Thank you notes

[PJ01]

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Hey guys and gals, I have a question.
Do programs expect thank you letters? Does it hurt your application if you do not send them, even if you give the programs a second look? Can I send emails to programs where I interviewed to say "thanks?" I just realized my handwriting sucks and stamps are expensive.
Thanks

 

[anonymousEM]

It is common courtesy and professional to send a thank you note to at least the program director everywhere you interview. That's at most, what, 6 dollars in stamps? Type your letters if you want but send them through the mail. It may not hurt your application if you don't but it's also about being polite (and it sure would suck to lose out on a spot cuz they didn't check the "sent a thank you note" box on your file---I know a few have 'em!)

Also, remember the program secretary, especially if it's somewhere you want to go or if they went out of their way to help you...these people don't get enough recognition for all of the hard work they do during interview season and they can make or break you and your application.

 

[Chris_Topher]

I did both last year - handwritten early and email later as the season passed and I got lazy. Email was actually good because it was easier for PDs and interviewers to respond and initiate a dialogue.

 

[dwgs]

I heard this week from some residents at a program that shall remain nameless that the PD HATES getting them. The PD feels compelled to read them all because, if you're illiterate or an ass, he needs to know about it so he can put you in the "hell no pile." He finds the task of reading all of these notes to be completely painful.

In other words, you have everything to lose and nothing to gain by your little notes of thanks.

Just something to chew on...

It won't stop me from sending a few emails to programs that I really liked...