Letter of intent formatting

[DukeSmith]

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Hi everybody,

I was deferred at my top choice school . This means that the committee will review interviewed applicants again and make a final decision in winter/spring. I would like to send in a letter of intent. I know it might not make a difference but I would regret not sending one before final decisions. I was just wondering if it is fine to make it straight to the point in 5ish sentences. Some examples online are like a page but I don’t know if these are overkill. I now have an acceptance albeit to a much lower ranked school, which I appreciate. However, it’s not like I can name drop as would be the case if the acceptance was to a big name school. Any advice would be appreciated.

For context, My draft is 285 words. Should I cut down or add more?

Also in before: “how would you react to a non binding letter from a desperate applicant”

 

[KnightDoc]

For context, My draft is 285 words. Should I cut down or add more?

Also in before: “how would you react to a non binding letter from a desperate applicant”

I love that!!! 🙂 As you know, the raging debate on SDN is whether to send them at all, and that really depends on the school. At some schools they are totally ignored, while they really seem to move the needle at others. This really seems to apply more post-WL rather than pre-decision, since you need a relative position on a WL before they know whether or not to consider a LOI (i.e., if you are low on a WL, your LOI is not going to matter, while you might receive the A before it would even be looked at pre-WL).

That said, I think the consensus is that it won't hurt even if it doesn't help. I don't see why the format would matter at all. You really want the A and promise to enroll without further ado if you receive one. Maybe you mean it and maybe you don't. No way to tell, so it is what it is.

Tell them you have other As that you would drop for them. Of course, don't name drop if it's not a peer school or above. They will know what that means, since this won't be the first LOI they have ever received.

Take as many or few words as you need to express this, highlighting why you are a great fit. Period. Full stop. Good luck!!!

 

[21Rush12]

I think of it like this:

Most likely this letter will be for your benefit. That way you will feel like you have done everything you can to help yourself and left the decision fully in their hands. If you don’t send it and don’t get in, you’ll wonder if you could have done something differently.

Will it have an impact? We like to dismiss these things but honestly you never know. I sent one before I was accepted and I think it may have helped me, but I’ll never know the truth.

If you send one, make it a paragraph, honest, respectful, and professional. Include a brief update and reiterate interest.