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.