Applying to medical school can be a long, competitive, and stressful process. If you’ve set your sights on a specific program, writing a Medical School Letter of Intent could give you a big advantage.
So, what is a medical school letter of intent? It’s a formal way to express your genuine interest in a specific school, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you’re a perfect fit for their program. This personalized letter can help you stand out to the admissions committee and show your commitment to their medical school.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about writing a strong medical school letter of intent, including why it’s important, what to include, and tips to make your letter stand out. If you’re serious about maximizing your chances of acceptance, keep reading!
What Is a Medical School Letter of Intent?
A letter of intent is a formal communication sent to a medical school to express your deep interest in joining their program, reaffirm your application, and highlight why you’re a strong candidate. Think of it as your chance to say, “This school is my dream, and here’s why I belong here.”
While it doesn’t guarantee admission, a letter of intent can make a powerful impression on the admissions committee, reinforcing your application and keeping your name fresh in their minds.
Why Does It Matter?
- Demonstrates Commitment: It shows you’re passionate about this specific school and not just applying as part of a numbers game.
- Highlights Alignment: It gives you a chance to articulate how your values, goals, and experiences align with the school’s mission and culture.
- Offers a Follow-Up Opportunity: Especially post-interview, it provides a way to reiterate your interest and update the admissions team on any new achievements.
But timing is everything (we’ll get to that). For now, let’s explore the goals of your letter.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Intent
Before you start drafting, it’s crucial to understand what you’re aiming to achieve with a letter of intent:
1. Express Genuine Enthusiasm
Admissions officers are looking for candidates who are both academically qualified and excited about their program. A letter of intent allows you to emphasize why their school is your first choice.
2. Provide New or Reinforcing Information
Use this opportunity to update the school on any new accomplishments or reiterate key points from your application or interview.
3. Stand Out From the Competition
With hundreds (or thousands!) of applicants vying for limited slots, the personalized and genuine tone of your letter makes it easier for the committee to recall your application when making decisions.
When Should You Send It?
The best time to send a letter of intent is post-interview but before final decisions are made. Sending it too early may dilute its impact, and waiting too long could mean missing your window of opportunity.
Structuring Your Letter of Intent
A strong letter of intent should be concise, clear, and highly personalized to the school. Below is a step-by-step guide to structuring your letter:
1. Opening Paragraph
Start with a personal and enthusiastic introduction:
- State the purpose of your letter clearly (e.g., “I am writing to express my unwavering intention to attend [Medical School Name].”).
- Highlight your gratitude for the opportunity to apply or interview.
- Make an immediate, personalized connection to the school (e.g., a specific interaction during your visit or an aspect of their program that deeply resonates with you).
Example:
“I am writing to express my sincere intention to join the incoming class at [Medical School Name]. After visiting campus and speaking with Dr. [Name] about the school’s focus on underserved communities, I am more convinced than ever that [Medical School Name] is the perfect fit for my academic and career goals.”
2. Middle Paragraph(s)
Outline why the school is your top choice and why you’re a great fit:
- Why Them? Reference specific aspects of the program, faculty, or mission that resonate with you.
- Why You? Highlight your unique qualifications, experiences, or values that align with the school.
- Bring in concrete examples from your application to back up your claims.
Example:
“Your program’s commitment to providing hands-on training in community clinics particularly aligns with my experiences working with underserved populations at [Organization Name]. During my two years as a volunteer, I learned how to handle complex patient cases, which cultivated a strong passion for equitable healthcare.”
3. Closing Paragraph
End on a positive and memorable note:
- Reaffirm your commitment to the school as your first choice.
- Briefly summarize your key points.
- Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration.
Example:
“[Medical School Name] is my absolute first choice, and I am committed to bringing my passion, perseverance, and unique perspective to your program. Thank you for reviewing my application and for the opportunity to express my enthusiasm. I hope to contribute to the incredible community you’ve cultivated.”
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Medical School Letter of Intent
Dos
- Be Specific: Name specific programs, faculty, or values that draw you to the school.
- Write in a Genuine Tone: Share why the school resonates with you on a deeper level.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Small errors can detract from your credibility.
- Keep It Concise: Stick to 1 page (approximately 500 words). Admissions committees are busy!
- Use Professional Formatting: Include your contact details and the proper salutation.
Don’ts
- Avoid Generic Language: Phrases like “your program is great” don’t add value.
- Don’t Sound Entitled: Avoid an overly aggressive tone, such as “I deserve this spot.” Humility goes a long way.
- Don’t Send It Blindly: Tailor it to the specific school and their unique mission.
- Avoid Clichés: Generic claims like “medicine is my passion” won’t stand out unless supported with examples.
Examples of Medical School Letter of Intent
Before-and-After Example
Before:
I am thrilled about the possibility of attending your school and becoming part of such a prestigious community. I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in medicine because I love helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. Your program, with its highly ranked faculty and cutting-edge resources, aligns perfectly with my goals and aspirations. I am especially excited about the opportunity to learn from renowned educators and gain hands-on experience that will prepare me to provide the best possible care to those in need.
After:
“[Medical School Name]’s innovative curriculum stands out to me because it emphasizes small-group learning, something that aligns with my collaborative study habits and patient-centered approach. For instance, as a research assistant at [University Name], I worked closely with a team to analyze how educational group settings improve patient understanding of chronic diseases.”
Customizable Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[School Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
[Opening Paragraph – Express intent and reference something specific about the school.]
[Middle Paragraph(s) – Share why the school is the right fit and reiterate your unique strengths.]
[Closing Paragraph – Reaffirm your intent, summarize, and thank the committee.]
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
FAQ: Writing a Letter of Intent for Medical School
1. What should I include in my letter of intent?
Your letter of intent should clearly express your continued interest in the medical school, reaffirm your commitment to their program, and highlight your unique qualities, achievements, and goals that align with their values. Include specific reasons why this school is your top choice and how it matches your aspirations.
2. How long should a letter of intent be?
A letter of intent should be concise, ideally no longer than one page. Focus on the most important information and avoid unnecessary details to ensure your message remains clear and impactful.
3. When is the best time to send my letter of intent?
The ideal time to send your letter of intent is after your interview but before the admissions committee has made a final decision. Timing can vary by school, so it’s helpful to research specific deadlines or typical decision timelines.
4. Can I send letters of intent to multiple schools?
Generally, you should send a letter of intent to only one medical school—your clear first choice. This demonstrates authenticity and commitment. For other schools, consider writing an update or interest letter instead.
5. How can I make my letter of intent stand out?
To stand out, personalize your letter by referencing specific aspects of the program that resonate with your goals or values. Use professional yet engaging language, and ensure your passion for the field and the school is evident.
6. Do I need to address my letter to a specific person?
Whenever possible, address your letter to the dean of admissions or the admissions committee. Using a specific name rather than a generic greeting shows effort and attention to detail.
7. Is it okay to mention other schools I’ve applied to?
No, avoid mentioning other schools in your letter of intent. The focus should remain exclusively on the medical school you’re writing to and why it’s your top choice.
8. Should I follow up after sending my letter of intent?
It’s fine to follow up if you don’t receive confirmation of receipt, but avoid excessive communication. Trust that your letter will be taken into consideration as part of the admissions process.
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Conclusion
Writing a Medical School Letter of Intent is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. By clearly showcasing your passion for the program and aligning it with your unique strengths, you can boost your chances of standing out.
Remember, this letter is your final word, so make it count! Take your time to tailor each one carefully, and don’t shy away from seeking trusted advice on editing.
Need a bit of extra help crafting a polished, professional letter? Contact our admissions consulting team for expert guidance today!
