thank you note that backfires?

[drcuddles]

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Hello
Does adding the following statement "I will rank you very highly" at the end of post-interview thank you notes actually hurt and backfires?
I heard that programs see it as they are not your top choice and thus will rank you lower in response

 

[drcuddles]

Another question, does it matter if you got the interview (in terms of how high you will be ranked) just few days before interview date because someone happen to cancel?

 

[Hank Rearden]

If you write that you should just be very specific about why you will rank them highly. For all we know you write that in every thank you note. In general I would say writing about where you will rank a program is not super helpful. Simply express your enthusiasm about that particular program in some form, preferably during the interview. Nothing worse than interviewing someone who has no ties to the area, has no particular interest in the city, knows nothing about what your program's strengths are and just seems to be going through the motions because they got an interview.

Some people, after they've interviewed everywhere will write a note to the program director at their top choice to let them know their intentions. I've never been a program director so can't tell you how much that helps, but I would say it can't hurt.

Doesn't matter if you got the interview just a few days before due to cancellation. As an interviewer I am never made aware of that info.

 

[o0obers]

Another question, does it matter if you got the interview (in terms of how high you will be ranked) just few days before interview date because someone happen to cancel?

I know people who got their position at programs that interviewed them from the waitlist.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I have no authority here but I'll give my opinion regarding your first question.

I think if you are going to send a "love letter", make sure you say "top choice" or "number 1", and not "rank you very high" as the latter may imply ranking them, say, #2.