What is VSAS?
The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS®) is an AAMC application designed to
streamline the application process for senior "away" electives. VSAS enables medical
students to submit just one application for all institutions, effectively reducing
paperwork, miscommunication, and time.
About vsas
With VSAS®, you'll only need to complete one application for all participating institutions This
reduces paperwork, saves time, and facilitates communication between applicants and
institutions.
When do I start looking for away rotations?
The sooner the better, many programs have a limited number of spots because they have
to first provide space for their home students. Competitive programs are known to
cap their spots as early as spring. If you are highly interested in a specific school
– either look on VSAS or call the program administrator to find out what date the
program begins accepting applications.
Ideally, you will want to obtain your rotation either in July, August or September;
however, July is often difficult because schools give preference to their own students
first. While October, November and December are still viable options, remember that
ERAS begins accepting applications in September and you want to have your letters
of recommendation / SLOE’s completed or near completed by this time.
What do I need in order to apply through VSAS?
Using the authorizations provided by the Curriculum Office in early January, you will
need to log in to the VSAS system and register. Authorizations are required for you
to register.
Most schools will require:
- Personal Photo (passport style)
- Updated CV
- Updated Immunization Record
- Copy of your USMLE Step 1 Score (must have passed)
- School Transcript
** Each school has their own “check-list” so you will need to check VSAS or the schools
website to find out what additional information is required.