Medical School Letter of Intent

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A medical school letter of intent is sent by an applicant to the admissions committee of a medical school to communicate that they would accept admittance if approved. The contents of an LOI include the student’s reasons for choosing the school, notable achievements, accolades, volunteer work, and other qualifications.

Medical School Letter of Intent

A medical school letter of intent is sent by an applicant to the admissions committee of a medical school to communicate that they would accept admittance if approved. The contents of an LOI include the student’s reasons for choosing the school, notable achievements, accolades, volunteer work, and other qualifications.

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Last updated October 26th, 2024

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A medical school letter of intent is sent by an applicant to the admissions committee of a medical school to communicate that they would accept admittance if approved. The contents of an LOI include the student’s reasons for choosing the school, notable achievements, accolades, volunteer work, and other qualifications.

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When to Submit

It is generally advised that a letter of intent be sent one month or so following the applicant’s interview with the admissions committee. If the candidate is notified that they are on the waitlist, this can also be an appropriate time to send a letter of intent.

Furthermore, waiting until nearer the end of the interview season to send the letter can be a wise choice. This demonstrates that the applicant has carefully considered all their options and is thoughtful about the timing of the application process.

When Not to Send

Most, but not all, medical schools encourage applicants to write letters of intent to the admissions committee.

A few examples of circumstances where an LOI shouldn’t be sent include:

  1. No Interview – If the potential student has not yet had an official interview, sending the admissions committee a letter of intent is usually a poor decision.
  2. Doesn’t Accept LOIs – Applying students should refer to the admissions guidelines to see if their school encourages letters of intent. If they don’t, students should avoid sending a letter as it may hurt their chances of admission.
  3. Multiple Schools – As previously mentioned, only one school (the applicant’s top choice) should receive a letter of intent. Medical schools communicate with one another and may find out if someone has sent more than one LOI, which can damage the likelihood of acceptance.

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Interest

Letters of intent and letters of interest for medical school are similar in that they both relay the student’s interest in attending an institution. However, a letter of intent is saved for the preferred choice, whereas a letter of interest can be sent to multiple schools.

Sample

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MEDICAL SCHOOL LETTER OF INTENT

[DATE]

[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER  STREET ADDRESS]
[SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[RECIPIENT NAME], [RECIPIENT TITLE]
[SCHOOL NAME]
[SCHOOL STREET ADDRESS]
[SCHOOL CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [RECIPIENT NAME],

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter of intent to the admissions committee of [SCHOOL]. After my interview on  [DATE], it was clear to me that [SCHOOL] is absolutely my number one choice. I’m a dedicated and studious person with a passion for the human body and therapeutic medicine, and I am confident that the occupational therapy program aligns perfectly with my goals.

Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by human anatomy and the ability of modern science to heal such a wide range of health complications. Through my undergraduate courses and clinical and research experiences, I’ve built a solid foundation in the sciences associated with occupational therapy and an appreciation for the critical relationship between the anatomical and psychological aspects of human recovery.

I am most impressed by [SCHOOL]‘s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement to address health disparities. I appreciate the OT program’s extensive research opportunities and curriculum design that aim to prepare students to become leaders in the field of occupational therapy and be able to address the evolving needs of diverse populations.

Aside from the time I spent shadowing [DOCTOR] at [CLINIC], as mentioned in my application, I have spent [#] hours visiting different sites to experience the diversity of the practice of occupational therapy. One of my main goals is to focus on serving my community and promoting equal opportunities for healthcare. I’m currently volunteering as a camp counselor for children with disabilities at [CAMP]. I intend to maintain a volunteer position even when enrolled in your OT program, albeit in a less time-consuming capacity.

I am very excited about the prospect of working with the experienced faculty members at [SCHOOL], who are dedicated to advancing the field through cutting-edge clinical practices and research. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the already stellar reputation of this fine institution.

Sincerely,

[APPLICANT NAME]

Signature: ___________________