Is the optional social really optional?

[Condylotomy]

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Got interviews to two residency programs, both of which I am highly interested in.

Program 1 has an interview on a hypothetical Thursday.
Program 2 has an interview on Friday with an optional social Thursday night.

Program 1 is too far to fly and make the social for Program 2 on Thursday night.

How bad of a look will it be if I miss the social? I know programs say it’s “optional” but I’ve always thought those that skipped are generally not taken seriously.

 

[LFA20]

I couldn't make it to the optional social since my flight was delayed. Didn't get in so there you go...

 

[702]

No

 

[charlestweed]

Why don't you call the program and ask them?

I faced a similar dilema. I called the program (Montefiore) and the secretary told me that it was mandatory......she said it's a 2-day event. So I had to cancel the interview because it was on the same interview day with another program (Louisville). I later got accepted to Louisville.

 

[veryhappylabrador]

Counterpoint: the only school whose social I missed due to an interview at another school was the school I go to now.

 

[stealyoface]

At my program it’s optional. However it’s a really great opportunity to get to know residents and potentially get them to vouch for you

 

[Txmaxface]

Should words be used in accordance with their definitions?