See my previous blog entries on thank you notes. The bottom line: They can’t hurt and might help. Ensure you send your note immediately after the interview (day of or next day), as your candidacy will likely be discussed soon after your visit.
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My feeling about post-interview thank you notes is that they can’t hurt. In theory it seems a little funny that a candidate would thank a faculty member in writing for an obligatory interview. But when I was interviewing candidates at Harvard, it really was nice to receive a note from an applicant.
My suggestions regarding thank you notes:
1. Hand write – no emails.
2. Send the note in a timely manner (the next day).
3. Keep it brief.
4. If there was something particularly noteworthy about the interview (a common interest) mention it.
5. Be formal in your tone.
Good luck,
Michelle
www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com
A few people have asked me whether it’s wise during the interview, in thank you notes or in letters of intent to tell an institution that it’s your favorite. I say, “Sure, if it’s true.” On the other hand, it’s not wise – as some applicants do – to tell all institutions that they’re your first choice. I can assure you from experience that admissions committee members across the country speak to one another. And you may see these selection committee members again.
I remember an applicant who told our institution that we were his first choice. He was ranked to match but didn’t because he had ranked another residency over us. After that, my colleagues were pretty clear that they wouldn’t forget this deceptive behavior if they interacted with him professionally in the future (seeking a job, seeking a committee position).
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
