Amitha, check out this thread:
http://www.studentdoctor.net/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000232.html I think it should answer most of your questions. My situation was unique because I waited until the winter to turn my recommendations in. Why did I do such a thing? Who knows. I was, and still am, a huge procrastinator. Anyway, my tardiness pushed my interviews back, and when I interviewed at UC on Jan 18th, I was told they only had waitlist positions available. My interviewer asked, why did you wait so long, you could have been done with this stuff months ago? I just BSed something about being busy.
Anyhow, after getting the waitlist letter, I got a second letter telling me that I was in the group "at or near the top" of the list. Everyone (that I know of) in my class who got accepted from the waitlist got that same letter. So if you get it, you're pretty much going to get an offer.
As far as the letter of intent, It can't hurt. I say go for it. Mention the integrated curriculum, and the fact that patient contact begins in the first month of first year. You could mention the wonderful facilities and recourses (amazing hospitals -- especially Childrens), as well as the friendly atmosphere, and happy students
! You said you noticed how pleasant everyone is here, that's because we all love the school because of how low-stress the environment is. We have a lot of fun here, already we've had 2 formals, pub crawls, and a "Malpractice Mixer" with the law school students! All of these are sponsored by the Medical Student Association (our student gov't), and include free beer and wine. Translation -- good times for all!
So good luck!! And let me know if you have any other questions, and keep me posted as to your situation.
Mango