I applied for 3, got all three and only went on 2. From my experience, it seemed more like a first come first served process than a competitive one.

My best advice to you is that if you aren't hearing back about an application, call the ortho coordinator. I was accepted to two of my Away rotations over the phone when I took the time to call them and ask if there were slots available, or all filled, or still processing. Obviously don't call daily and annoy them, but definitely give them a ring after you've gotten everything in just to check up on things.

I would not take a "shotgun" approach to away rotations,you'll likely get more than you can go on.

agreed. I applied for and got 2 aways. I had to cancel one, and I did NOT receive an interview from that program. I know you will read conflicting stuff on here about canceling aways, but I did not get an interview from the program I backed out of.

I matched anyway (with just 1 away) though, so it's all good!

I cancelled a sub-i at a top ortho program bc I applied to 2 in the same month and got an interview there, and then a call from PD saying i was ranked in top spots, guaranteed to match. I have heard true stories about above. It probably is very program dependent.