Night Before Necessary?

I plan on attending all of the night-before events that I can. However, I'm starting to run into the problem of one interview ending on the same day as a night before event.

So, my question I pose to you all is]

I would say it depends on the program. It's safer to contact the programs and let them know you are having scheduling conflicts. I know for one of my interviews the night before is mandatory and for another, attendance is just suggested.

I would second that. They all know that we are interviewing at multiple places and that a lot of the dates overlap. Especially for the ones where the night before isn't mandatory, I would tend to do what tkep advised, call to let them know, but just do your best

Plus, you have to play the numbers...~ 10 people interview for each spot..

Very few are required.
And yes, most of the programs understand.

Also, if you're tired and annoyed, you're not going to put up a good show when they do their night before event.

It's better to present your strongest front during the only time you're there versus doing it half ass at one of them.. People remember these things..and yes, the residents are asked their opinion..it's usually a negative thing.

At the program I matched at, I did not go to the night before event. I was tired, and drove 5 hours to get there, only to be late.. I decided it was best for me not to show up.

The next day I was well rested, and rocked the interview..and they loved me (harr harr)
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No good answer.

The night before is always the best way to get the honest opinion of residents while they've got EtOH in the system. Attendings are still evaluating you when they meet you at these informal events. If you make a good first impression, it helps.

That said, we're reasonable and know that there are scheduling conflicts and you can't place all your eggs into one basket. We also know that if you really wanted to come to our program, you'd make the effort.
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Get to as many as you can, and the ones you can't make, you can't make. Simple as that.

We understand that you may have scheduling conflicts, but coming out and being a cool person can definitely make a big impact when we make the rank list. More than a few people have ended up matching based primarily on their performance the night before, and vice versa.

The only reason I'm going to miss any of these is because I have an interview the same day as the night-before event that is won't allow me to make it. With that said, don't you think that your chances of matching SOMEWHERE are better if you're able to make one more interview rather than skipping an interview to make a good impression at the social?

Thank does make sense. I would make another interview for a night before.
Unles this is your #1 choice. Then I would rather make it to the night before.

Shortly after you and I posted I was faced with the decision to interview at an additional program vs attending the night-before event at a program that will likely be very high on my list, if not #1 (I rotated there and loved it). I'm pretty sure I'm going to cancel the other interview so I can make the night-before event at the other place haha. But I do have 5 interviews lined up in a row one busy week in January where I'll be missing all but two social events.