Letter of intent: UMass

[unnamedlobster12]

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I interviewed at UMass about 3 months ago and am debating whether to upload a letter of intent+update to my application portal. Looking for advice on if this is a good idea or could hurt my chances somehow.

- I have strong ties to Mass and to the school itself (OOS status tho)
- Interviewed in Nov
- Letter would express my genuine intent to attend, discuss how I have continued to develop roots and community connections here, and describe a unique new activity I have been involved in since submitting my app (thinking this constitutes a significant update)
- FYI, UMass has been known to discourage letters of interest, especially without a significant update.

Does anyone have insight to if a letter like this could do any harm? Should I hope for a WL and send one after that? Just wanting to do everything I can to help my chances, but have found conflicting advice that is not always applicable to UMass's timeline

 

[Goro]

Do they accept LOIs?

 

[AJS59]

- FYI, UMass has been known to discourage letters of interest, especially without a significant update.

You answered your own question here, although idk where you heard about them discouraging LOIs. If it's word of mouth/rumor I'd disregard that, if its off the school website or from having talked with adcoms there I'd take it as gospel

 

[unnamedlobster12]

Do they accept LOIs?

You can upload updates/letters to the portal, and I have not seen them specifically state whether they do or do not accept LOIs. I have seen on past threads that people have submitted them

You answered your own question here, although idk where you heard about them discouraging LOIs. If it's word of mouth/rumor I'd disregard that, if its off the school website or from having talked with adcoms there I'd take it as gospel

In a post-interview info session the admin told us that unless we have withdrawn our apps, they are going to assume we are still interested so there's no need to write a letter saying that. But I don't know if that also applies to a letter of intent - sounds like you think it does? She did say feel free to write an update about a significant application update

 

[AJS59]

You can upload updates/letters to the portal, and I have not seen them specifically state whether they do or do not accept LOIs. I have seen on past threads that people have submitted them

In a post-interview info session the admin told us that unless we have withdrawn our apps, they are going to assume we are still interested so there's no need to write a letter saying that. But I don't know if that also applies to a letter of intent - sounds like you think it does? She did say feel free to write an update about a significant application update

That, to me, makes it read like they don't want one. In that case, wouldn't submit one.

 

[Goro]

That, to me, makes it read like they don't want one. In that case, wouldn't submit one.

Ditto

 

[LunaOri]

You can upload updates/letters to the portal, and I have not seen them specifically state whether they do or do not accept LOIs. I have seen on past threads that people have submitted them

In a post-interview info session the admin told us that unless we have withdrawn our apps, they are going to assume we are still interested so there's no need to write a letter saying that. But I don't know if that also applies to a letter of intent - sounds like you think it does? She did say feel free to write an update about a significant application update

Since you say you have a significant update to report, it can’t hurt!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Are you still in contact with UMass students you met on your interview day? What do they say? (Also, maybe there are UMass students on the forums to ask?)

 

[chilly_md]

State schools often are rather strict about how they handle WL's or applicant files post-interview. Updates and LOI's wouldn't change an applicant's score or position. If the school has clearly said that they are fine with update letters, you can briefly include this new activity and touch on your interest in the school.