How to Use the VSLO® Application Service

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The VSLO® application service makes it easier for medical students to apply to clinical or research opportunities.

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Before You Apply
 

Access the VSLO Application Service

You must be invited by your Home institution before you may access the VSLO application service.

If you have used other AAMC services (the AMCAS® system, the MCAT® exam, etc.), you will then sign into the VSLO application service using your AAMC Account username and password. Otherwise, you will be able to create an AAMC account.

Complete Your Profile

You will provide your personal and academic information in the VSLO application service, including contact and biographical information.

Review Host Institution Information

Review general information about each participating Host institution and their key application dates and fees. 

Search For and Save Electives

Use our elective search for elective opportunities based on, but not limited to, specialty, Host institution, and geographic location. You may then view a description, application requirements, and available dates for each elective.

You may also save the electives you are interested in for future consideration. 

Submit Your Application
 

Acknowledge Applicant Agreement

Students must agree to the terms and conditions that govern their use of the VSLO application service, including truthfulness in their application materials, release of personal information, and acknowledgment that they must remain engaged and responsive during the elective application process. Download the Applicant Agreement

Complete Host Requirements

Requirements vary among Host institutions and the electives for which you are applying. You will fulfill all requirements within the VSLO application service as you submit your elective requests. 

Pay Application Service Fee

The VSLO program charges a flat fee of $15 per application. Application fees are per elective regardless of the number of requested dates for that elective.

After Submitting Your Application
 

Home Institution Reviews Application

Once you have submitted your applications, your Home institution will verify information about you and fulfill any additional requirements before releasing the application to Host institutions for review.

Track Your Application

You can easily track the status of your application as they move through the application review process. For example, you can view if your application is pending release by your Home institution, or if it is awaiting review by a Host institution. 

Resubmit a Requirement

A Host institution may request that you resubmit a requirement. After receiving an email informing you of this request, you would resubmit the requirement through the Tracking tab of the VSLO application service. 

Withdraw or Reinstate Your Application

If you have submitted an application and are no longer interested in the elective, you can withdraw your application. If you change your mind and the elective and date are still available, you can reinstate your application, and it will continue through the application process. 

Accept, Decline, or Drop an Offer

You may accept or decline offers received from Host institutions. It is important to respond to an offer within the time allotted to ensure the Host institution can prepare for your visit. 

It is possible to drop an accepted offer if circumstances no longer allow you to attend the elective opportunity. 

Complete Post-Decision Requirements

While you will submit some requirements with your application request, Host institutions may also require you to submit additional "post-decision" requirements if you accept an elective offer.

When applicable, the VSLO application service will guide you through the process of fulfilling and submitting these requirements for the Host institution to review. Some examples of post-decision requirements may include, but are not limited to, a copy of your passport, immunization records, or proof of HIPAA training. 

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For VSLO® Help or Inquiries

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET

202-478-9878
Find Participating Host Institutions

Find a complete listing of participating host institutions. 

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Find Participating Home Institutions

Find a complete listing of all participating home institutions. 

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Find Electives

Search for electives in the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) application service.

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VSLO Specialty Away Rotation Guidance

Search a list of specialties to learn about away rotation guidance that can help inform and support your away rotation decisions.

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Exploring the Visiting Scholars Resources Database

Explore our regularly updated list of academic, professional, and financial resources for students from institutions in various specialties and geographical regions.

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Resources for U.S. Rotations

Learn more about things to consider when applying for rotations in the U.S. through the VSLO application service.

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Seeking a Global Opportunity

Learn more about things to consider if you intend to seek a global opportunity.

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