How to write additional letters to admissions staff?

[slumber111]

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So I'm really interested in going to this one school, and I've finished the secondary for that school. I really want the admissions committee to know that it's my top school though. Should I just type up a letter professing my interest in the school of medicine and send it to the school (and just include my name and AAMC ID?). Also, any ideas on what to write on the letter?

Do you think it can hurt me if I tell the school again that it is my top school after I mentioned it in the secondary?

Any info would be great. Thank you guys! 🙂

 

[MassTransport]

Sure, a letter of interest is fine, although it might not be very effective since you've already mentioned that you're very interested in the school via its secondary. You might want to call the office and ask if they prefer either e-mail or snail mail for letters.

As to what to write in the letter, the clear answer is why you want to come to the school. Do you have ties? Any particular aspect of the school that you find especially appealing? Anything about yourself that you think fits well with the school mission?

 

[slumber111]

Hmm... would it be fine to put in more personal stuff on the letter of interest then? I mean, the reason why I'm particularly interested in going to this school is because of its location (close to my family and friends) and I just LOVE the school (always been my top school).
Oh and should I just address the letter to the "admissions committee" and put my AAMC ID in the end?

Anyone sent one of these "extra" letters before?

 

[MassTransport]

Sure, you love the school, but why? Proximity to family and friends are good reasons. You can also get away with To Whom It May Concern. You can put your AAMC ID anywhere, but be sure it's there. They're probably just going to slip it into your file.

 

[ADeadLois]

So I'm really interested in going to this one school, and I've finished the secondary for that school. I really want the admissions committee to know that it's my top school though. Should I just type up a letter professing my interest in the school of medicine and send it to the school (and just include my name and AAMC ID?). Also, any ideas on what to write on the letter?

Do you think it can hurt me if I tell the school again that it is my top school after I mentioned it in the secondary?

Any info would be great. Thank you guys! 🙂

Writing a letter of interest at this point in the cycle won't really help much. Med schools work under the assumption that everyone really wants to go their school. Your reasons (namely, location) aren't compelling enough for a school to give you any special treatment at this point.

My suggestion would be to weave as much of your desire into your secondary. Then, if they offer you an interview, send this letter post-interview when it will likely be more effective.

 

[BigRedPremed]

I agree. LOI should be sent post-interview.

 

[medguy83]

You should mail a letter to the adcom if something substantial has occurred post-secondary (i.e. you gained a new research position, changed your phone number, etc). Sending out a LOI now wouldn't help very much. I agree that such a letter would be far more beneficial to you if sent after the interview. But hey, I doubt it would hurt.

 

[nick_carraway]

You should mail a letter to the adcom if something substantial has occurred post-secondary (i.e. you gained a new research position, changed your phone number, etc). Sending out a LOI now wouldn't help very much. I agree that such a letter would be far more beneficial to you if sent after the interview. But hey, I doubt it would hurt.

Agreed. A distinction must be made between update letters pre- and post-interview.

Pre-interview is about how awesome you are as an applicant. Post-interview is about how awesome the school is to you.

I believe that updates regarding new clinical activities, new research publications, the opportunity for a presentation at a national meeting are useful pre-interview since they truly serve to bring your application up-to-date, especially if you were previously lacking in a particular area at the time of your AMCAS.

If, however, you're just telling a school how much you love them, I'd save it for post-interview.