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Students
When will I be able to access the new VSLO system?
Students will be able to access the new VSLO system on Tuesday, Jan. 20, contingent upon receiving invitations from their Home institutions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your Home administrator.
What steps should I take if I have an application or elective offer impacted by the transition to the new VSLO system?
Please reach out to your Host institution contact. You can contact the AAMC Support Center for assistance with identifying institutional points of contact.
Who can I contact if I have a question about my application?
Please reach out to your Home and Host institutional points of contact. You can contact the AAMC Support Center if you need assistance with identifying those contacts.
When do Host institutions typically open their catalogs? When do students typically start applying?
In the most recent academic year, the majority of Host institutions opened their catalogs in February, with the peak of student application activity taking place in March. Please refer to the VSLO Student Infographic for additional data from academic year 2024-25. The VSLO program is open year-round, so Host institutions are able to open and close their elective catalogs at any point.
How much are application fees?
The VSLO program charges a fee of $15 for each elective to which a student applies. There are no additional fees if a student applies for alternative dates for that same elective.
What resources are available as I consider different specialties, and how can I craft an application strategy?
The Careers in Medicine® portal is an excellent starting point to gain insight into the various specialties. Similarly, the VSLO Specialty Away Rotation Guidance webpage provides direct links to information by specialty that can help inform and support your away rotation decisions. In addition, you should connect with advisors at your Home institution who know your skills and strengths as a student. These approaches will help you build a comprehensive application strategy.
What key dates should I keep in mind?
For each Host institution you are interested in applying to, be sure to review the Important Dates section on the Host institution’s Institution Summary page.
Is there way to save an elective in the VSLO application service?
Yes, you can save an elective by clicking on the Save button. If you save an elective, you will receive an email notification when the elective is opened by the Host institution.
I noticed the AAMC collects and remits applicable state and local sales tax. How does this affect the VSLO application service?
Yes, in certain states, these applicable taxes affect VSLO services. Please visit the AAMC Sales Tax FAQs to learn more.
Can I add other electives after submitting my application?
Yes, students can apply to other electives or add additional dates for the same elective even after submitting an initial application to a Host institution. If you are applying to the same elective at a Host institution, you will not be charged additional fees for alternative dates. Please review the application fees FAQ above for further information.
Can I modify any of the document uploads or application information for a specific institution after submitting an application (for example, an updated background check or vaccine document)?
Yes, students can update previously uploaded documents under the Tracking tab by clicking on the "Show Requirements" button. The most recent document upload is what will take place of the prior version.
Are medical school graduates able to use the VSLO application service?
No. Students applying to opportunities in the VSLO application service must agree to the VSLO Applicant Agreement, which states that “[an applicant] will not have graduated from [their] program at [their] Home institution until after the elective end date.”
Is there a process for providing feedback on the VSLO application service?
You can provide feedback directly via our VSLO Feedback Form, or by contacting our Client Technical Support team at 202-478-9878. The Post Rotation Student Survey, sent directly to students as they return from an away rotation, provides another avenue for feedback.
Who can I reach out to if I have specific questions about my individual vaccines/titers when filling out the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form?
Students should consult a licensed healthcare professional, their medical school’s student health clinic, or designated coordinator signing the document. Please also review the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form FAQs.