When to send Letter of Interest/Update?

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tekken3

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I haven't had any interviews as of yet and I've been complete in early August for most of the schools that I applied to. I haven't heard back except for a couple of rejections.

Would sending an email saying a few update things/that I'm interested in their school be useful?

Anyone else do this?

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I'm in your exact same position. Oddly enough, this seems like a taboo subject here, anytime I bring it up in a thread, the thread just dies or my post is ignored.

This is what I have gathered:

- It is a good idea to send some letters of interest/update. There are a several testimonials that shorty after sending such a letter, a interview invite arrived.

- Some send by email, other by snail mail. Snail mail is more formal and benefits by the fact that it can't just be deleted, they often have to physically pull your application and file the letter, the idea is that this action will bring the applicant into the mind of the admissions committee for a little while. Downside is the letter may only be read by the mail secretary and then filled and ignored; whereas an email can be sent directly to the dean. Your choice.

- It is best to send a combination update/interest letter, compared to just an interest letter.

- It is much better to send the letter AFTER an interview. But alas, many of us don't have that luxury.

- Make sure your school accepts such letters. Some schools state on their websites "We do NOT accept interest letters". Not knowing this and sending them one would be a unwise move.

- Finally, only send ~3 letters. Don't send a letter expressing your deep interest to all 20 schools you applied to. This is very insincere and frowned upon.


I do not however have the slightest clue on how long a letter should be. There are no templates anywhere, and like I said, everyone here seems really hush-hush on the specifics.
 
SPECIFICS: Such a letter should be less than one page long. It is common to send one after fall grades are in. Besides listing pertinent classes and grades earned (don't do this if the news is bad), the letter may include information about additional accumulated hours of clinical experience, shadowing, community service, and research. Include a new job, publication, research project, leadership or teaching responsibility. You may mention why the school is a perfect fit for you and that you look forward to their communication offering an interview or acceptance.
 
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