Medical College

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated November 11, 2025.

Before You Submit An Application

  1. Who is eligible to apply for electives? Weill Cornell accepts both domestic and international students from MD and DO schools. All applications must be submitted in VSLO. Eligible international partner schools will receive separate instructions from IMSE on how to apply. If your school does not participate in VSLO, we unfortunately cannot assist with your application at this time.
  2. When does the VSLO application open? Please click our name in VSLO to go to our site page where more details are listed. Typically, the application opens in mid-March each year.
  3. What is the deadline for applications? Applications must be submitted in VSLO at least 60 days prior to the start date. 
  4. What is required to submit an application? Varies; please see current requirements in VSLO.
  5. Can you confirm availability? No, Weill Cornell does not share availability in advance, as our enrollments constantly change. You will be considered for each application you submit. 
  6. What fees are associated with electives? In addition to any VSLO-associated fees, domestic students are required to pay a $100 non-refundable tuition fee per semester of enrollment. For example, if a student is enrolled for both Fall and Spring semesters, the total charge will be $200. If the student only enrolls for electives in one semester, the total charge will be $100 regardles of how many electives are taken within that semester. International students: Please see requirements in VSLO.
  7. Can I create an independent rotation outside of VSLO? No, applicants may only select from the courses/blocks listed in VSLO. 
  8. Can I modify the dates that are listed in VSLO? No, applicants may only select from the courses/blocks listed in VSLO.  

After You Submit an Application

  1. When should I expect a decision? All decisions are made at least 5-6 weeks in advance, but visiting students generally hear sooner than this. Please do not email our office to inquire about a decision; all applications will receive a decision based on this timeline.
  2. Can you confirm you received my application? VSLO sends a confirmation email for every application you submit. 
  3. Can I submit supplemental files? No, applicants can only submit what is required in VSLO. We do not email/forward supplemental files outside of VSLO.

After You Receive a Decision

  1. I didn't receive my top choice; can I be waitlisted? No, visiting students are not waitlisted for electives. You can accept an offer and drop it later; however, remember that holding a spot you do not intend to keep prevents the department from scheduling a student who can commit.
  2. Can I modify the dates of my rotation? No, applicants may only select from the courses/blocks listed in VSLO.
  3. What post-acceptance requirements must I submit in VSLO? Post-acceptance files are listed in VSLO.
  4. When are post-acceptance requirements due? All files are due in VSLO at least 30 days before your start date. Though rare, WCM may revoke an offer if a student misses this deadline and does not communicate about any difficulties associated with the post-acceptance requirements. The Office of the Registrar will work with students on this deadline if they have technical or administrative problems.
  5. Do you accept the AAMC Immunization Form? Yes, Weill Cornell uses the AAMC Standard Immunization form. However, please note there are additional requirements: 1. Physical date on page 2 is required (must be < 12 months prior to start date); 2. Labs for Hep B must be attached; 3. Labs for QuantiFeron or T-Spot must be attached (and < 12 months prior to start date); and 4. COVID documentation must be attached (card or immunization history will suffice). 
  6. Does Weill Cornell offer housing? We generally point visiting students to the Weill Cornell Housing Office directly to inquire about on- and off-campus housing options at (212) 746-1001 or housing@med.cornell.edu. They have more information on their website at http://www.med.cornell.edu/housing. Additional third-party resources may be available for medical students by searching the web.
  7. My school needs information about my elective (faculty/staff info, etc.); where do I find that? Once you receive a CWID and activate it, you can access OASIS using Option 1: https://cornell.oasisscheduling.com/. Contact and course information is posted to your Schedule tab. Clicking the title of the course in OASIS will also open up its catalog description, etc.

After Your Offer is Confirmed in VSLO

  1. When will I receive reporting instructions? Students do not get orientation info until they have satisfied requirements in VSLO. The orientation email is sent to the address on file in VSLO once Registrar staff have cleared the application. These emails go to the email listed in your VSLO application and include reporting, EMR, attire/scrubs, and evaluation information. It is imperative that students keep their VSLO email up-to-date.
  2. Are there any additional onboarding requirements after I'm confirmed? Yes, you will be required to complete trainings related to Epic and NYP hospital systems. Please do not attempt to coordinate this access on your own.

After Your Rotation

  1. How do I receive an evaluation/grade? All evaluations are submitted via OASIS. Students may log in after their rotation to download a copy, or universities may request a copy by emailing electives@med.cornell.edu. WCM faculty are not obliged to complete forms outside of OASIS.