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Thank you notes: Goofy but gracious

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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

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Away rotations

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Some medical schools are currently requiring their students to plan their spring and summer rotations. The question I am asked is what my thoughts are on the utility of away rotations. Here we go:

1. They are either really good or really bad. Never in between. If you think you are going to shine then consider being away. If you are just revving up then don’t go. The last thing you want is to spend a month away only to have the institution rule you out early. (If you have a strong application that is even more reason not to go away.)
2. Consider the financial cost. Unless you have free housing, being away can get very expensive.

I have a few clients who are strategically contacting me early – now during their third years – for strategy sessions. It’s a good idea to get professional advice now and not be blindsided later about weaknesses you could have improved.

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Early Bird Special

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I’m using this blog entry to alert my blog readers that effective February 13 at noon PST, I will be implementing a price increase in some editing services. In gratitude for your blog reading patronage, I am alerting you as a courtesy to allow you or any friends you wish to refer the opportunity to purchase services at the current “Early Bird” rates. Please see my payment page for details regarding the changes.

My pricing reflects my commitment as an experienced admissions officer to helping my clients get ahead. Every applicant gets my personal attention. Every edit is done solely by me. With my services my clients can feel confident that they get what they pay for.

Thank you! Michelle

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Letters of Intent: What They Should Include

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A few applicants have emailed me asking me how to write a letter of intent (LOI), whose goal is to get the attention of a medical school and get off the wait list. Here are my recommendations:

1. Keep it short. More than one page will very likely be left unread.
2. Keep it formal.
3. Clarify your enthusiasm. If the school is your number choice say so.
4. Summarize your accomplishments (briefly) and what makes you a distinctive candidate.
5. Update your application.

I have helped numerous clients with LOIs and am, of course, always available for editing assistance: InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

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

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