to your ERAS application? Or is it the kind of thing where you can ask for a letter, but then you are responsible for sending it out to all the places on your own? If you do it this way, can it still count as one of your official letters or do some programs completely discard it because it didn't really come from ERAS?

Thanks for the help.

Is June too early for an away if I've already done my home rotation? What about July or August?

My schedule fits summer rotations the best but I might be able to juggle things around if Fall rotations are crucial.

Also an MS-III here. I remember hearing that the ERAS submission deadline was sometime in September....the 15th, I think. So if you were able to get a letter from a program in October, how do you add it to your ERAS application? Or is it the kind of thing where you can ask for a letter, but then you are responsible for sending it out to all the places on your own? If you do it this way, can it still count as one of your official letters or do some programs completely discard it because it didn't really come from ERAS?

Thanks for the help.

ERAS opens up the first day in September, at least it did this year. So you need to be ready to have your application out around that time. I would say in the first week at the latest. In regards to the deadline, every program has submission deadlines that vary from late October to mid-November. You need to have all of the materials required from the individual programs in by that time. That includes letters of recommendation. You can submit your application and add the LORs as you receive them. Asking for a letter in October can be tricky because it takes time to get to know an attending and then more time for them to complete the letter and sent it to you school so your school can load it into ERAS.... all before the deadline set by the school. Some schools may cut you a break if it is a few days late, but be sure to verify with email or phone call. I have never heard of anyone actually sending a letter on their own and not through ERAS.

The timing of your away rotations and home rotation affects the timing of your LORs as well. If you start early (like July) there shouldn't be a problem. If you are like me, you may not get a letter during a rotation in October, but it is definitely possible, just harder to get done given your time constraints.

Hope this doesn't sound like gibberish.

Just my two cents on the application process/LOR's/deadlines:

Some programs, in fact, have October 1st deadlines (this year I know Emory & IU did), and a lot of people seem to find this out at the last minute and have to run around trying to get their stuff submitted to their Student Affairs person (or whoever takes care of it at their med school) who uploads all of the documents, your picture, your transcript, etc.

Just a heads up and something else to consider when planning rotations & LOR's ... my advice: look up each program you're applying to individually and make note of their application deadline (from the program's website).

Just my two cents on the application process/LOR's/deadlines]

Nevermind.