Medical College

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Submit An Application

  1. Who is eligible to apply for electives? To be eligible, domestic visiting students must meet the following criteria:
    • Be currently enrolled and in good standing at an accredited MD or DO degree-granting institution in the United States;
    • Complete all clerkships required by the home school, and be in the final phase of the curriculum by the time they start in the elective;
    • Be covered by malpractice or liability insurance during the term of the elective; and,
    • Have personal health insurance coverage.
  2. When does the VSLO application open for Domestic students? Please click our name in VSLO to go to our site page where more details are listed.
  3. When does the VSLO application open for International students? Please check in VSLO closer to April 15. 
  4. What is the deadline for applications? Eligible visiting students must submit their applications in VSLO at least 60 days prior to the start date. There are no exceptions, because VSLO automatically closes out applications at the 60-day deadline.
  5. What is required to submit an application? Varies; please see current requirements in VSLO.
  6. 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. 
  7. What fees are associated with electives? In addition to any VSLO-associated fees, accepted 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.
  8. Can I setup an independent rotation outside of VSLO? No, applicants may only select from the courses/blocks listed in VSLO. 
  9. 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 preferred 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? The AAMC Standard Immunization form will be accepted in the 25-26 cycle with slight modifications. Please read the requirement folder in VSLO.
  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.

After Your Offer is Confirmed in VSLO

  1. When will I receive reporting instructions? Orientation emails will be distributed via VSLO when your offer is confirmed. These emails go to the email listed in your VSLO application and include reporting, EMR, attire/scrubs, and evaluation information.  

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.