How To Write a Letter of Intent for Medical School: Your Guide to Securing a Spot

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into medical school applications. You’ve aced the MCAT, crafted compelling essays, and crushed the interviews. Now, you’re waiting. And waiting. And maybe, just maybe, you’re starting to get a little anxious. That’s where the Letter of Intent (LOI) comes in – your last, best chance to influence the admissions committee and solidify your place in their incoming class. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about writing a winning Letter of Intent for medical school, helping you craft a document that truly showcases your dedication and increases your chances of acceptance.

Understanding the Power of the Letter of Intent

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” A Letter of Intent isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic move. It’s your opportunity to reiterate your strong interest in a specific medical school, especially if you haven’t yet received an acceptance, or to reaffirm your commitment if you have. It allows you to:

• Reiterate your enthusiasm: Show the admissions committee that you’re genuinely excited about attending their school.
• Address any concerns: If there were any hiccups during the interview process or in your application, the LOI can be used to clarify the situation.
• Highlight new developments: Did you receive a new award? Complete a significant project? The LOI is a perfect place to update the committee.
• Potentially influence a decision: In a competitive environment, a well-crafted LOI can sway the decision in your favor.

When to Send Your Letter of Intent: Timing is Crucial

Timing is everything. You need to strike the right balance between being proactive and not being too eager. The ideal time to send your Letter of Intent depends on your application status:

• If you haven’t heard back yet: Send your LOI after you’ve completed all your interviews and it’s been a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a month or two). Don’t bombard them; a single, well-crafted letter is usually sufficient.
• If you’ve been waitlisted: This is a prime opportunity to send an LOI. It demonstrates your continued interest and can significantly improve your chances of getting off the waitlist. Send it as soon as you’re comfortable.
• If you’ve been accepted but haven’t committed: An LOI can be used to inform the school of your intention to attend. This is a great way to show you are very interested.

Crafting Your Letter of Intent: A Step-by-Step Approach

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: writing the letter itself. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Address the Right Person

Make sure you address the letter to the appropriate person. This is typically the Dean of Admissions or the Admissions Committee. You can usually find this information on the school’s website. Double-check the spelling of the name, as this helps show you’ve paid attention to detail.

Step 2: Express Your Enthusiasm and Reiterate Your Interest

Start with a clear and concise statement of your purpose. Immediately state your intention to attend the school if accepted. For example: “I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in attending [Medical School Name] and, if accepted, I would enthusiastically accept a place in your entering class.”

Step 3: Remind Them Why You’re a Good Fit

This isn’t just about repeating what’s already in your application. Instead, focus on:

• Specific programs or opportunities: Mention specific programs, research opportunities, or clinical experiences offered by the school that particularly excite you. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their unique offerings.
• Faculty members: If you’ve connected with any faculty members during interviews or through other means, mention them by name and briefly explain why you’re impressed by their work.
• The school’s culture and values: Touch upon the school’s values that resonate with you. Are they known for their commitment to community service? Do they emphasize a specific area of medicine? Aligning your aspirations with the school’s mission demonstrates a strong fit.

Step 4: Highlight New Developments (If Applicable)

Have you recently achieved something noteworthy since submitting your application? This could include:

• New research findings: Did you present at a conference or publish a paper?
• Significant volunteer work: Did you take on a leadership role in a volunteer organization?
• Academic achievements: Did you excel in a challenging course?

Clearly and concisely summarize these developments, emphasizing their relevance to your medical school aspirations.

Step 5: Reiterate Your Commitment (For Accepted Students)

If you’ve already been accepted, express your gratitude and unequivocally state your intention to attend. This is the primary purpose of the LOI in this scenario. Be specific about what excites you most about the school and why you’ve made this decision.

Step 6: Proofread and Edit Relentlessly

This is non-negotiable. Your letter should be flawless. Grammatical errors, typos, and poor formatting will undermine your credibility. Read your letter aloud, have a friend or advisor review it, and use grammar and spell-checking tools.

Formatting and Style: Making a Positive Impression

The format and style of your letter are just as important as the content. Here are some key guidelines:

• Keep it concise: Aim for one page. Admissions committees are busy; respect their time.
• Use a professional tone: Maintain a formal yet enthusiastic tone. Avoid slang, overly casual language, or overly emotional expressions.
• Be specific: Avoid vague statements. Back up your claims with concrete examples.
• Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying “I am a dedicated individual,” describe your actions that demonstrate dedication.
• Use proper business letter format: Include your contact information, the date, the recipient’s information, a formal salutation (“Dear Dr. [Last Name]”), a clear body, and a professional closing (“Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” etc.).

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Letter of Intent

Be aware of these common pitfalls:

• Sending it too early or too late.
• Using a generic letter. Tailor each LOI to the specific school.
• Being overly demanding or entitled. Remember, you’re trying to persuade, not demand.
• Focusing solely on yourself without mentioning the school.
• Mentioning other schools you are considering.
• Including information already present in your application.
• Being insincere or disingenuous. Authenticity is key.
• Not proofreading carefully.

Maximizing Your Impact: Beyond the Basics

Consider these additional strategies to enhance your LOI:

• Consider a handwritten note: In some cases, a handwritten note, sent in addition to the typed letter, can show extra effort.
• Follow up (strategically): If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe after sending your LOI, you can follow up with a brief, polite email to the admissions office.
• Personalize your letter: If you spoke with a specific student or faculty member during your interview, mention that conversation.

FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing a Letter of Intent:

What if I’m torn between multiple schools?

In this situation, it can be tricky. You can send an LOI to your top choice, but be honest. You could say something like, “While I am considering multiple excellent programs, [Medical School Name] is my top choice, and I would be honored to attend.” Avoid mentioning other schools by name.

Is it okay to ask about financial aid in my Letter of Intent?

Generally, no. The LOI is primarily focused on expressing your interest. Financial aid inquiries are better addressed through the financial aid office directly.

What if I don’t have any new information to share?

That’s okay! Focus on reiterating your interest, highlighting specific aspects of the school that appeal to you, and reminding them why you’re a strong candidate.

Should I send a Letter of Intent if I’ve already been accepted?

Yes, absolutely, especially if you know where you want to go. Send the LOI to confirm your commitment and express gratitude.

How long after an interview should I send an LOI?

It’s best to wait a few weeks after the interview, allowing the admissions committee to process their decisions. However, don’t wait too long; a month or two is generally a good timeframe.

Conclusion: Seal the Deal with a Powerful Letter

Writing a compelling Letter of Intent for medical school is a crucial step in the admissions process. By understanding the purpose of the LOI, crafting a well-structured and personalized letter, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a coveted spot in your dream medical school. Remember to express genuine enthusiasm, highlight your unique qualifications, and tailor your letter to each specific school. Sending the perfect LOI is a strategic move that could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. Good luck, future doctor!