Is there any merit to an LOI?

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey all!

I've got a few pre-interview holds/continued review emails over the cycle and was wondering if there is any merit to the idea of sending a letter of interest reconfirming my desire to attend these institutions?

Thanks!

 

[Magus5454]

Hey all!

I've got a few pre-interview holds/continued review emails over the cycle and was wondering if there is any merit to the idea of sending a letter of interest reconfirming my desire to attend these institutions?

Thanks!

Not really seems to be the consensus. Dont you have an acceptance somewhere?

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

Not really seems to be the consensus. Dont you have an acceptance somewhere?

I’ve been fortunate enough to get two acceptances so far and would be happy to attend either school, but I’m waiting on more established programs in better locations that I’d prefer to attend.

Basically just trying to see if there’s anything I can be doing to help my odds of hearing good news. The acceptances tell me I have no red flags in my app and the holds tell me I’m somewhat competitive. Just need to get that II so desperate to do all I can!

 

[pullmyzincfinger]

Hey all!

I've got a few pre-interview holds/continued review emails over the cycle and was wondering if there is any merit to the idea of sending a letter of interest reconfirming my desire to attend these institutions?

Thanks!

I sent one, received a warm and friendly response from the administrative assistant who said that she had "added it to [my] file" and never heard another peep. At least it made me feel better.

 

[RNthenDoc]

I asked at one school, but they use a “score” system meaning once your app is scored the case is closed and the computer selects the # of candidates they want with the highest scores.

I’m sure it varies a lot from school to school!

 

[Goro]

Hey all!

I've got a few pre-interview holds/continued review emails over the cycle and was wondering if there is any merit to the idea of sending a letter of interest reconfirming my desire to attend these institutions?

Thanks!

How would you interpret a nonbinding contract from a desperate applicant?????

 

[radian313]

To be honest, LOIs alone are worthless if you dont have the stats, or the application to back it up. If you are competitive but there is a waitlist or alternate list, and you have a good update to give, sure slide in the "I fully intend to attend your school because....". That might give you half a brownie point in the grand scheme of things.

But if you are 3.0/<500 MCAT - not going to happen.

 

[calivianya]

How would you interpret a nonbinding contract from a desperate applicant?????

How about an applicant with other acceptances already and good stats? Does that applicant still count as desperate?

 

[Goro]

How about an applicant with other acceptances already and good stats? Does that applicant still count as desperate?

Now, if your school is one that wait lists most candidates, then I can see an Admission dean maybe giving said LOI more weight.
It depends upon that candidate vs the ones you have. Remember, this person was NOT accepted by your own school.

LOIs will probably have even more weight if the other accepts are at schools in higher classes than yours. Fopr example, having Case/Keck class accepts and your school is Drexel/Albany class. But contrary to pre-med notions, just because someone has a lot of accepts, it don't necessarily mean that a particular school may find said candidate any more attractive. It's a seller's market, you know.