How many aways do you typically apply for??

I think this is somewhat of a problem in our process: you need away(s) if you are going into ortho, but some programs are really well organized and get back to you quickly and some aren't. It's a little hard to tell until you apply. You are in a bind because you don't want to wait until june to see where you are going in july!
When I applied, I was looking to do one away month and I applied to three programs using the info posted on their websites. All of these websites say "don't call us, wait for info." One month - nothing. Then I start calling them - each coordinator says "Oh, I haven't heard from you." So apparently I was supposed to have some divine knowledge that following the protocol on the websites was insufficient. I ended up getting the away that I wanted, but I guess my point of my mini-rant is that the system is not well designed. I would recommend calling or emailing the coordinator at the programs you want to rotate at. She will probably be able to give you a better sense of when they decide, how likely you are to get a spot, etc... Also, since the coordinator is the person who actually places people into the rotations, it behooves you to be on her good side. This will give you a better idea of whether or not to apply to other programs.
If you do apply to other programs, and get into one or the other - I would call up the coordinator for the program(s) that you are no longer going to go to and ask her to withdraw your application - this will run a lower chance of pissing her off than if she goes to the trouble of actually placing you and then you tell her you are not coming. That being said, I did not get interviews at either of the places I applied to, then said no to (never will know why - I would guess more likely that they didn't like my app than I had pissed of the coordinator by saying no).

gamma

IMO, the "don't call us, we'll call you" line is complete and utter BS. Most of us end up applying to several aways for each given block/rotation that we want to use for an ortho rotation. Personally, I contacted each "contact person" (usually the residency program coordinator) for the medical student aways that I applied to because each web site is lacking in something, and it doesn't hurt to ask a question (thereby also introducing yourself and letting them know that you're interested). I found that most coordinators were more than willing to help. I also contacted them to let them know that I had mailed out the complete packet, and gave it 7-10 days before shooting them another e-mail to confirm that it had arrived. After that, it's out of your hands.

So my suggestions... give them a call or shoot them an e-mail. It doesn't hurt to let them know your interested and that you're trying all that you can to make a successful connection with their program. Also, please confirm that they receive your packet and that all documentation is complete and present. Lastly, do yourself a big favor and contact those programs that you applied to, but won't be accepting, to withdraw or cancel your application. Believe me, these people remember who you are when it comes application time.

Case-in-point: I applied to one program for an away, but was blocked by home students filling the slots during my requested blocks. The residency coordinator literally contacted me every week to update me and let me know that she was still trying to get me a slot. Finally, it didn't happen. When I applied to the residency program, I didn't get an interview either. But aside from that, and in addition to the nice pre-written "we're sorry" letter from the program, the coordinator wrote to me to offer her personal regret that I wouldn't be making to trip to interview and said that - after reviewing my application - she couldn't imagine why I was turned down. I know that doesn't go very far, but it did do a little to make me feel better and not like a completely hopeless ortho candidate (it was early in the season and I hadn't heard back from many others yet). End of the story, I got several interviews at some top/competitive programs and am eagerly awaiting the 16th.