At this point, you have likely submitted both primary and secondary applications for either AMCAS, AACOMAS, and/or TMDSAS. Perhaps you have also received interview invites as well as have interviewed at various schools. Despite all of the labor-intensive aspects of the application being behind you, there is still work to be done! Here are a few tips in the form of “the 5 W’s” for writing a medical school letter of intent:
At this point, you have likely submitted both primary and secondary applications for either AMCAS, AACOMAS, and/or TMDSAS. Perhaps you have also received interview invites as well as have interviewed at various schools. Despite all of the labor-intensive aspects of the application being behind you, there is still work to be done! Here are a few tips in the form of “the 5 W’s” for writing a medical school letter of intent:
Medical school applicants of whom are interested in a particular program, for instance their “dream school” should consider writing a letter of intent. If a student has interviewed at multiple schools, though is particularly interested in one, a letter of intent would be an excellent addition to the student’s application to demonstrate interest in that school.
A medical school letter of intent is a one-page, professional letter written to a school’s admissions committee. This particular school is one of which an applicant is willing to commit to, if accepted. In other words, by writing the letter, you are telling the school “if I am accepted, I will attend.”
The letter of intent is a SINGLE letter, written to solely one school. Writing this type of letter to multiple schools can be viewed as unethical and remember, you are only as good as your word or promise. This differs from a letter of interest in that a letter of interest can be sent to multiple schools to articulate or emphasize the applicant’s interest in the school.
The letter should be written only if the applicant has interviewed at this particular school, approximately one month after interviewing. As an aside, remember to send a thank you message following the interview at the school to express your appreciation of the school’s consideration of you as an applicant.
Often, this letter can be submitted directly to the med school’s admissions committee point of contact (secretary, receptionist, administrative assistant, etc.) or uploaded to the applicant’s application portal, if applicable. Keep in mind that the document should be sent or uploaded as a PDF so that it is accessible to the reader regardless of their computer’s operating system.
This letter will serve as an additional element to demonstrate your interest in a particular school. Often, if a school knows that you are invested in them, they will similarly invest in you as a student at their institution.
Date
Name of School/Program
Address
City, State / Zip
To Whom It May Concern / Dear Dr. X, Director of Admissions,
I was afforded the opportunity to interview at School X on September 29, 2021 and was excited to learn Dr. X was also from my hometown, Albuquerque, NM. Aside from this, I thoroughly enjoyed my discussions with current medical students about opportunities offered by the school as well as was grateful to learn more about their experiences in medical school thus far.
I wanted to express my sincerest gratitude for your consideration of me as an applicant.
Due to nothing but positive and reaffirming experiences during my interview as well as my interest in neurobiology research offered by your institution, it excites me to say that if offered a seat at your school, I will certainly accept without hesitation.
Through my education thus far, I have learned that a hands-on and collaborative curriculum benefits me to the utmost extent, which is also an aspect of School X that interests me and places your institution at the top of my list.
I am certain that my experiences creating a non-profit for underserved, marginalized, and homeless communities will be an excellent foundation to build off of as a student at School X.
Since submitting my primary application, I have been afforded the opportunity to…
Sincerely / Very Respectfully / Thank you again,
[include a hand-written, computer generated signature]
Your name
AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS ID:
Therefore, a med school letter of intent, if written meticulously, can be an excellent tool to demonstrate both your interest in a school as well as show more about who you are as an applicant. Remember, once you have drafted your letter, have a trusted mentor or advisor read through your letter for grammar, syntax, and content. As always, good luck with your applications and journey towards becoming a physician!
