ADVICE: Picking aways

Hi all, current MS3.. I understand the importance of picking aways as they can really make or break an applicant that isn't as competitive. Just wondering how do you go about doing this as you don't know the screening criteria for various programs? Some people have said that doing away rotations at institutions drop their cutoff scores. I have also heard that expressing interest in a 6-year research residency will allow lee-way with scores. Can anybody attest to this?

S1: 238
AOA: No
S2: N/A
Research: 2 pubs, ~15 abstracts all in ortho

Thank you!

I would personally tier your aways in such a way you have 1-2 safety programs and 1-2 reach programs. I think doing well on an away rotation at a 'safety' program will go a lot farther towards a successful match over doing many aways at highly competetive places. IMHO the point of an away is to lock up a spot anywhere, so you don't have to scramble into another field.

Don't show interest in a 6year prog if you don't want to do that.