how effective are loi's?

[jmillski]

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hey guys- to all those on this board who are experienced waitlisters- exactly how effective are letters of intent? I wonder what their acceptance percentages are. i bet a few people are curious about this

 

[TexasPhysician]

Being honest, I can't see how they are effective at all. Schools should already have their waitlists ready in order of which students they want to accept next. Some schools say they don't rank their waitlist, but I don't believe it. Who knows, maybe they DO pull names out of a hat from the waitlist.

Either way, I don't see a LOI doing anything.

 

[Law2Doc]

hey guys- to all those on this board who are experienced waitlisters- exactly how effective are letters of intent? I wonder what their acceptance percentages are. i bet a few people are curious about this

I've met a couple of deans who say that when someone is toward the top of the waitlist list, a sincere indication that they really want to attend will weigh in their favor. Schools probably do want folks who want to be there and be happy there, because happy med students don't complain about as much, so it's win win. But again, this is only at some schools, and only for folks who are basically toward the top of the list -- on the bubble. Someone low on the waitlist isn't going to jump to the top due to a nice loi, but he may leapfrog over someone else equally regarded.