What’s New for the 2027 VSLO® Application Season

The AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO^®) program is entering its next chapter, with exciting enhancements designed to make away rotations easier to discover, manage, and navigate.

Built on user feedback, the new VSLO system will introduce greater flexibility for Home and Host institutions through streamlined requirements and new tools that support a more efficient application review process. Students will gain earlier access to opportunities, helping them explore options sooner and plan their away rotations with confidence.

Greater transparency. Increased flexibility. Simplified workflows. That's the power of the new VSLO experience.
 

The new VSLO platform reflects extensive user feedback and how students and institutions work with VSLO. Streamlined workflows give Home and Host institutions greater flexibility and efficiency, while earlier access to opportunities helps students explore options and plan with confidence. Get a first look at the benefits designed to make the VSLO experience even better for you. 

Looking for more information about the 2027 application season or the new platform? These FAQs will be updated regularly.

What resources and training will be available to help me prepare? 
The Training for Institutions page includes a comprehensive set of 2027 cycle training resources, including job aids, webinars, and training opportunities. The page will be updated regularly to help you prepare for the 2027 cycle. 

October: 2027 Season Preview webinars, job aids, and Office Hours.
November: Office Hours, short how-to videos.
December: 2027 Season Opening webinars and Office Hours.
January: In-depth training webinars and Office Hours.

Can users access the VSLO system during the system transition in December?
No. To enable a complete data transfer, users will not be able to access the VSLO system during the system transition starting on Dec. 14 at 8:00 a.m. ET. The transition was strategically scheduled during a period of low activity to minimize disruption and make the move to the new system as smooth as possible.

Host institutions will be able to access the VSLO system in early January to prepare their catalogs and review any in-progress applications. Home institutions and students will be able to access the VSLO system in mid-January to work with in-progress applicants, invite new students, and work on new applications.

Will Host institution data be transferred?
Yes. Your Host institution's existing data will migrate from the current VSLO platform to the new platform. This includes institution information, catalogs and electives, five years of application records, and existing configurations.

What will happen to my institution's existing requirements in the new VSLO platform?
Existing institution-level requirements will migrate to the new VSLO platform and become part of your Catalog Requirements, providing a more centralized way to organize and maintain requirements for your electives.

Will Home institution data be transferred?
Yes. Your Home institution's existing data will migrate from the current VSLO platform to the new platform. This includes institution information, verification questions, five years of student records (including your student roster), and application data (including applications in your workflow) from January 2022 onward.

What if my institution needs more than 5 years of data?
If your institution needs to retain data from before Jan. 1, 2022, archive it prior to the system closure on December 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Pre-Jan. 1, 2022 data will not be available in the new platform.

When will institution users gain access to the VSLO system?
VSLO access will open in phases based on user type. Host institution users will gain access in early January, and Home institution users and students will gain access a few weeks later. Please review the Key Milestones above for more details on timing.

As a Host institution, can I make offers in January?
Yes, but remember that students will not be able to access the system until mid-January. We recommend that you wait to make offers until closer to mid-January, so that offers do not expire before students enter the system. 

Why will VSLO applications open in February?
The February application date was designed to separate the exploration and application phases. Students will have access to elective information in advance, allowing them to review opportunities, understand requirements, and work with their advisors before applications open. 

Rather than encouraging a rush to apply as soon as opportunities appear, this approach creates dedicated time for planning and helps provide a more consistent and equitable experience for all applicants.

How much are student application fees for the 2027 VSLO application season?
The VSLO student application fee will change from $15 to $18 for each elective when the 2027 season opens in February. This is the first increase since 2021. There are no other changes to the structure of student fees. 

Are there plans to adjust institution fees?
Institution fee adjustments will be reviewed and considered in future seasons, providing us time to thoroughly evaluate community needs and feedback. If the institutional fee structure changes, we will communicate that well in advance of the 2028 season to ensure you have sufficient notice for fiscal year planning.

How should Host institutions manage applications before the system transition?
Host institutions are encouraged to review time-sensitive applications and address pending decisions and responses before the VSLO system closes on December 14, 2026, particularly for rotations scheduled during the transition period.

Host institutions needing to communicate with students or Home institutions during the system closure should save important rotation details, offer information, deadlines, and key contact information outside of VSLO to support continued coordination. 

Can I invite my M3 students to the system now?
Yes. Home institutions can invite students now to familiarize themselves with the VSLO system and begin uploading documents based on institution guidance. Once students gain access in mid-January 2027, they will be able to explore the full range of electives. 

Can I as a Host institution create my catalog before January 2027?
Yes, but we recommend you wait until January so you can take advantage of a more efficient process and the new “Visible” elective feature. If you choose to create your catalog prior to January, then remember to keep it in the Inactive status.