Aways

It all depends on where and when you're planning on rotating. Most places have very few restrictions on who can rotate, how many at a time, etc. Many have no restrictions at all. Also, if your school allows you to go away in may and june, few other students will be rotating then, so you'll have your pick of places (and you'll be one-on-one with the whole program, so you can really shine) -- in july and august just about everyone is doing their electives, so the crowds become more of an issue.

As for me, I had to rearrange my schedule only because of my home program's restrictions on the number of students each month. As for away rotations, I had no problems getting exactly what I wanted when I wanted it. I applied to 2 aways, got them both without a problem. If you start asking around now to see where you want to go, then start making calls to the programs around april/may, you should be all set. Most places won't let you apply much earlier. But, set up your home program first, because that'll determine how your schedule plays out everywhere else. After that, the earlier you put your application in, the better chance you'll have of getting what you want. Consider that some of the big programs will have you rotate on one service for the 4 weeks, so getting yourself on the "right" service can help a lot when it comes time for letters and interviews.

I pretty much agree with everything that asl17 mentioned. The only thing I would add is that I applied for spots in February. This was early (in fact one of the two programs I did aways at had not yet made their "application"), but I got the rotations of my choice. So, if you know where you'd like to rotate, I don't think it would hurt to contact the programs sooner rather than later.

One more thing - how have people decided where to apply for aways? It sounds like applying to 4 or so (if I wanted to do 2) would be plenty, but I don't have a real good idea about how to pick these. I'm not tied to any particular location. Is it connections - where faculty from your school might be from?

I don't know if you even need to apply for 4 aways to do 2. I had no problem getting both of my aways at programs that have 40-50 rotators/season. Definitely check websites for app due dates, I think mine were due in April and May. My biggest priority was rotating at programs where rotators have a distinct advantage in matching and where I didn't think I could get an interview otherwise.

Even though you're not set on a location, there is some regionalism involved in the interviews you receive. If you're on either side of the Mason-Dixon line, the Mississippi, or the California state line, think of rotating on the other side of those lines.

My school had lists of where alumni matched, that can be helpful. They're usually easy to contact and can give you info about other programs in the same city.

If you're female, check out the resident listings on program sites to see if they're 'female friendly'. This may or may not make a difference to you.

Good luck.

Just a few things to add to what everyone is saying. I also don't think you necessarily need to apply to 4 programs to get 2 if you can come up with the ones you really want and stay on top of their deadlines. I ended up applying to 5 programs for my 2 aways, but that was mostly because I changed my mind about where I wanted to be. I got a spot at one of the first ones I applied to and ended up cancelling it later. I can't say for sure, but I don't think they liked that too much. 2 of the 5 were pretty slow on the decision process, so just be sure to stay in touch if it is somewhere you really want to go.

As far as where to go, I rotated at one program that I thought was a stretch for me that I know I would not have gotten an interview at without the rotation and one that I felt I would have a great shot at if I rotated there (ie, smaller, possibly community program that might not get the same amount and level of applicants as the big name places). Plus, this gives you exposure to different types of programs so you can figure out if you like big academic places or smaller community places better.

I ended up doing my rotations in August, September, and November which worked out great for me. I didn't want to go anywhere before July because you are working with a group of residents that will be moving up and moving out in just a short time. It was also recommended to me to avoid July if possible becuase all programs have brand new residents they are trying to get used and therefore have less time and interest for you. Rotating in November is great as long as you already have your necessary letters of rec. It is way too late to get a letter for your app, but you become a lot fresher in everyone's mind when it comes to interviews than the folks who rotated 3-5 months earlier.

As with the whole process, talk to as many people as you can and make as many contacts as possible.

I forgot to say one more thing. Try to learn a lot about the logistics of rotating at each place. At some programs, the chairman will not write letters for rotating students. That's all good and OK, but it's a better place to go later in the year (ie after letters need to be in). Go to the place with the big-name that will write a great letter earlier so that you have a great letter from a big-name on your application. I know of applicants that got burned because they did their rotations "backwards," for just this reason.

In relation to what was mentioned above about applying to more aways than you want to do, I agree that usually you just need to apply to the number that you want to do, and stay on top of the application process. However, if you do apply to more, and get them all, let the programs that you aren't going to, know early that you're not gonna be there. Some programs do limit the number of rotators each month, and then when you're name is on the list for the month, and you don't show up, that looks pretty bad. If that happens, you can pretty much bet on not getting an interview down the road, and obviously you don't want that because you were somewhat interested enough in the program to have applied for an away.

one thing to keep in mind when applying for aways is that several programs do not interview all their rotators. Those that I am aware of are Harvard, HSS, HJD, Rush (and I am sure there are many others). So if you don't have the numbers, don't rotate at these places b/c you won't get in interview anyways. And just having the numbers doesn't guarantee an interview either. There are AOA people who rotate at HSS who do an excellent job, but still don't get an interview. So if you have the numbers and want to rotate at one of these programs, work your a$$ off, get involved in some research, get to know the important people, and then hope for the best.

Conversly, there are programs that traditionally only interview rotators and very few nonrotators. Northwestern and Mt Sinai (NYC) come to mind.

I applied in late February, early March for my aways. Most require immunization information so make sure you get everything done and signed (pain in the a##).

on the other hand,

you have the mayo clinic, which does not even accept you as a rotator in some cases.

but, if you do make the cut, you are guaranteed an interview at what is probably a top 5 program

you might as well apply for a rotation (they don't even ask you for an administrative fee) if you are thinking about applying there for residency.


oh yeah, and if you cancel on another elective, you probably will not get an interview there, i pissed off pitt that way, so be careful!