Authored by Dr. Leland Jaffe; Associate Dean and Professor; Published on April 16, 2024
As a hopeful graduate school applicant, the journey to securing a spot in your top program is undoubtedly challenging. The interview process involves meticulous preparation, a nerve-wracking interview day, and the perpetual uncertainty of whether you’ve made a lasting impression on the admissions committee. One question that often lingers in the minds of candidates is whether or not to send a thank you letter following the medical school interview.
Let me share my perspective on this question
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that the graduate school application process is highly competitive. With a multitude of qualified candidates vying for limited spots, standing out becomes crucial. The interview is a golden opportunity to not only showcase your qualifications but also to leave a lasting impression that extends beyond your application.
A Thank You Letter Goes A Long Way
Writing a thank you letter can be a strategic move and will go a long way in this regard. It’s a great way to express gratitude for the opportunity to interview while reiterating your enthusiasm for the medical school. This small gesture demonstrates professionalism and courtesy, qualities that are highly valued in the medical field.
My Experience Receiving Thank You Letters
As an interviewer myself, receiving handwritten letters creates a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment for the effort put into the process. This personal touch reflects positively on the interviewee, showcasing their professionalism and genuine interest in the position. The letter provides insight into the candidate’s personality beyond what was discussed during the interview, leaving a lasting positive impression in my mind as the interviewer. Personally, it evokes a sense of satisfaction, knowing that the interview process was not just a one-way street but a meaningful exchange. It reinforces the idea that the candidate values the opportunity and is committed to making a strong impression.
The Thank You Letter Can Reinforce Aspects Of Your Interview
Moreover, a follow-up letter provides a platform to reaffirm your strong interest in the program and highlight key points from the interview after its completion. Did you forget to mention a particular achievement or share a relevant anecdote during the interview? The thank you letter is the best way to address any overlooked aspects and emphasize additional information such as qualifications and career goals.
Make Certain That Your Letter Is Sincere and Personalized to the Interviewer
While the decision to write a thank you letter may seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to approach it with sincerity. A generic, template-like message may do more harm than good. Instead, personalize the letter by mentioning specific aspects of the interview that resonated with you or expressing appreciation for the insights shared by the interviewers. You may also want to consider a handwritten note, as faculty members or the dean of admissions with appreciate the time and thoughtfulness of this gesture. What interviewees don’t always know or appreciate is that interviews take time from their busy schedules to prepare for, conduct, and deliberate at the end of the interview; and this all takes a significant amount of time.
Is There a Downside To Writing A Thank You Letter?
On the flip side, some argue that the impact of a thank you letter is minimal and that admissions committee members are more focused on objective criteria such as grades and test scores. While this may be true to some extent, the holistic nature of most graduate school admissions means that every interaction contributes to the overall impression of the candidate. Medical and other graduate school programs may interview numerous candidates with similar metrics including grades, extracurriculars, research, etc; and these interpersonal skills and handwritten cards could make the difference.
In the end, writing a thank you letter is a low-risk, high-reward endeavor – and just an overall good idea. Even if it doesn’t significantly sway the admissions decision, it showcases your professionalism and courtesy. In a field where interpersonal skills are as crucial as academic strengths, leaving a positive, lasting impression is never a wasted effort in the admissions process. After your med school interview concludes and your questions have been answered, be sure to obtain a business card containing the contact information of the individual interviewers and admissions staff.
Example of a Graduate School Interview Thank you Letter:
Subject: Gratitude for the Opportunity: Thank You for the Medical School Interview
Dear Dr. [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the graduate school program at [Fill in the school’s name]. It was truly an honor to meet with you and the rest of the admissions officers.
Our conversation further fueled my excitement about the prospect of joining [graduate school’s name]. I am particularly drawn to the school’s commitment to [mention a specific aspect, such as community engagement or research], which aligns perfectly with my aspirations in this field.
I greatly appreciated the chance to discuss my experiences and aspirations with you during the interview. Your insights into [mention a specific topic discussed during the interview] were invaluable and have reinforced my conviction that [Medical School Name] is the ideal place for me to pursue my education.
I want to emphasize my appreciation for the warm and welcoming atmosphere I experienced during the interview day. It only strengthened my enthusiasm for the prospect of becoming part of the [School’s name] community.
Thank you once again for considering my application and for the time and effort you invest in shaping the future of aspiring professionals. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to and learning from the vibrant community at [School Name].
Wishing you all the best, and I hope our paths cross again soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name][Your Contact Information]
So Should I Write A Graduate School Interview Thank You Letter?!? – Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to write a thank you letter after a medical school interview ultimately comes down to personal choice. If you feel genuinely appreciative of the opportunity and believe it aligns with your approach to professionalism, then go ahead and pen that letter. After all, in the competitive landscape of medical and graduate school admissions, every thoughtful action and small gesture could be the one that sets you apart from the rest. This additional communication provides the admissions committee with more specific details of your commitment and passion for the field of study. Moreover, it allows you to address any potential concerns or provide further context to strengthen your candidacy. Ultimately, a well-timed and well-crafted follow-up letter can leave a positive impression and potentially influence the decision-making process in your favor. Good luck!
