Should I mention other acceptances in LOI?

[MozartandMed]

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First off, super grateful for this community. I have been a lurker this cycle and legitimately found so many posts helpful in my app process. Finally reaching out and would be grateful for honest advice.

I am extremely lucky to have one A and one WL this cycle at two MD schools. I did not think it was possible given I had a lower MCAT (505) that wasn't even posted to my app until August (I know, risky, but the rest of my app I thought was strong so I applied). Anyway, I am ready to send in a letter of intent to the school I am WL at (my state school). I am 100% confident in this decision in every aspect. But, I am curious what the advice is on mentioning my other A. From a search of old threads, I have seen very mixed advice. However, in my specific scenario, I want to mention my other acceptance given my low MCAT. I wonder if the low MCAT is keeping me on the WL because I felt my interview went well. Therefore, would mentioning the other A will help show the school that someone else interviewed me and vetted me to be academically prepared? Or should I stick to the reasons for why I am so excited about the school and a good fit? This is also my state school which accepts a lot of students from my undergrad, and my GPA is on par with everyone else, so maybe I am overthinking this???

Thanks in advance!

 

[WildWing]

Here's opinion SDN experts gave to someone else in your position:

Medical Thread 'Namedrop another acceptance in LOI?'

Jan 6, 2025

I've been accepted to State School A (woot!), but I recently attended an interview with Top Medical School B. Top Med School at this point, for many reasons, is now my top choice. It seemed out of reach for me and I never realistically considered it, but after learning more about it, attending my interview, and talking with students after my interview, I can see myself fitting in there.

In writing a LOI I wonder about a few things: How can I make the LOI matter? Do I name drop State School to show I'm serious about Top Med School? Do I say why Top Med School over State School? If I...

• Question
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Confidential Expert Advice

TLDR: No. They will probably think "good luck at school X!"

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

It is appropriate to write an LOI and say something to the effect of "I will withdraw my other application materials and decline acceptances for a position in your class of 202X," however it is best not to mention the name of the specific programs for the reasons stated above. The strongest LOI in your situation is to really persuade the admissions committee that you WILL go to their school if they move you off the waitlist. They accepted you, they know you were probably accepted by other programs as well. In your letter, compare their didactic and clinical curriculum to other schools and say, in a vague sense, "I have not seen these qualities in any other program I have considered. These strengths and values match my own, and for these reasons I have selected X SOM as my chosen program and will matriculate if offered a position."

LOI drafting is an art and not a skill. Whatever you decide to say will ultimately be the right answer.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

... However, in my specific scenario, I want to mention my other acceptance given my low MCAT. I wonder if the low MCAT is keeping me on the WL because I felt my interview went well. Therefore, would mentioning the other A will help show the school that someone else interviewed me and vetted me to be academically prepared? Or should I stick to the reasons for why I am so excited about the school and a good fit? This is also my state school which accepts a lot of students from my undergrad, and my GPA is on par with everyone else, so maybe I am overthinking this???

Don't do this.

Stay focused on your intention to attend if you get an offer. Don't try to read into the decision.

 

[Goro]

First off, super grateful for this community. I have been a lurker this cycle and legitimately found so many posts helpful in my app process. Finally reaching out and would be grateful for honest advice.

I am extremely lucky to have one A and one WL this cycle at two MD schools. I did not think it was possible given I had a lower MCAT (505) that wasn't even posted to my app until August (I know, risky, but the rest of my app I thought was strong so I applied). Anyway, I am ready to send in a letter of intent to the school I am WL at (my state school). I am 100% confident in this decision in every aspect. But, I am curious what the advice is on mentioning my other A. From a search of old threads, I have seen very mixed advice. However, in my specific scenario, I want to mention my other acceptance given my low MCAT. I wonder if the low MCAT is keeping me on the WL because I felt my interview went well. Therefore, would mentioning the other A will help show the school that someone else interviewed me and vetted me to be academically prepared? Or should I stick to the reasons for why I am so excited about the school and a good fit? This is also my state school which accepts a lot of students from my undergrad, and my GPA is on par with everyone else, so maybe I am overthinking this???

Thanks in advance!

Does your WL school even accept LOIs?

Keep in mind that they'll be getting tons of love letters from all other WL'd applicants as well.

Also remember that most Admissons Deans treat LOIs as lies.