Crafting a Compelling Letter of Interest for Medical School
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A letter of interest, sometimes called a letter of intent, is a crucial tool for medical school applicants after submitting their application. It signals your continued strong interest in a specific program and provides an opportunity to highlight updates, reinforce your fit, and subtly address any perceived weaknesses in your application. The key is to be genuine, specific, and demonstrate that you’ve done your research on the school.
This article provides 15 sample letters of interest for medical school, offering diverse approaches and content. Remember to tailor each sample to your unique qualifications and the specific medical school you’re addressing. Use these examples as inspiration to craft a letter that truly resonates with the admissions committee.
15 Sample Letters of Interest for Medical School
Below are 15 sample letters. Remember to personalize these to your specific situation and the school you’re applying to.
Sample Letter 1: Focused on Research
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in attending [Medical School Name]. Since submitting my application, I have been deeply involved in [Specific Research Project] at [Institution], which has reinforced my passion for [Specific Area of Medicine]. I am particularly drawn to [Medical School Name]’s emphasis on [Specific Research Area] and the opportunity to work with Dr. [Professor’s Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Highlighting Clinical Experience
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued strong interest in [Medical School Name]. Following the submission of my application, I have gained valuable clinical experience as a [Your Role] at [Hospital/Clinic Name]. This experience solidified my commitment to medicine, particularly in [Specific Area of Interest]. I was particularly impressed by [Medical School Name]’s dedication to [Specific Program/Initiative] and believe my experience aligns well with your program’s values. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Addressing a Weakness (Subtly)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in attending [Medical School Name]. Since submitting my application, I have focused on enhancing my skills in [Specific Area]. I recently completed [Course/Training] and am now proficient in [Specific Skill]. This aligns perfectly with my goal of contributing to [Medical Field] that is emphasized at [Medical School Name]. I admire [Medical School Name]’s focus on [Specific Attribute of the School]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Strong Connection to the School’s Mission
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reiterate my enthusiastic interest in [Medical School Name]. I am deeply impressed by your school’s commitment to [Specific Mission/Value]. I have been actively involved in [Related Activity] which has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in [Area of Medicine] within a community-focused setting. I believe my values are very aligned to [Medical School Name]’s commitment to [Specific Attribute of the School]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Focused on a Specific Program
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reinforce my keen interest in attending [Medical School Name], particularly the [Specific Program Name]. I was particularly drawn to the unique approach to [Aspect of Program]. Since I last sent my application I have been engaging in [Related Activity] which has helped me grow and learn more about [Area of Medicine]. I think this focus on [Specific Attribute of the School] is very important to me. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Updates on Awards/Recognition
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I write to express my continued strong interest in attending [Medical School Name]. Since my initial application I have been awarded with the [Award Name]. This further solidifies my abilities within the [Area of Medicine] and aligns perfectly with the goal of [Specific Program/Initiative] at your institution. I admire [Medical School Name]’s focus on [Specific Attribute of the School]. I thank you for consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Highlighting Leadership Roles
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reiterate my significant interest in attending [Medical School Name]. Recently, I was selected as [Your Role] at [Organization Name]. This experience has developed my leadership abilities and has only strengthened my passion in [Area of Medicine]. The leadership program and other aspects of [Medical School Name] really appeal to me. I appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Focusing on Unique Experience
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I want to reiterate my excitement about attending [Medical School Name]. Since submission, I partook in [Unique Experience]. It has shown me a different level of understanding in [Area of Medicine]. I want to combine my unique abilities with [Medical School Name]’s [Specific Program/Initiative]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Addressing Low MCAT Score (Strategically)
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I wish to emphasize my continued interest in attending [Medical School Name]. Since my MCAT examination, I have worked tirelessly to enhance my skills in [Specific Area]. My passion for medicine has not faltered, and I am confident in succeeding within your institution. Your unique approach to [Specific Program/Initiative] is also very appealing. I thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Expressing Enthusiasm for a Professor’s Work
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in [Medical School Name]. I was fascinated by Dr. [Professor Name]’s work on [Research Topic]. I believe I would fit in well with the [Specific Program/Initiative] program. The school’s focus on [Specific Program/Initiative] is amazing. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Post-Interview Letter of Interest
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview at [Medical School Name]. This further solidified my desire to become a part of the community. My discussions about [Medical Field] during the interview has made me even more passionate. I value that you focus on [Specific Program/Initiative]. I appreciate it.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Showcasing Volunteering Experience
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued strong interest in [Medical School Name]. Since submitting my application, I have increased my volunteering hours in [Specific Area]. Through [Volunteering Experience] I learned many skills in [Area of Medicine]. Your school’s goal for [Specific Program/Initiative] is amazing. I want to be a part of [Medical School Name]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Focus on Leadership
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to affirm my strong desire to attend [Medical School Name]. As a leader I have gained many unique skills in medicine. At [Organization Name] my role as [Your Role] taught me invaluable skills for medicine. Your mission for [Specific Program/Initiative] aligns greatly with my skills. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Highlighting Skills
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to continue my interest in joining [Medical School Name]. My abilities in [Specific Program/Initiative] helps me in my goal for [Area of Medicine]. At [Organization Name] I was able to master my skills. The focus on [Specific Program/Initiative] at [Medical School Name] is very exciting. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Emphasizing Passion for Medicine
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Medical School Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong desire in joining [Medical School Name]. My passion for medicine goes back many years. I believe this passion will make me a good fit for [Specific Program/Initiative] at your institution. Your dedication is inspiring. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways: Writing an Effective Letter of Interest
A strong letter of interest is more than just a formality; it’s a strategic opportunity to reinforce your application. Remember to personalize each letter, highlight any updates or achievements, and clearly articulate why you are a good fit for the specific medical school. By focusing on your genuine interest and demonstrating a clear understanding of the school’s mission and values, you can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.