Are LOI's really going to make a difference at this point?

[sunsweet]

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Even though many schools interview till feb/march, it doesn't seem like LOI/update letters are going to make a difference at this point, especially since I've been complete since august. Most schools probably already reviewed my file even though I haven't heard back from them. Even if I send an update letter and they put it in my file, its not going to make them re-review my file just because of the letter, right?

also, I just read a post about emailing LOIs - it seems more professional to do it by snail mail, but is it better to email since it would be faster/more efficient?

 

[davidus]

Sunsweet, I think snail mail is a must for updates/LOIs. This is because you want them to put something in your physical file. Who knows what happens when you send an email. They may never read it (as I believe many of my emails have been ignored), and even if they do, they may not make any permanent note to remind anyone reviewing your physical application in the future.

If you really want it sent fast, do it FedEx Next Day.

 

[sunsweet]

Sunsweet, I think snail mail is a must for updates/LOIs. This is because you want them to put something in your physical file. Who knows what happens when you send an email. They may never read it (as I believe many of my emails have been ignored), and even if they do, they may not make any permanent note to remind anyone reviewing your physical application in the future.

If you really want it sent fast, do it FedEx Next Day.

yeah, I guess snail mail is better, but it just seems so futile at this point. I called a few schools and it seemed like if they already reviewed my file, the update letter probably wouldn't make a difference.

 

[Haybrant]

i faxed in

 

[DrYo12]

yeah, I guess snail mail is better, but it just seems so futile at this point. I called a few schools and it seemed like if they already reviewed my file, the update letter probably wouldn't make a difference.

There's really no disadvantage to sending in a letter of interest. While it may or may not change your status there, there's nothing lost from just sending it in. I have heard stories of people who are on the cusp of being invited, and the letter is just enough to show that you are interested. They physically put the letter in your file, and yes, if your file has changed, they are usually inclined to review it again. If you did well this last semester, I'd also encourage you to send a transcript.

 

[CarleneM]

At certain schools (tufts and umass the adminstrative person told the group on interview day we could email her any updates (cv'x, letter of intent, etc) and she would add it to our file. That was the procedure they mentioned and encouraged so I went with it. If anyone wants these email addresses, pm me. Otherwise, I have mailed them to other schools via snail mail since it does seem more professional.

 

[sunsweet]

thanks for all the info. I will just mail them in and maybe fax them too. I was just feeling like it was kind of hopeless, but you're right, it definitely won't hurt and maybe I'll get lucky!

 

[Bap2qwrq7]

thanks for all the info. I will just mail them in and maybe fax them too. I was just feeling like it was kind of hopeless, but you're right, it definitely won't hurt and maybe I'll get lucky!

You should definetly send letter's of interest to schools. With so many people applying, there is going to be a large number of people with stats similar to yours and probably better. You need to give the admissions committee a reason for wanting you and I really think by sending letters you can show some sincere interest to the school.

 

[Sarikate]

My dad seems to think the ADCOMS think LOIs are a bunch of baloney and they just "throw them in the trash." He was a professor at a med school, but I don't think he's sat on any admissions committees...so maybe he has no clue.

 

[indo]

You have to send LOIs in order to remain on par with the rest of the applicant population.

 

[rachmoninov3]

LOIs might still make a difference depending on the school. Some schools don't let people know until a certain date, say march in order to make sure they have the best applicants, and not just the ones who applied early. So I would send one.

 

[percykat77]

do you think it would be better to wait until i know my file has been reviewed already by the adcom? i interviewed at my top choice school last week, and my current research supervisor (since 4 months ago when i already had my other LORs written and sent) offered to write me a letter, so i thought of having him send one IF i got notified that my file was still under review. i feel relatively confident that i won't get flat out rejected from this school (although nervous hearing myself say that), so that was my plan if they decide to keep my file "under review" rather than offering me a spot. but i guess i could have him go ahead and write/send it... what do y'all think?