Sending a letter of intent or interest before an invitation to interview

[jwilliams1993]

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Hello, all!

I've completed my application for my top choice school. I know that I would withdraw all applications/ IIs/ offers for other schools if offered a spot in this specific school's class. It is appropriate/ helpful to send a letter of interest or intent before I've even been offered an interview? I've seen some replies in threads that say it's helped them and some that say it seems desperate. Is it best to call the school and ask? I don't want to come across as if I'm only doing this to prompt an invitation to interview as I'm serious about this school and I plan on applying again even if I'm not invited. What are your thoughts, guys?

 

[DetectiveAlonzo]

Send it in asap. Doesn't hurt.

 

[songl4a]

.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hello, all!

I've completed my application for my top choice school. I know that I would withdraw all applications/ IIs/ offers for other schools if offered a spot in this specific school's class. It is appropriate/ helpful to send a letter of interest or intent before I've even been offered an interview? I've seen some replies in threads that say it's helped them and some that say it seems desperate. Is it best to call the school and ask? I don't want to come across as if I'm only doing this to prompt an invitation to interview as I'm serious about this school and I plan on applying again even if I'm not invited. What are your thoughts, guys?

Agree with above. LOI is a good thing to do right now especially if you haven't received any interviews or acceptances yet. If that is a picture of you on your avatar, I suggest changing it to keep your anonymity.

 

[ananasmed]

Some schools don't like them or won't accept them at all. Definitely check before sending. When were you complete?

 

[Goro]

At most schools, these are wastes of time. If one wants to show that one is interested, send them an app.

Send it in asap. Doesn't hurt.

OP, how would YOU interpret a non-binding contract from a desperate applicant?

 

[Drinkingtea]

At most schools, these are wastes of time. If one wants to show that one is interested, send them an app.



OP, how would YOU interpret a non-binding contract from a desperate applicant?

 

[IslandStyle808]

I will be doing this for a couple schools (not much to lose at this point). However, make sure you call and ask if they accept them.

 

[j4pac]

You are probably wasting your time...

But if done tactfully I doubt that it would hurt you.

 

[Kick_Rocks_]

.

 

[medickdb]

A) It's most definitely a waste.
B) It can come off as either desperate or fake. How do they know you didn't do the same thing for every school to which you applied?

I see no benefit whatsoever. It's not going to get you any brownie points to be honest. If anything, it can be viewed as nothing or even detrimental.

 

[Mad Jack]

Every single adcom on SDN pretty much has the same opinion toward LOIs from what I've gathered- they go right in the trash and no one really thinks anything of them.

^Possibly what actually happens to LOIs, though the world may never know.

 

[PIacebo]

It is not as waste I have done this and been successful. Definitely wait til you hear back otherwise good information will be used up you cannot use again. Message me for more information/advice.

 

[Dr1zzy]

🙂

 

[PIacebo]

If you haven't heard back a decision, then don't send any at all. Wait til you hear back so it can help you later. It won't be effective if you send beforehand.

 

[Dr1zzy]

hi

 

[Mad Jack]

I have sent four update letters/ letters of intent to two schools I am very interested and have yet to hear back regarding a decision to interview. Should I send one more? Is it safe to say that these letters are not helping?

I spent a lot of time on them and made sure they were as effective as possible.

It's super safe to say that they're doing absolutely nothing. The only letters that are meaningful are significant update letters- winning national awards, publishing groundbreaking research, etc. Anything less won't help you at best, and at worst will actually hurt you, as you might be perceived as entitled or might come off wrong when they're reading it.

 

[PIacebo]

You mean a decision for an interview invite? I have not received interview invites from these schools.

Then all you can really do is send updates of anything new you have to put on your cv, or any new volunteering you have done or research. And otherwise call every week for updates on your app

 

[medickdb]

A letter of intent doesn't even make sense if you haven't interviewed. You demonstateated the intent to go there when you applied. A letter of intent is for when you're waitlisted. Even then, it's mostly pointless. Significant update letters are different because they contribute additional information to your application that wasn't there the time it was submitted.

 

[evooo8]

I sent an update to schools letting them know that I have updated my Fall 2014 grades through AACOMAS and that they should be available to them soon and attached a copy of my unofficial transcript. I also let them know what I am still shadowing doctors and am still interested in their school.