Late Interview Invitations/Resident Dinners

[kkumar99]

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I had a couple questions for those from the interviewer side:

1. How much are late interview invitations really worth in terms of chances for acceptance? I know there are always stories about people who matched at a late interview program, but is this a rare occurence? Would it be worth giving up an early interview at a program for a late one that you are more interested in?

2. How much do residency dinners matter? I know the standard response is they are not really optional, but with back to back interviews, especially with late ones, it's hard to attend them. If it is a late interview invititation are you almost obligated to go to make the trip worthwhile (ie you have to impress them more??)

Any help from those on the other side would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jokestr]

I haven't been on the interviewer side, but last year I matched at a program that only offered me an interview after someone else had canceled. I had no other relationship with the program, but was very interested in it. I clearly was not first on their list pre-interview, and probably not post interview. But, I matched with them. Obviously, I moved high enough up their list just from the interview to match with them, and I'm very happy I did. So I wouldn't count out places that offer you a late interview spot. But, I think every program is a little different on how much weight they give the interview day. I happened to have the interview day open that they offered, so if you have to decide between two programs, I can't offer any advice. But, know that people offered late interviews can definitely match. Good luck

 

[kkumar99]

I haven't been on the interviewer side, but last year I matched at a program that only offered me an interview after someone else had canceled. I had no other relationship with the program, but was very interested in it. I clearly was not first on their list pre-interview, and probably not post interview. But, I matched with them. Obviously, I moved high enough up their list just from the interview to match with them, and I'm very happy I did. So I wouldn't count out places that offer you a late interview spot. But, I think every program is a little different on how much weight they give the interview day. I happened to have the interview day open that they offered, so if you have to decide between two programs, I can't offer any advice. But, know that people offered late interviews can definitely match. Good luck

thanks for the input🙂

 

[OMD]

As for the dinners the night before, I would recommend going to as many as you can, especially if you are interested in the program or don't know much about the place. They affected my rankings of programs. There were several places where I just didn't see myself fitting in after struggling through conversations at the dinners. Other places moved up b/c I really enjoyed the residents. At the end of the day, I think this is more important than call schedule, book fund, and other questions you will ask but the answers will run together at the different programs but the overall feel you have will stick with you. Also, the dinners can help you as an applicant if you are more marginal at the program if any of the residents have any say in the ranking process after interviews are over. Depending on the program, attendings will listen to the residents b/c they have gotten to know them in a more casual setting. Obviously, not every program is like this but you'll never know beforehand. Bottom line, the dinners can be helpful for you on 2 fronts-your decision and letting them get to know you beyond paper.

 

[xaelia]

Nothing makes me want to shoot myself in the head more than the thought of a pre-interview dinner with the residents where the other twenty interviewees are all trying to impress the residents.

I'm just trying to get back some of my interview costs in free food (and wine!).

 

[OMD]

The thing is, trying to impress residents is usually pretty obvious. Sure, the dinners can be painful at times, especially when you don't click, but being a normal person is a whole lot more desirable than somebody who is trying to impress.

 

[Wolverine98]

The thing is, trying to impress residents is usually pretty obvious. Sure, the dinners can be painful at times, especially when you don't click, but being a normal person is a whole lot more desirable than somebody who is trying to impress.

I agree. The point is to give interviewees a chance to interact with residents away from any oversight so you can get "honest" answers, and also for residents to see how you act away from the interview setting. In our program, the residents are pretty good at telling who acted like a human being at dinner, and who acted like they were at a formal interview.

Dave

 

[kulkarka]

Nothing makes me want to shoot myself in the head more than the thought of a pre-interview dinner with the residents where the other twenty interviewees are all trying to impress the residents.

I never saw these dinners as a time to impress the residents. I was under the impression that at most places, the residents have absolutely no say whatsoever in how that program ranks you. Any thoughts?

 

[DrEyeBall]

I think it is safe to say that it is hard to "stand out" in this situation. Outstanding 'good guy" reviews from residents during a dinner are not likely to move you up a list too far.

However, a negative review is very hurtful. It is too easy to move down a possible "problem" candidate with so many other good people available.

Be yourself.

 

[rubensan]

I never saw these dinners as a time to impress the residents. I was under the impression that at most places, the residents have absolutely no say whatsoever in how that program ranks you. Any thoughts?

oh, we may not make the rank list, but department chairs and PDs always want to know of any "problem applicants." i agree with the preceeding post; be yourself.

 

[Wolverine98]

I never saw these dinners as a time to impress the residents. I was under the impression that at most places, the residents have absolutely no say whatsoever in how that program ranks you. Any thoughts?

At our program, the residents who interview have a vote that counts equal to staff votes. Of course, PD and department chair can veto anyone's vote, but they generally don't.

I agree with DrEyeBall that a negative review, especially if you do something really dumb (like getting blasted and hitting on a resident's wife, or something like that), can plummet you on a rank list.

Dave

 

[DrEyeBall]

There are many good people applying. That means that if there is the slightest concern that someone could be a problem resident, they may get dropped off the list completely. The next guy on the list will be just as good, or close to it.

It amazes me some of the dumb things people will do or say. This includes how you speak to the department secretary. you would be surprised how much of a say he/she has!

 

[RetFellow]

I never saw these dinners as a time to impress the residents. I was under the impression that at most places, the residents have absolutely no say whatsoever in how that program ranks you. Any thoughts?

As the other posters above, existing residents have tons of pull. At my program in particular, in addition to the 1st years and chief residents actually having a vote, ALL the other residents sit in on the rank list meeting. We really want to make sure a potential candidate will be a team player. So any applicant who is recklessly arrogant or disagreeable, regardless of their academic credentials, is gone.

 

[Wolverine98]

The other thing that I forgot to mention is that you shouldn't think that these dinners can only hurt you. Some people really just don't interview well. They get nervous and stiff, and it's clear that none of the personality is showing through. Sometimes it happens that the people at the dinner say that the person was really loose and easy to talk to, etc. That information can temper the damage from a bad interview.

Dave

 

[scpichu888]

does anyone know how late invitations are possible?
i mean, can you theoretically get an invite anytime before having to submit the rank list?

 

[Wolverine98]

does anyone know how late invitations are possible?
i mean, can you theoretically get an invite anytime before having to submit the rank list?

Yes, the year I applied, I received an invite on the 21st or 22nd of December.

Dave

 

[Jokestr]

I also received a late invite. It was for a program that was geographically close to me and the interview was 2 days after the day they called me. They had some last minute drop outs and were trying to fill their slots with people close to the program that might have the flexibility to do an interview on short notice.

 

[Mustafa]

Just received one yesterday as well!

 

[scpichu888]

Yes, the year I applied, I received an invite on the 21st or 22nd of December.

Dave

thanks for info!
i can't believe there are still invites going out, but i guess this year is also off bc of sfmatch anyway.

 

[4424]

yup...got 1 today due to a cancellation. i'll take it!