Do away rotations help or hurt you?

[JetsSBXLIII]

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Hey everyone,
I know there have been a few posts about away rotations on this forum, but I was wondering if anyone has some solid data about students matching to programs they did aways at. I really, really want to go to one program. It is in CA. I am from CA but currently attend a non-CA US medical school. I have been getting very mixed opinions on whether doing an away is worth it, especially in Radiology. Others have told me it can even be harmful.

I am an MD/PhD student so I would like to do an away at this program not only to get to know the residents, faculty, and program itself, but I would also like to get a feel for the research side of things and meet the faculty in these areas as well. I'm worried that my board score (mid 230s) may not be high enough to get past screening for an interview at this particular program, especially since I am not a CA med student. I'm hoping that having the residents get to know me will significantly increase my chance of getting an interview there despite my board score. I appreciate any thoughts or advice about this. The application opens up next week and I need to make a decision whether or not to send. Thanks!

 

[jorts42]

Disclaimer: I'm also a 3rd year medical student at a non-CA program so take my advice with a grain of salt

My home PD specifically told me that the only situation where one should do an away is if there's a specific program or region that one wants to match into. That seems to apply to you.

It seems the consensus is that CA is incredibly competitive and thus doing an away to indicate your interest is highly recommended since you don't have an amazing board score. If you made a good impression while you were there, they'd probably grant you an interview assuming you have no red flags.

I know one person from my medical school who did a radiology away in CA and got an interview at that program with the same board score range as you. However, that was the only CA program he got an interview at. He eventually chose to rank a Midwest program #1 and matched there.

In short, I think you should go for it.

 

[DrBowtie]

I think you have to do the away. Your board scores are below average for California but depending on the place, your PhD may help.

Risk of making a bad impression is probably lower than chances of getting no invite at all without the away.

 

[JetsSBXLIII]

I think you have to do the away. Your board scores are below average for California but depending on the place, your PhD may help.

Risk of making a bad impression is probably lower than chances of getting no invite at all without the away.

Yes, these were my thoughts exactly. Thanks for the advice!

 

[JetsSBXLIII]

Disclaimer: I'm also a 3rd year medical student at a non-CA program so take my advice with a grain of salt

My home PD specifically told me that the only situation where one should do an away is if there's a specific program or region that one wants to match into. That seems to apply to you.

It seems the consensus is that CA is incredibly competitive and thus doing an away to indicate your interest is highly recommended since you don't have an amazing board score. If you made a good impression while you were there, they'd probably grant you an interview assuming you have no red flags.

I know one person from my medical school who did a radiology away in CA and got an interview at that program with the same board score range as you. However, that was the only CA program he got an interview at. He eventually chose to rank a Midwest program #1 and matched there.

In short, I think you should go for it.

Thanks for your response, that's exactly what my PD told me. I've just been hearing stories across all specialties that are not exactly encouraging. I'm glad that person got the interview and I hope I can be as lucky. Best of luck to you as we go through the process next