Post-fellowship interview letter of intent

[PEM2018applicant]

Hi everyone,

I know this has been discussed at length with residency interviews, but I was wondering if the same rules apply for fellowship. I have 2-3 programs that I am really interested in at this point. Ideally, I would like to e-mail the director at my top choice and tell them that I intend to rank them first, and more about why. But because the fellowship I am applying for is fairly competitive, I'd also like to email my #2/3 and just express my interest. I'd of course never say that I am ranking them #1 (or NOT ranking them #1), just that I am sincerely interested in their program. I ran this by the director at my institution and he thought this was a good plan and has had applicants do so for him.
So. Are letters (emails) of intent appropriate for fellowship? If yes, is it appropriate to email more than 1 program about my interest (of course without telling them all they're my #1)? Thanks!

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[GoSpursGo]

If it makes you feel better and that you "did everything you could" by sending these letters, then it's probably not going to hurt. Of course, they're probably not going to help either.

 

[PEM2018applicant]

If it makes you feel better and that you "did everything you could" by sending these letters, then it's probably not going to hurt. Of course, they're probably not going to help either.

I guess in a sea of so many applicants with so few positions I just want them to remember me. Thanks for the advice!

 

[SurfingDoctor]

I agree you can do it if it makes you feel better. I guarantee you though, it’s impact is zero.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I guess in a sea of so many applicants with so few positions I just want them to remember me. Thanks for the advice!

They will remember you from your interview, not from a note that they probably get from half of their applicants. But again, it's not likely to hurt, so you do you.

 

[oldbearprofessor]

Fellowship programs are small. I suggest calling the PD and telling them that you really want to go there and why. Beats an email. When I was a PD, that made a real impression.

 

[BigRedBeta]

Odds are it won't make that much difference. But unlikely to hurt.
Better option, if available, is to have your mentors in residency reach out to people they know in your target locations and make a phone call on your behalf. Obviously you may not have any connections to work, but if they are there, it's the most impactful.