Learn how to write a letter of interest for medical school, when to send one, what to include, and how to use our template and complete example.
How to Write a Strong Letter of Interest for Medical School
A medical school letter of interest is a short, professional letter that tells an admissions committee that you remain genuinely interested in attending its program. You can use one before receiving an interview, after completing an interview, or while sitting on a medical school waitlist, as long as the school accepts additional correspondence at that point in the application cycle.
The best letters of interest do more than tell a school that you like it. They explain why the program fits your goals, connect specific opportunities at the school to experiences already found in your application, and help the admissions committee imagine you becoming an active member of its community.
You are essentially trying to show that the relationship makes sense from both directions. The school offers the education, opportunities, community, and environment you are looking for, while your background and goals would allow you to contribute something meaningful in return.
When I was applying to medical school, I thought of these letters almost like matchmaking letters. You do not want to write a generic message saying that the school is wonderful and hope the admissions committee fills in the rest. You want to explain exactly why you and the program fit together.
In this guide, I will walk you through how to write a strong letter of interest for medical school, when you should consider sending one, what to include, how it differs from a letter of intent, and which common mistakes can weaken your message. I have also included a reusable template, a complete medical school letter of interest example, and answers to frequently asked questions at the end.
What Is a Medical School Letter of Interest?
A medical school letter of interest is a message explaining that you remain highly interested in a program and would seriously consider attending if accepted.
The letter gives you an opportunity to reinforce your enthusiasm after submitting your primary and secondary applications. Depending on when you send it, you may also be asking the school to consider you for an interview, reminding the committee of your interest after an interview, or reaffirming that you would still be excited to attend while remaining on the waitlist.
A letter of interest is not the same as a letter of intent. In a letter of interest, you are communicating sincere enthusiasm without promising that you will definitely attend. This means you can send letters of interest to more than one medical school, provided that each letter is honest, personalized, and permitted by the school.
A letter of intent carries a much stronger commitment because it tells one school that it is your first choice and that you will matriculate if accepted. When you reach the point where you are ready to make that promise, read my guide on how to write a letter of intent for medical school.
What Is the Purpose of a Medical School Letter of Interest?
The primary purpose of a letter of interest is to make sure the admissions committee understands that your interest in the school is real and ongoing.
That may sound obvious, but it is easy for applicants to lose sight of this while trying to include updates, compliment the curriculum, and explain their qualifications. When the committee finishes reading your letter, the main message should be clear: you have carefully considered this medical school, you believe it fits your goals, and you would be excited to continue moving forward in the admissions process.
Medical schools receive thousands of applications, many of which contain similar descriptions of research opportunities, student-run clinics, collaborative environments, and excellent clinical training. Your primary and secondary applications may show that you fit the program, but they do not always reveal how strongly you currently feel about attending.
A thoughtful letter gives you another opportunity to explain that connection, especially when months have passed since you submitted your secondary application.
However, it is important to keep your expectations realistic. A letter of interest cannot guarantee that you will receive an interview, avoid the waitlist, or earn an acceptance. Admissions decisions depend on your full application, interview performance, the school’s priorities, and many other factors that remain outside your control.
I would think of the letter as one of the few additional pieces of information you can provide during a part of the application cycle that often feels very passive. You cannot control the committee’s decision, but you can make sure the school understands why you remain interested and what you could bring to the program.
How to Write a Letter of Interest for Medical School
A strong medical school letter of interest should answer several questions for the admissions committee without becoming overly long.
Why are you writing now? What specifically attracts you to this school? How do those opportunities connect to your experiences and future goals? What would you contribute to the class? What would you like the committee to do after reading your letter?
You do not need to divide the letter into a rigid formula, but most effective letters contain an opening statement of interest, a personalized explanation of fit, an optional application update, a description of what the applicant could contribute, and a respectful closing that clarifies the next step they are hoping for.
Most letters should remain around one page. This gives you enough space to develop your reasoning without turning the communication into another personal statement or secondary essay.
Step 1: Address the Letter Professionally
Whenever possible, address your letter to the dean or director of admissions. You can usually find the appropriate name on the school’s admissions website, in your applicant portal, or within the materials you received before your interview.
A greeting might look like this:
Dear Dr. Williams and Members of the Admissions Committee,
When you cannot identify a specific recipient, addressing the admissions committee is perfectly acceptable. I would avoid “To Whom It May Concern” when the name of the admissions leader is readily available because using the correct recipient makes the letter feel more intentional.
Include your full name and AMCAS, AACOMAS, or TMDSAS identification number somewhere near the top or bottom of the document. You should also include this information in the email accompanying your letter so the admissions office can easily place it in your application file.
Step 2: Explain Why You Are Writing
Your opening paragraph should briefly explain your current application status and make your continued interest clear.
Before an interview, you might thank the committee for continuing to consider your application and explain that you would be honored to interview. After an interview, you can thank the school for the opportunity and mention that the experience strengthened your interest. When you are on the waitlist, you can state that you remain excited about the possibility of joining the incoming class.
For example:
Thank you for continuing to consider my application to Example University School of Medicine. After learning more about the program’s longitudinal community health curriculum and its commitment to serving the surrounding region, I remain extremely interested in the opportunity to interview and further discuss how my experiences align with the school’s mission.
A post-interview opening might say:
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview at Example University School of Medicine. My conversations with students and faculty members strengthened my interest in the program and helped me see how well its collaborative environment and community-focused curriculum align with my goals.
You do not need a long introduction. The opening should simply give the committee enough context to understand why the letter is arriving and what you hope it communicates.
Step 3: Explain Why the Medical School Fits You
This is the most important part of your letter because simply saying that you are interested is not especially persuasive. The admissions committee should be able to understand why you remain interested in this particular school rather than medical school in general.
You might discuss the curriculum, a student-run clinic, a research center, a community partnership, a longitudinal clinical program, a special educational pathway, or a faculty member whose work aligns with your interests. Family connections to the area, a spouse or partner living nearby, and a genuine desire to serve the surrounding community can also be relevant.
The strongest letters usually focus on two or three connections and explain them well rather than listing every attractive feature on the school’s website.
For example, writing that you are interested in a student-run clinic does not reveal much by itself. Many applicants can make the same statement.
A stronger explanation would say:
My experience volunteering in a free clinic has shown me how transportation, insurance status, and limited access to primary care can affect whether patients receive consistent treatment. I would be excited to continue working with similar populations through Example University’s student-run clinic while developing the skills needed to address those barriers as a physician.
This explanation works because the applicant connects a specific school opportunity to an existing experience and a future goal. The interest therefore feels like a natural continuation of something they already care about rather than something added to impress the committee.
You can take the same approach with research. Instead of naming a faculty member and saying you would like to work in their laboratory, explain what you have already studied, what questions now interest you, and why that faculty member or research program could help you continue developing.
Step 4: Use Details From Your Interview
When you are writing after an interview, some of your strongest details may come from the conversations you had during the day.
You might mention a student who described the class’s collaborative culture, a faculty member who explained a unique research opportunity, or an interviewer who helped you better understand the school’s mission. You can also discuss something you observed about how students and faculty interacted.
These details are valuable because they show that your interest developed through actual engagement with the school rather than a last-minute review of its website.
For example:
During my interview, I was especially encouraged by the students’ descriptions of the peer-teaching culture and the support they receive from faculty members. As someone who has enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring younger students, I could see myself both benefiting from and contributing to that environment.
This feels personal without becoming overly emotional, and it gives the admissions committee another reason to believe that the applicant understands the program.
Try not to simply write that everyone was friendly or that you enjoyed the interview day. Those observations are positive, but they do not reveal much about why the school fits you. Focus instead on what you learned and how it influenced your thinking.
Step 5: Include a Meaningful Application Update When Appropriate
A letter of interest can also contain a brief update when something important has changed since you submitted your application.
Useful updates may include a publication, research presentation, significant academic achievement, new leadership responsibility, expanded clinical role, award, or substantial development within an ongoing service project.
The update should add meaningful information rather than simply make the letter longer. You do not need to report every additional volunteer shift or every small change in your schedule.
When possible, connect the update to the school’s mission or opportunities.
For example:
Since submitting my secondary application, I have begun training new volunteers at our community blood pressure screening program. Developing an orientation on accurate measurements, patient communication, and appropriate referrals has strengthened my interest in preventive medicine and community health, both of which I hope to continue exploring through Example University’s longitudinal service curriculum.
This allows the update to support the larger argument of the letter. It shows that you have continued growing and that the school remains a logical next step.
You do not need to include an update when you do not have one. A personalized and well-developed letter of interest can still be useful without new accomplishments, particularly after an interview or while you remain under consideration.
Step 6: Explain What You Would Contribute
Applicants sometimes spend the entire letter explaining what they want from the medical school without discussing what they would bring to the class.
Admissions committees are not only choosing qualified individuals. They are also building a community of students who will learn together, support one another, participate in organizations, conduct research, and serve patients throughout the surrounding region.
Think about how your existing experiences could allow you to contribute. Perhaps you have a background in peer mentoring, community service, advocacy, teaching, leadership, or a particular area of research. You might have worked extensively with a patient population that is central to the school’s mission or developed skills that would be useful within a student organization.
You do not need to make an extravagant promise about starting several new programs or completely changing the school. A realistic explanation tied to something you have already done will sound much more sincere.
Step 7: Clarify What You Hope Happens Next
Your conclusion should reaffirm your interest and respectfully explain what you hope will happen next.
Before receiving an interview, you can state that you would appreciate the opportunity to interview and discuss your fit further. After an interview, you can explain that you remain highly interested in joining the incoming class. On the waitlist, you can confirm that you would be excited to accept a position if one becomes available without promising that you definitely will.
For example:
Example University School of Medicine remains one of the programs I am most excited about because of its community-focused curriculum, supportive learning environment, and commitment to serving the region. I would be honored to interview and discuss how my experiences and goals could contribute to the program. Thank you for your continued consideration of my application.
A post-interview conclusion could say:
My interview confirmed that Example University offers the collaborative environment and community-centered education I am seeking. I remain extremely interested in joining the incoming class and appreciate your continued consideration of my application.
Notice that neither version promises to attend. That distinction is important because a letter of interest should communicate enthusiasm without becoming a letter of intent.
Medical School Letter of Interest Format
Your letter of interest should use a clean, professional format that is easy for the admissions committee to review.
At the top, include your full name, contact information, application identification number, and the date. Beneath that, list the name of the admissions dean or director and the medical school.
The opening paragraph should explain your current status and continued interest. The next one or two paragraphs should discuss why the school fits your background and goals, using specific programs and personal connections. You can then include a brief update and describe what you would contribute before closing with a respectful request for continued consideration.
The finished letter should normally remain around one page. You do not need an elaborate design, school colors, or any special graphics. Standard margins, readable spacing, and a professional font will be enough.
Medical School Letter of Interest Template
Dear Dr. [Last Name] and Members of the Admissions Committee,
Thank you for continuing to consider my application to [Medical School Name]. My name is [Full Name], and my [AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS] identification number is [ID Number]. I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in [Medical School Name] and the opportunity to [interview for/join] the incoming class.
I am particularly drawn to [specific curriculum, clinic, pathway, research program, faculty opportunity, or community initiative]. Through my experience with [relevant experience from your application], I have developed a strong interest in [patient population, field of research, educational goal, or form of service]. The opportunity to participate in [specific school opportunity] would allow me to continue developing this interest while contributing my experience with [relevant skill or background].
Since submitting my application, I have [brief meaningful update]. Through this experience, I have [describe an accomplishment, lesson, or skill]. I believe this growth would help me contribute to [specific clinic, organization, research group, educational program, or school community].
[Medical School Name] remains one of the programs I am most excited about because of its [two or three meaningful reasons]. I would be honored to [interview for the program/join the incoming class] and further discuss how my experiences and goals align with the school’s mission.
Thank you for your time and continued consideration of my application.
Respectfully,
[Full Name]
[AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS ID]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Medical School Letter of Interest Example
Dear Dr. Williams and Members of the Admissions Committee,
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the M.D./Ph.D. program at Example University School of Medicine. My name is John Doe, and my AMCAS identification number is 12345678. My interview day with the faculty members and Medical Scientist Training Program directors strengthened my interest in the program and left me even more excited about the possibility of completing my medical and research training at Example University.
I was particularly impressed by the program’s commitment to teaching students grant writing and helping them develop the skills needed to translate discoveries from the laboratory into patient care. My previous research experiences have shown me that becoming an independent physician-scientist requires much more than learning experimental techniques. It also requires strong mentorship, collaboration, scientific communication, and an understanding of how to move a promising question toward meaningful clinical application.
The faculty members I met during my interview repeatedly described a collaborative environment in which investigators support one another’s research and help students grow into independent scientists. Their emphasis on mentorship gave me confidence that I would have the guidance needed to become a leader in my field while still having opportunities to collaborate across laboratories and disciplines.
I was also excited by the possibility of living in Example City throughout the program. I grew up spending much of my free time outdoors fishing, hiking, and exploring nature, and those activities have remained important ways for me to recharge during demanding periods of school and research. The surrounding parks, forests, rivers, and beaches would allow me to continue enjoying those parts of my life while pursuing the medical and scientific training I am passionate about.
For these reasons, Example University remains one of the programs I am most excited about because it fits both my professional goals and the life I hope to build during my training. Thank you again for the opportunity to interview with the faculty and program leadership. I remain highly interested in joining the incoming class and appreciate your continued consideration of my application.
Respectfully,
John Doe
AMCAS ID: 12345678
johndoe@email.com
555-555-5555
When Should You Send a Letter of Interest to Medical School?
You can send a letter of interest at several different points in the medical school application cycle, but the message and purpose should change depending on your current status.
Before an interview, the letter is intended to show the school that you remain highly interested and would appreciate an opportunity to interview. After an interview, it reinforces that the experience increased your enthusiasm and that you remain excited about joining the program. When you are on the waitlist, it tells the school that your interest has continued even though months may have passed since your interview.
The best timing depends on the school’s policies, the strength of your interest, and whether you have anything meaningful to add. I do not think applicants should send letters simply because they become nervous after a few weeks of silence. The letter is more useful when you have specific reasons for writing and enough substance to create a personalized message.
You should also check whether the school accepts letters of interest. Some programs welcome updates and additional correspondence, while others ask applicants not to send anything beyond the required application materials.
Should You Send a Letter of Interest Before an Interview?
A letter of interest can be sent before an interview when you have already submitted your primary and secondary applications, remain sincerely interested in the school, and want to provide a thoughtful explanation of that interest.
This may be especially helpful when the school offers a program that closely matches your background or goals, you have a meaningful connection to the area, or you have an important application update to share.
The goal is not to demand an interview or imply that the admissions committee has overlooked something obvious. Instead, you are respectfully providing additional context that may help the committee understand why you and the program fit together.
You can close by saying that you would be honored to interview, but keep the wording professional and avoid sounding as though the school owes you that opportunity.
Timing also matters. A letter sent while a school is still actively offering interviews is likely to be more relevant than one sent after nearly all interview dates have passed. When I look back at my own application cycle, this is one area where I probably could have acted earlier.
Should You Send a Letter of Interest After an Interview?
After an interview is one of the best times to send a letter of interest because you now have personal details that can make your message much more specific.
You can reference conversations with students and faculty members, explain which programs stood out, and discuss how the interview changed or strengthened your understanding of the school.
I sent a letter of interest to every MD program where I interviewed because I wanted each school to know that I had enjoyed the experience and could genuinely see myself attending. I ultimately received an acceptance from every MD school where I interviewed.
I cannot say that the letters caused those acceptances, and applicants should be careful about assuming that one piece of communication controls an admissions decision. My interviews, application, experiences, and the programs’ individual priorities all played much larger roles.
Still, I wanted to do everything reasonable within my control to make sure the schools understood that my interest was sincere. These letters gave me a professional way to reinforce that message after the interview was over.
Should You Send a Letter of Interest While on a Waitlist?
A letter of interest can be useful while you are on a waitlist because it confirms that you remain interested and would seriously consider attending if a position becomes available.
Several months may have passed since your interview, and the school may not know whether your plans have changed or whether you have already committed elsewhere. A thoughtful letter gives you an opportunity to reaffirm your interest, explain why the school still fits your goals, and provide any meaningful updates.
However, avoid repeatedly sending nearly identical messages. One personalized letter accompanied by a substantial update is more useful than several letters that simply say you are still interested.
When a waitlisted school becomes your unquestioned first choice and you know that you would attend if accepted, a medical school letter of intent may be more appropriate than another letter of interest.
Letter of Interest vs. Letter of Intent
The difference between a medical school letter of interest and a letter of intent comes down to the commitment you are making.
A letter of interest says that you are highly interested in the school and would seriously consider attending if accepted. You may send personalized letters of interest to multiple schools because it is possible to be sincerely interested in more than one program.
A letter of intent says that one medical school is your first choice and that you will attend if accepted. Because that is an exclusive promise, you should send a letter of intent to only one school.
You should not call a school your top choice in a letter of interest unless it truly is your top choice. Phrases such as “one of my top choices,” “one of the programs I am most excited about,” or “a program I would be thrilled to attend” communicate strong interest without making a commitment you are not ready to keep.
When you are certain that one program stands above every other option, my complete guide on how to write a letter of intent for medical school explains how to make that commitment clearly and professionally.
Letter of Interest vs. Update Letter
A letter of interest primarily explains why you remain excited about a medical school. An update letter primarily tells the admissions committee what has changed since you submitted your application.
A letter of interest may contain an update, and an update letter may briefly reaffirm your interest, so there can be some overlap between them.
The easiest way to distinguish the two is to ask what you want the admissions committee to remember. When the central message is that the school fits you extremely well and you remain enthusiastic about attending, you are writing a letter of interest. When the main purpose is to report a publication, new role, recent grades, or another accomplishment, you are writing an update letter.
You can combine the two when appropriate, particularly if your recent experience connects naturally to something the medical school offers.
Can You Send Letters of Interest to Multiple Medical Schools?
Yes, you can send letters of interest to multiple medical schools as long as each letter is truthful and personalized.
There is nothing dishonest about being highly interested in several programs. Many applicants would be happy to attend more than one school, and a letter of interest does not contain an exclusive promise.
However, avoid copying the same generic letter and changing only the school’s name. Each program should receive a message that explains why its specific curriculum, community, opportunities, and values appeal to you.
You should also be careful with your wording. Telling several schools that each one is your sole top choice would move beyond expressing interest and create the same ethical problem as sending multiple letters of intent.
How Long Should a Medical School Letter of Interest Be?
A medical school letter of interest should generally remain around one page.
Admissions committee members already have your primary application, secondary essays, letters of recommendation, and interview notes. They do not need another multi-page essay that repeats everything they have already read.
A one-page limit encourages you to focus on your strongest connections to the school, your most meaningful update, and the most relevant contribution you could make.
Use a readable font, standard margins, and paragraphs with enough spacing that the document does not feel crowded. A shorter letter with specific and thoughtful reasoning will usually be more effective than a longer one filled with broad compliments.
Who Should Receive Your Letter of Interest?
The correct submission method varies by medical school.
Some programs allow you to upload additional documents through the applicant portal. Others ask that letters be emailed to the admissions office, while some do not accept post-submission materials at all.
Check the school’s website, applicant portal, interview instructions, and recent emails before sending the letter. When the policy remains unclear, you can politely contact the admissions office and ask whether letters of interest are accepted and how they should be submitted.
When emailing the letter, attach it as a clearly labeled PDF unless the school asks for another format. Include your full name and application identification number in the email and within the document.
A clear file name would be:
LastName_FirstName_Letter_of_Interest.pdf
Medical School Letter of Interest Email Example
Email subject: Letter of Interest – John Doe – AMCAS ID 12345678
Dear Office of Admissions,
I hope you are doing well. Attached is a letter reaffirming my continued interest in Example University School of Medicine.
My full name is John Doe, and my AMCAS identification number is 12345678. I would appreciate it if the letter could be added to my application file.
Thank you for your time and continued consideration.
Respectfully,
John Doe
AMCAS ID: 12345678
johndoe@email.com
555-555-5555
The email does not need to repeat the entire letter. Keep it brief and allow the attached document to contain the more detailed explanation.
Common Medical School Letter of Interest Mistakes
Making the Letter Too Generic
A letter that praises the school’s excellent faculty, strong curriculum, research opportunities, and supportive environment could be sent almost anywhere.
Choose details that are genuinely specific to the school and explain how they connect to your experiences and goals. The admissions committee should be able to tell that you wrote the letter for its program.
Turning the Letter Into a Letter of Intent
Do not write that the school is your first choice or promise to attend unless you are intentionally sending a letter of intent.
A letter of interest can still sound enthusiastic without making an exclusive commitment. Saying that the program is “one of my top choices” is very different from saying that it is your only top choice and that you will matriculate.
Repeating Your Secondary Essays
The admissions committee already has your secondary application. You can revisit the same themes, but try to add a new reflection, interview detail, recent development, or more specific connection.
Your letter should build on the application rather than summarize it.
Listing Programs Without Explaining Their Importance
Mentioning a research center, clinic, or curriculum does not automatically demonstrate fit. Explain why the opportunity matters to you and how it connects to something you have already done.
Sounding Demanding
It is appropriate to say that you would be honored to interview or remain excited about joining the class. It is not appropriate to suggest that the school should grant you an interview or acceptance because you sent the letter.
Remain confident and enthusiastic while respecting that the committee must evaluate many qualified applicants.
Sending the Letter Against the School’s Instructions
Some medical schools do not accept application updates or letters of interest. Sending one anyway may demonstrate that you did not follow the program’s directions.
Always check the policy before submitting additional materials.
Writing Too Much
A letter of interest should not become a four-page explanation of every reason you like the school. Focus on the connections that are strongest, most personal, and most relevant to your future goals.
Sending Too Many Letters
Repeatedly emailing the admissions office with nearly identical messages is unlikely to strengthen your application. Send another communication only when you have a meaningful update or when the school invites additional correspondence.
Does a Letter of Interest Help With Medical School Admission?
A letter of interest may help the admissions committee better understand your enthusiasm and fit, but it does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.
Its potential value depends on when you send it, what the school allows, how personalized the letter is, and where your application already stands. A thoughtful letter may reinforce a strong application, while a generic letter is unlikely to overcome significant concerns elsewhere in the file.
I would not view letters of interest as a secret strategy that most applicants are missing. Instead, I would view them as a professional communication tool that allows you to provide information the committee may not otherwise know.
When the letter is sincere and specific, it can clarify that you remain interested and help the committee understand why its program matters to you. After that, the decision remains in the school’s hands.
My Experience Sending Medical School Letters of Interest
I personally sent quite a few letters of interest during my medical school application cycle. I sent them to many programs where I was still hoping to receive an interview, and I sent one after every MD interview I completed.
Every MD school where I interviewed ultimately accepted me. I cannot prove that the letters made a difference, and I would never tell another applicant that sending one will lead to the same result. Medical school admissions decisions are far too complicated for any one letter to receive all the credit.
However, I knew there were only so many things I could control after the interview was over. I could not change my MCAT score, GPA, completed experiences, or the way the committee had already evaluated most of my application. What I could do was make sure each school understood that I had seriously considered the program and would be excited to attend.
Looking back, I probably would have sent some of my pre-interview letters earlier, especially to a few reach schools where an interview would have been more difficult to receive. By the time I contacted several of them, many interview invitations had already gone out, which may have limited how useful the letters could be.
That does not mean I would recommend immediately sending a letter to every school on your list. Each message still needs a clear reason, specific details, and enough substance to justify contacting the admissions office.
The lesson I took from my own cycle is that expressing genuine interest can be worthwhile, but timing and personalization matter. A letter sent early enough to be considered, with a thoughtful explanation of fit, is much more useful than a generic message sent only because you are anxious about not hearing back.
Medical School Letter of Interest Checklist
Before submitting your letter, confirm that the medical school accepts additional correspondence and that you are using the submission method it requests.
Your letter should explain why you are writing, communicate genuine interest, and connect two or three specific features of the program to your own experiences and future goals. When you have a meaningful update, include it briefly and explain how it demonstrates continued growth.
You should also clarify what you hope happens next without sounding demanding. Depending on your status, this may mean respectfully expressing your hope for an interview, reaffirming your enthusiasm after an interview, or confirming your continued interest while on the waitlist.
Finally, keep the document around one page, include your application identification number, verify the school’s name and recipient, and proofread the entire letter before submitting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Send a Letter of Interest to More Than One Medical School?
Yes. You can be genuinely interested in several medical schools, so it is acceptable to send personalized letters of interest to multiple programs. Do not tell several schools that each one is your sole first choice or promise each program that you will attend.
Is a Letter of Interest the Same as a Letter of Intent?
No. A letter of interest tells a medical school that you remain highly interested and would seriously consider attending. A letter of intent tells one school that it is your first choice and that you will matriculate if accepted.
When Should I Send a Medical School Letter of Interest?
You can send one before an interview, after an interview, or while on the waitlist. The best time depends on the school’s policies, whether it is still actively making decisions, and whether you have enough specific information to write a meaningful letter.
Can a Letter of Interest Help Me Get a Medical School Interview?
A personalized letter may help reinforce your interest and fit, but it cannot guarantee an interview. Your full application and the medical school’s admissions priorities will remain the main factors in the decision.
Should I Send a Letter of Interest After My Interview?
You may send one after an interview when the experience strengthened your interest and you can discuss specific conversations, programs, or observations from the day. A brief thank-you note may be more appropriate immediately after the interview, while a longer letter of interest can be sent later.
Can I Send a Letter of Interest While Waitlisted?
Yes, provided that the medical school accepts additional correspondence. The letter can reaffirm that you remain interested, explain why the school continues to fit your goals, and include any meaningful application updates.
How Long Should a Medical School Letter of Interest Be?
Most letters of interest should remain around one page. Focus on your strongest reasons for fit, any meaningful updates, and what you could contribute to the program.
Should I Include an Application Update?
Include an update when it is meaningful, such as a publication, award, significant academic result, new leadership role, or substantial clinical or service accomplishment. Do not add small updates simply to fill space.
Should I Say the Medical School Is My Top Choice?
Only say that the school is your top choice when that statement is true. When you are promising that you will attend if accepted, you are writing a letter of intent rather than a letter of interest.
Who Should I Address the Letter To?
Address the letter to the dean or director of admissions when possible. When you cannot identify a specific person, addressing the members of the admissions committee is appropriate.
Should I Upload the Letter or Email It?
Follow the medical school’s instructions. Some programs accept portal uploads, others prefer email, and some do not accept letters of interest at all.
Should I Attach the Letter as a PDF?
A PDF is usually a professional choice when emailing the letter because it preserves the spacing and formatting. Give the file a clear name that includes your first and last name.
What Should the Email Subject Line Say?
A clear subject line would be:
Letter of Interest – Full Name – AMCAS ID
This allows the admissions office to identify the applicant and purpose of the email quickly.
How Often Can I Send a Letter of Interest?
Avoid sending repeated letters that contain essentially the same information. Another communication is more appropriate when you have a significant update or the school has invited applicants to submit additional materials.
Final Thoughts on Writing a Letter of Interest for Medical School
Learning how to write a strong letter of interest for medical school is really about learning how to explain fit in a personal and credible way.
You do not need dramatic language, excessive compliments, or a claim that the school is perfect in every possible way. You simply need to explain why the program stands out to you, how its opportunities connect to your experiences and goals, and why you would be excited to continue through the admissions process.
Keep your letter around one page, use specific details, and make sure it sounds like something you genuinely believe rather than something copied from a template. A strong example can help you organize the letter, but the final version should still reflect your own experiences and reasons for being interested.
Most importantly, remember the difference between interest and intent. You can be excited about several medical schools, and there is nothing wrong with expressing that sincere interest. When one program becomes your clear first choice and you are ready to promise that you will attend, you can then move to a letter of intent for medical school.
Until then, a thoughtful letter of interest gives you a professional way to remind the admissions committee that you see a real future at its school and would be grateful for the opportunity to take the next step.