Please direct all application questions to [email protected] and do not contact the departments directly.

When do elective rotations begin? How long are rotations?

Rotations begin in May. Please see the Visiting Student Elective Course Guide and VSLO Elective Catalog for exact dates. The duration of an elective at Sidney Kimmel Medical College is four weeks. We do not offer two-week rotations. Students must adhere to the dates of the academic calendar.

When should I apply?

Students may begin applying in late February. Please note that decisions will not be released until late March, after the clinical scheduling of currently enrolled students has taken place.

Am I eligible to apply for more than one rotation?

Yes, students are eligible to apply for more than one rotation.

What are the USMLE score requirements?

Students must obtain a passing score on the USMLE Step 1 Exam prior to being accepted for a Visiting Student rotation. Please visit the USMLE website for further information.

Is there a waiver for the USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 Exams?

We do not offer a waiver for these exams. Students must have a passing score prior to applying for a rotation. Licensing exams from other countries are not accepted in their place. 

How many students apply? How many are accepted?

The number of students that apply varies from year to year. The number of students accepted is based on availability.

Can I switch an elective if my schedule changes?

Yes; however, electives are based on availability and we cannot guarantee that certain dates/specialties will be available. 

What is the process for canceling an elective if I have already been accepted?

Domestic Students—cancel your elective in VSLO. You must also send an email to [email protected]. Please be sure to include the department, course, and elective dates that you are canceling. 

International Students—contact [email protected] to cancel your elective.

Is it possible to defer my acceptance?

No, we do not offer deferments.

What fees are required?

Domestic Students—applications are submitted through VSLO; therefore, the VSLO fee applies, but no other fees are collected.

International Students—course fees are waived for students in approved programs. Fees are subject to change.

How do I obtain malpractice insurance?

Please review the requirements as indicated within your elective application and contact your insurance provider within your designated country. Please note that the insurance purchased must correspond with the dates on the elective application if accepted.

What is the application timeline?

Students must send in a completed application at least eight weeks prior to the start of the block. Decisions will be made at least six weeks before the start of the rotation. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the department.

When do I need to accept an offer by?

Once students receive an offer of acceptance for a visiting student rotation, they must accept the offer within 7 days before it is rescinded.

I've spoken to a faculty member/department coordinator who has already accepted me for an elective. What do I need to do next?

Prior communication with a faculty member or department coordinator does not guarantee acceptance for an elective. Offers of acceptance can only be extended by the Registrar's Office in conjunction with the course director after a completed application is received. Please direct all application questions to [email protected] and do not contact the departments directly.

When will I hear about my application?

Please check your application status in VSLO.

We are unable to provide specific details regarding when a decision will be reached on your application. Typically, decisions are given for May rotations beginning in March, and within 2–3 weeks of an application's submission thereafter. When the application opens, there is a high volume to process and responses may not be received for 4–6 weeks.

Can you tell me if space is available for an elective before I apply?

The clinical department, not the Registrar's Office, determines availability for clinical rotations. Availability changes daily, as both our students and Visiting Students register for rotations. Space availability will be determined by the clinical department when reviewing completed applications through VSLO. Please do not contact the departments directly to ask about availability.