Any risk of telling a school they’re my dream school at my interview?

[Med16484]

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I’m fortunate enough to receive an II from my dream school. I know if I’m going to tell them they’re my top choice/dream school then I’ll need points to back it up, but I think mine are valid. I went there for undergrad and have done research at the SOM throughout college which I hope to continue. I also have done a lot to serve the local underserved community which I hope to continue. I was wondering what you guys think about mentioning this to them during my interview?

 

[M&L]

there is nothing wrong about it. also, if you are serious about attending that school, you can send them letter of intent after the interview, which basically states that you WILL attend if accepted. But be serious about it though if you send it.

 

[Med16484]

there is nothing wrong about it. also, if you are serious about attending that school, you can send them letter of intent after the interview, which basically states that you WILL attend if accepted. But be serious about it though if you send it.

How early after my interview do you recommend I send that?

 

[M&L]

How early after my interview do you recommend I send that?

well, thats really up to you. But do understand that if you receive another interview and decide to matriculate in a different school after sending this school letter of intent, it is considered very unprofessional (even though legally not punishable).

 

[KnightDoc]

there is nothing wrong about it. also, if you are serious about attending that school, you can send them letter of intent after the interview, which basically states that you WILL attend if accepted. But be serious about it though if you send it.

If you know, can you comment on how feasible this is so early in the process, given that OP did not apply ED (i.e., how can you say this with a straight face, in September, and at the same time explain why you didn't apply ED if this is truly the case)?

Basically, I know why ED is in general not a good idea for most, but so is not sending letters of intent in September after one interview. Given that the letter is not binding, while ED would be, why would the school give such a letter any weight at all at this early stage? And, if it's not given any weight, does it help OP? And, if it doesn't help, is it a good idea to send? Thanks for any insight.

 

[Med16484]

If you know, can you comment on how feasible this is so early in the process, given that OP did not apply ED (i.e., how can you say this with a straight face, in September, and at the same time explain why you didn't apply ED if this is truly the case)?

Basically, I know why ED is in general not a good idea for most, but so is not sending letters of intent in September after one interview. Given that the letter is not binding, while ED would be, why would the school give such a letter any weight at all at this early stage? And, if it's not given any weight, does it help OP? And, if it doesn't help, is it a good idea to send? Thanks for any insight.

Interesting viewpoint. I’m interested what others think as well. I’ll just say that I didn’t apply ED because of the obvious risks associated with it. I’m actually surprised I received an II from them so early, I’m assuming the activities I stated previously help a lot because my stats fit them but aren’t over the top. Only thing I would add is that by going there for undergrad, I can make at least a bit more of informed decision than someone that has never seen the medical school before? Not sure though

 

[KnightDoc]

Interesting viewpoint. I’m interested what others think as well. I’ll just say that I didn’t apply ED because of the obvious risks associated with it. I’m actually surprised I received an II from them so early, I’m assuming the activities I stated previously help a lot because my stats fit them but aren’t over the top. Only thing I would add is that by going there for undergrad, I can make at least a bit more of informed decision than someone that has never seen the medical school before? Not sure though

Please don't get me wrong. I totally get why it's your #1 choice, and why it's smarter to apply to 43 schools and see what happens than to apply to one school, hold your breath and then have to scramble to get additional applications out in the middle of October if things don't work out. But, doing the latter is demonstrating commitment and intent. Sending a non-binding letter in the midst of the excitement after interviewing might be seen as disingenuous, in which case you'd be better off not sending it.

At this point, I think you are in a great position since you were called for an interview so early in the process. So, they already like you. If the interview goes well, you are in pretty good shape. If not, not. What is a non-binding letter in September going to add? Are you going to withdraw all your other applications as soon as you receive an A from them, without receiving FA information? If not, then you are doing the smart thing to act in your own best interest, and you shouldn't send the letter, because it won't be true now, because you don't know what all your options are.

During the interview, it's totally fine to express excitement about the opportunity, and all of the reasons you are a great fit for the school. But don't make commitments you do not have enough information at this point in time to keep. You risk appearing desperate, like telling someone you love them on the first date. It might end up being true, but you really can't know that so early, and you risk turning off the party hearing it, as flattering as you might think it is to hear.

 

[LizzyM]

Every Dean of Admissions in the country who has been on the job more than 12 months has been burned by letters of intent sent by applilcants who ended up going elsewhere. Therefore, they are taken with a grain of salt and will have little to no bearing on whether you get admitted. They might help you get off the waitlist in the spring but first you have to get on the waitlist and a letter won't help that process.

Frankly, I feel as if it is telling someone before a first blind date, "I am looking for a long term relationship with you and I hope you'll choose me." It is just a little weird. Be sincerely interested but don't come across as desperate.

 

[Goro]

I’m fortunate enough to receive an II from my dream school. I know if I’m going to tell them they’re my top choice/dream school then I’ll need points to back it up, but I think mine are valid. I went there for undergrad and have done research at the SOM throughout college which I hope to continue. I also have done a lot to serve the local underserved community which I hope to continue. I was wondering what you guys think about mentioning this to them during my interview?

Nothing wrong with saying that, but most schools will believe that someone saying this is lying, in the same vein of a gal at a bar hearing a guy say "but I'll still respect you in the morning!"

You at least have some more credible skin in the game.

“Dream schools are like dream girls: better in the abstract than reality”. –The exceptionally wise gyngyn