Good news for wait list candidates: May 15 has traditionally been that “turning-point” date that medical school wait lists start to show movement. At many U.S. medical schools, the fifteenth is the deadline on which accepted applicants must commit to matriculate. (The registration deposit makes the decision firmer.)
Although not ideal, some wait listed students even get acceptances into the summer. So, don’t give up yet.
Medical school letters of intent (or what some applicants jokingly call “love letters”) can be used for several types of applicants:
1) Those who have been wait listed
2) Those who have been interviewed but have not yet been accepted or rejected
3) Those who have not yet been invited to interview
When writing your letters of intent (LOIs), you should have the following principal goals:
1) Restating your interest in the institution
2) Positioning yourself as a distinctive candidate
The biggest error I see in LOIs is too much content about a specific institution’s advantages. There is no reason to spend a paragraph or more telling medical school admissions members what makes their institution special. They already know! Using your precious space this way is an opportunity cost, keeping you from fully showcasing what makes you a compelling applicant.
For those of you interested in LOI assistance, please contact me. I do offer a popular LOI editing service.
In editing letters of intent (LOI), I note that applicants often make the mistake of focusing on their desired institution’s virtues. Remember that the goal of the LOI is twofold:
1) Affirm your strong interest in the institution.
2) Distinguish yourself with your accomplishments.
These programs already know their strengths; unfortunately, you won’t further your candidacy by reiterating them. Please see my editing pages for information on my LOI services.
I’ve had a few applicants ask me if there is anything to do after being wait listed for medical school. I do recommend streamlined letters of intent that include what makes you a distinctive candidate and updated information regarding your candidacy. I edit these if you want help.
I’ve also heard of applicants sending letters of intent AND making an appointment to tour the school. A visit demonstrates further interest.
Hang in there. Remember that some people get off the wait list as late as the summer. (Not ideal but better than not getting in.)
Just when you’ve completed your medical school interviews and feel that you can sit back and relax because – after all – the rest is out of your hands, you may be surprised by a wait list notification. What is the next step? What can you do?
First of all, realize that medical school admissions have become increasingly competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy. Competitive applicants who would have considered business or law school are now recognizing the stability of a medical career. The number of applicants has again increased this year. Being wait listed is better than being rejected, and thus a positive, despite the anxiety is causes.
A few things you can do:
1. Send a letter of intent. Let the school know of your continued interest and your new accomplishments. Ensure the letter is well written, streamlined and brief. Be explicit about your enthusiasm, and if the school is your first choice, let the admissions committee know that.
2. Ask the school if you can set up a second look. A second visit indicates to the institution that you are serious, and it offers you more data in making your decision if you are later offered a spot.
3. Do not neglect your other options. Don’t focus all of your attention on this institution to the exclusion of others: Ensure you are well-prepared for upcoming interviews at other medical schools.
4. Plan for last minute notice. At some schools applicants are offered slots off the wait list throughout the summer. I’ve even heard of acceptances being offered the day before medical school was to begin. Would you be able to change your living situation, move your personal belongings and uproot if this were to happen?
Finally, consider working with a professional who can substantially improve your letter of intent and assist you with mock interviews. I edit all of my clients’ materials. I do not hire outside editors. I conduct all mock interviews myself.
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
