Interview preparation guide
Deciding whether to send a letter of interest: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC says letters of interest are optional and, in most cases, have little to no impact on ranking decisions. Decide using program guidance and your advisor, not pressure from other applicants.
How to prepare
- 1
Check the program's guidance first
AAMC says many programs do not consider post-interview communication in their decisions and some actively discourage it. Read the program website and interview messages for communication rules before writing.
- 2
Talk to your advisor
AAMC suggests working with your career or specialty advisor to decide whether to send a letter and to draft the message. Ask what is appropriate for your specialty and situation.
- 3
Keep it honest and within the rules
If you send one, use accurate language and do not ask for a ranking commitment. Match the NRMP Match Participation Agreement and Code of Conduct, which AAMC says set rules for interaction between programs and applicants. Violations can bring sanctions.
A practical exercise
Program guidance: [..]. Advisor advice: [..]. Honest reason for interest: [..]. Specific training detail: [..]. Not included: [request for ranking commitment].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC says letters of interest are optional, usually have little impact on ranking and should follow program guidelines and NRMP rules.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. Costs and formats vary by program, so follow your actual invitation and school guidance.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending because everyone else does.
- Ignoring a program's no-communication request.
- Exaggerating your interest.
Check your preparation
- Did I read the program guidance?
- Did I ask my advisor?
- Is every statement true?
Questions for your practice review
- Is post-interview contact allowed?
- What does my advisor recommend?
- Is the wording accurate?
Common questions
Do letters of interest affect ranking?
AAMC says in most cases they have little to no impact on ranking decisions.
Can a letter hurt me?
AAMC says failing to follow a program's stated communication guidelines may negatively affect your application.
Are they required?
No. AAMC describes them as optional.
Related guides
Sources
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.