some people say letters from Aways are important. I guess it just depends on WHO is writing your letters from your home school. If he/she is some big name orthopod, then it's probably not a big deal to get an away letter. It doesn't hurt though, b/c they do look to see away LORs. PLUS, this was something i learned in the process that they don't really tell you. You can get a letter ANYTIME (even after the ERAS deadlines) and just send it to them. Just call and ask the ortho coordinator if you can send it b/c you didn't rotate til late. That limit on ERAS is just to keep the volume down. MOst places will accept extra letters and late letters. As far as when, at this point it doesn't really matter. i think there is a difference from July compared to oct/nov. rotators. They will remember the nov person a little easier than the July rotator. BUT, it all boils down to how well you perform anyway.
So, it probably doesn't matter, but if you are not looking for a letter, than you might as well do it later.
if that all makes sense.....

I agree with chee68. Letters from AWAYS are nice, especially if they're from someone big. It's always good to have other people (beside your home program) say good things about you. Makes it more believable. And WHEN you rotate doesn't matter either, provided it's before interviews. Just do well and they'll remember you. You have to remember, programs go through this every year. They know what they're lookin for.

And you can send in letters at any time. Just talk to the residency coordinator at that program and mail/fax it to them. As long as it's there before you interview, it can help.