standing out in a LOI

[cuttlefishy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

So I've been waitlisted at my top choice and am incredibly grateful, yet feeling tortured at the same time. Anyway, I'm trying to figure out how to best send a LOI (intent). Is it pretty standard to attach one of these to the actual online application or do applicants ever physically mail them? I'd prefer to physically mail something as I'm very artistic and was hoping to write a nice handwritten card/letter but wasn't sure if this would be overkill. Also, is it standard to write to my individual interviewers in addition to the committee as a whole?

Thanks in advance!

 

[trino]

This doesn't actually answer your question, but some schools keep their applicant information completely electronic. This might pose problems when trying to connect your physical LOI with your electronic information. Just a thought to keep in mind. I think if a school has a electronic system to send LOIs, then that's how they want it. Possibly try scanning it and uploading it as a picture?

 

[cookiemonsters]

I've read like 6 LOI's in the past few weeks, I don't think they really help anyone stand out - if anything, they might hurt your chances if you're not a great writer (or put the wrong school name as one person did, lol). It's more just a formal way of saying "I still like you even though it's been 5 months since you unceremoniously waitlisted me". A simple email attachment should do the trick.

 

[Reckoner]

You can always call the admissions office anonymously and ask if they accept LOI, which medium they prefer you use, and where the letter should be sent. I think it would be overkill to send a letter to each interviewer, regardless of the school.

 

[Goro]

You're aware that most schools ignore LOI?

Hi all,

So I've been waitlisted at my top choice and am incredibly grateful, yet feeling tortured at the same time. Anyway, I'm trying to figure out how to best send a LOI (intent). Is it pretty standard to attach one of these to the actual online application or do applicants ever physically mail them? I'd prefer to physically mail something as I'm very artistic and was hoping to write a nice handwritten card/letter but wasn't sure if this would be overkill. Also, is it standard to write to my individual interviewers in addition to the committee as a whole?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gyngyn]

You don't need to send anything if you are holding no acceptances. If you are holding an acceptance but would prefer your waitlist school, let them know in mid-May (unless your desired school pulls from the waitlist before traffic day). Email is fine.