To be there or not to be there
So now I’m worried about running in to a new dilemma. While I by no way want to complain about having some offers and having to go through the process of booking flight, cars, hotels and all that, it does make you wonder sometimes. One problem
I hope to avoid is having to miss a resident dinner the night before or after the day of interviews. If you do miss it is it a death sentence? I am guessing to the residents and faculty that takes their time to go to the dinner/pub function it is really important part of getting to know the applicants. And I would agree if I was in their shoes. But what if push comes to shove and in order to make another programs interview day you have to leave before or get in late and are forced to miss the gathering. If not a death sentence does it put you at a disadvantage? Should I maybe consider not going to another interview if it means I miss the dinner function at a program, especially one high on my list?
Also as a side note, I have counted that 41 programs have given at least one round of invites for interviews. I think there are about 115 programs (AUA programs) listed on UM. So that means there are 74 programs we are yet to here from (or 64% of them). Considering that I imagine most will try to get offer out by mid October, that means we should expect to hear from almost 5 programs a day up to Oct. 15th! That means have the inbox on automatic refresh mode for the next two weeks. It also means you will likely have to start thinking about not booking your interviews on the same day or too close. So take a look at the Master Calendar and do some mental planning of where you have some definite open spots. Should be exciting/panicky/aggravating. As T.O. would say, “Get your popcorn ready”.
Night before resident dinners are just that. Dinners. Programs set them up so that we as residents can meet you as potential residents. We're just there to hang out with you in an informal setting without any pressure. We're all low key and just want a free meal on the boss and throw back a few drinks. We're there for you all to ask questions that you normally would not ask at a formal interview or to an attending. Really, it's a win-win situation for you and the residents. So be yourself, and don't be a overbearing question asking jerk. That's all I can say after going to many of these over the last 5 years as a resident.