Does anybody have an idea about if and how past failed applications to residency affect an applicant when applying again??? Any opinion is appreciated!!

Yes, it makes it harder. Everyone assumes something most be wrong with you since you failed to match the first time around. You must prove that it was merely bad luck by working hard during this year to get ortho people that will support you.

*nod* I agree with the above.

calvinNHobbes and I both have something severely wrong with ourselves, or at least, that's what they thought...

Every single interview that I went on.. someone asked 'so why do you think you didn't match?' So immediately, they think, there must be something wrong...sometimes they outright won't believe you when you give your prefab BS answer..and I say prefab, BS, because 1. you prepare it, and you had better prepare it, and 2. it's BS, because you really don't know.

2nd time around is rough.
3rd time (I'd imagine) is really rough, because now you can't play the fluke card.

The only reasonably acceptable answer for 3rd and 4th time, etc. is someone who is an FMG. Those guys have it rough.. and the more times they apply, the more it strengthens their application, at least, in my opinion