Hey guys,
I was just wondering if anyone out there could give me a feel for these @#$%tail parties that some of the programs offer either the night of or night before the interview. I would think that they would play a fairly large role in allowing those who attend to determine whether or not you "fit" into their program. I mean, my impression of the interview process is that they are supposed to figure out which applicants they would want to hang out with for the next five years (especially the residents, who seem to have a decent amount of pull at most places.) I would think that the @#$%tail party would be the best place for them to make that decision. So my question is how much did past applicants feel like they were "under the gun" during these events, and also, how did the programs take it if you couldn't make it because you had to travel to another interview?
Any input would be helpful because as it is, I don't think I'll be able to make a couple of these due to traveling conflicts, and I'm a bit concerned that it will negatively impact my chances of matching at those places.
