When is the time for a Letter of Interest?

[subtle1epiphany]

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I'm pretty sure I'm complete at almost half of the schools I applied to, but I'm already sure of my first choice (Rochester all the way). Can Letters of Interest/Intent help my chances of an interview?
From what I've gathered so far letters are usually sent out after the interview and they can help. A Letter of Intent is what really makes a difference and you send those after the interview.

So, would it help my chances of getting an interview if I sent a Letter of Interest?

 

[exigente chica]

bumpity bump

 

[Bones2008]

I would not send a letter of interest/intent at this point. There's still months of interviews left, and these letters are better left to after having an interview at a place. A letter now will come across as an uninformed act of begging. Waiting sucks, but that's probably your best best now.

 

[FowlersGap]

i don't think it huts; i'm gonna write some this weekend
my apps have been done for a few months now and haven't been rejected yet from some schools
i don't think it can hurt...anything that will help make you noticeable is better than waiting...and wondering
i would do this especially if you have stuff to talk aobut since turning in apps
this has been done in the past and people i know have scored interviews shortly after...dont' know if it was a complete coinicidence or not

 

[SonGoku]

I didn't send in a letter of interest, but I did send an email update of my app...and then 2 weeks later, an interview invitation in my inbox. Coincidence? Who knows, but it can't hurt.

 

[exigente chica]

What actually goes in the letter of intrest? Does anyone have a sample one to show?

 

[exmike]

i wanted to send one in post-interview before the decision.. not sure what to do yet.

 

[calebho501]

Letter of Interest is less useful when it's sent out too early, I believe. Since everyone's interest in the school changes over time, schools want to see your CURRENT interest at the school. Therefore, it'll be more useful if the letter arrives after the interview, or if you're placed on the waitlist, a bit before they start accepting people from waitlist.

 

[FowlersGap]

ex-mike; the SMP urges and presses this idea over and over again...two guys from my class last year wrote letters and scored interviews with USC shortly after...coincidence? don't think it was...

 

[subtle1epiphany]

Originally posted by FowlersGap
the SMP urges and presses this idea over and over again...two guys from my class last year wrote letters and scored interviews with USC shortly after...coincidence?

what's the SMP?

 

[tova]

yeah, what is the smp?

 

[exigente chica]

What about a follow up letter...like during x mas..after you get your semester grades and to make them aware of any new things in your life...can you also let your intrest in the school be known then...

should this be done for your top choices or just one school??

😕

 

[jlee9531]

letters of intent ----> your top choice post interview.

letters of interest ----> schools you would like to go to if that top choice doesnt pan out post interview.

I don't know about this preinterview letter sending. sounds premature.

 

[llll8i8llll]

I'm pretty sure of the answer, but thought i'd check anyway...

Should one send these letter of INTEREST through snail mail? or are emails with updates to the admission office ok?

Had to ask...

Thanks!

 

[jlee9531]

isnt snail mail the way to go?

 

[SonGoku]

Originally posted by exigente chica
What about a follow up letter...like during x mas..after you get your semester grades and to make them aware of any new things in your life...can you also let your intrest in the school be known then...

should this be done for your top choices or just one school??

😕

I actually did this for a couple schools I really like (post-interview and pre-interview invitation). I called and made sure they accepted update letters, and then I added a paragraph explaining why I was interested in their school. I'll let you know if I hear anything back.

 

[SunnyS81]

I think you should ask yourself what a letter of intent really means....

To me, it means that after looking at other schools (i.e. interviewing at them), you've realized that ABC medical school is definitely where you want to be. This is not only based on US News Rankings and SDN posts, but also (and more importantly) your feel for the school, you know you will fit in, and how you like everything. I think a good letter of intent would mention why you want to go there.

Pre-interviewing, you are just writing to show your interest. Unless you did research at the school or are a legacy or something like that, I think the letter has little value. What are you going to say? "I hear your school rocks" or "ABC is ranked so high that......". Yeah, unless you have a good reason, dont bother. If you have a family and don't want to move from your current town, that is a good reason too. Being close to your 5th cousin once removed is not a good reason. I think you are better off sending in new info that will help your application after the semester is over or writing an email indicating you were very interested in seeing the school. Mentioning that you already have an acceptance somewhere else could be a plus.

Just my thoughts....