At the end of interviews, you find yourself looking at your spreadsheet. Or notes, or your gut. After hours of travel and numerous applications, it’s finally time to create your rank list. Is there anything else to do after you interview?
- Send thank you notes. I’d recommend sending one to everyone. From secretaries to PDs to interviewers, these are little gestures that matter. And if you really want to go to a place, I’d recommend hand writing these letters.
- Send a follow up love letter to your top programs.
For love letters. I’ve heard that these have small value. While some places recommend not sending love letters, I’ve heard that these may have some influence. For your top program, state it as such, and let the program director know. Be very concrete. Especially this year, when many programs received more than 1,000 applicants for 4 spots.
For your top 2-3 programs, let programs know you are ranking them as a top program and be specific why. Programs want to know why them specifically and they receive many of these letters. Anything below your top three, in my opinion I would not rank.
What other advice would you give for love letters?
