Are the pre-interview dinners worth it?

[IJL]

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I guess I'm planning on going to as many as possible, some I'll probably have to miss just because of traveling conflicts.

Really the only thing I've heard about them is not to get drunk. Any other advice?

 

[dude1344]

I interviewed last year. For me, this was the most important part of the interview experience. It told me much more about the program than the formal interview schedule the next day. Residents more relaxed, people having a good time, you can really get a feel for the culture of the program and how the residents really feel about the program. Good food, alcohol (though not too much of it), and good conversation - all on the house, what more can you ask for?

Regarding alcohol, I'm in the camp that you should have a drink or two and enjoy yourself, but definitely don't get drunk. I know some people advocate not drinking at all, but I plan on attending dinners in the future, and I know it'll help if I see an applicant who can have a couple drinks, be themselves, make good convo, and just all around seem like a person I'd like to have around.

My 0.02

 

[dude1344]

double

 

[Trastuz]

Agree with the above poster. For me, the dinners were >= the interview itself. People would often ask if we made it to the dinner. I always felt awkward for the interviewees that hadn't gone.

I didn't drink at the dinners. I don't think it made any difference. IMO, no alcohol is ok, too much alcohol is not ok.

My advice: relax (but not too much), enjoy the dinner and the company, be courteous and friendly, ask about anything that interests you - including stuff unrelated to radiology and the program - and don't wear a tie. If things feel right, make a mental note. Or put it in your spreadsheet if you're one of those people.

 

[deleted103644]

The answer is: unless you would miss another interview (of equal or greater value) to make it, go to the dinner.

They make some allowances for people traveling from far away too, but if you're serious about the program, you should go.

Many program directors are looking for interest in their program almost as much as anything else, so any sign that you are not 100% interested can hurt your chances.

 

[qxrt]

No matter what you hear on the trail, pre-interview dinners are more about programs evaluating you than about you evaluating the program. If it's a program that you're very interested in, then make it to the dinner. It's not about whether you think it's worth it or you feel like it; it's about whether you want the program to take you seriously as an applicant. Sure, some programs might not use the dinner to evaluate candidates, but there are too many that do to really make the risk of not going to be worthwhile.

 

[Doctor D]

The chief residents have a lot to say in the admissions process. They often go to the dinners so be aware of this. At the interview dinner at Baylor I think the PD shows up. This is not the norm though.

 

[ar2388]

i think they are important and if you miss one, then you should have a pretty good reason for it.
they are also fun. dont get drunk.. unless you have no intention of going to that program (i er.. closed out one of the places on one interview. i knew i would be ranking them last and only bc i was too afraid of not matching anywhere did i rank them at all).