Emailing Top Choice Program

[sparklystu]

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Hello,

Hoping some of you could shed light on this idea, I've heard that when it comes to notifying your top choice program that you will be ranking them as number #1, it can be looked upon favorably to just let the PD know that via email. Is this something that is safe and appreciated? I know it probably won't make a huge difference but could it be detrimental in any way?

Also, do you just say, "I'm ranking it as #1" or "this is my top choice"? I'm wondering if its worth it and might help a little, or if I've done all that I can to show interest at this point.

Thanks in advance!

 

[seph29]

It is very unlikely to hurt your chances and depending on the program you are interested in, may be mildly beneficial. My program works hard to recruit applicants who will fit in and one way we can gauge that is by their level of interest in the program. That being said, the primary way we judge this is by how applicants conduct themselves on interview day and to a lesser extent during the pre-interview dinners. I've never been involved in making the ROL before, but I would guess that post interview emails saying you like the program are nice but unlikely to significantly affect your application.

Either way though, if you are going to send an email I would do it soon. Programs will likely be finalizing their rank order list in the next few weeks.