Writing Interest Letters to Programs about Ranking/Interest

[palm]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi Everyone,

Just curious what people did about writing letters to programs. Did you let your top choice know that you were ranking them #1 or did you just tell your top programs that you were ranking them highly? Do you think it is important to your top program they are #1 or just sending a letter telling them you are interested is enough?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! 🙂

 

[pleasematchme06]

Hi Everyone,

Just curious what people did about writing letters to programs. Did you let your top choice know that you were ranking them #1 or did you just tell your top programs that you were ranking them highly? Do you think it is important to your top program they are #1 or just sending a letter telling them you are interested is enough?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! 🙂

You will hear many different opinions on this matter, and it comes down to what you feel is most appropriate. I, for example, told my number one choice that I feel they are the best program for me. I did not use the exact phrase "you are my #1 choice"....just because it is simply not my style and I don't feel its appropriate. I sent a couple letters, a thank you letter right after the interview, and one after all of my interviews telling them I still think they are the best program for me. So I feel they know my level of interest, without me saying "#1".

Others will tell you to make it absolutely clear and tell them they are #1 so there is no question.....therefore you will have to do what seems best to you!

Hope this helps ya

 

[generaltso]

i've been told my multiple people that PDs don't place much weight on anything except "you are my #1". this includes "rank you highly" "you fit me best" "one of my top programs" "an honor to be there next year" "love is in the air" etc....

 

[BStein76]

Hi Everyone,

Just curious what people did about writing letters to programs. Did you let your top choice know that you were ranking them #1 or did you just tell your top programs that you were ranking them highly? Do you think it is important to your top program they are #1 or just sending a letter telling them you are interested is enough?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! 🙂

I only sent out thank you notes after my interviews, but I didn't commit to any programs because I am waiting on my husband's job offers. We are trying to pressure the firms for a decision before the rank list is due, but I suspect they are going to wait until the last minute so I only have general tiers for ranking the programs. By the time I certify my rank list I think it will be too late to send any letters and I am not sure if emails at the last minute will make much of a difference.

 

[md=massivedebt]

Out of the 7 or 8 preliminary/transitional year programs I am ranking, I chose to write intention letters to at least the PD (if not one other selection committee member) of my top 4 programs. The letter to my number one choice did state clearly state (albeit in a professional tone) that they indeed were at the top of the list. I actually sent these two letters certified mail, but most of my friends know I am waaaay too neurotic . The other three programs received letters that were extremely enthusiastic and got as close as one could to saying they were my first option without lying. I almost don't know if these letters will help or hurt my application, because a PD can safely guess there is a strong likelihood that another program is ranked higher and subsequently, place me further down on their rank list. The good thing is that this letter writing frenzy is not the be all and end all of an application, just a lil' ol' piece of the pie. 😀
good luck!
PS I also sent out thank you cards right after the interview thanking each place for their hospitality, but I'll bet that in the end, no PD remembers them too much.