Medical School Letter of Intent: What It Is & How to Write One (With Examples)

If you’ve finished your medical school interviews and are waiting to hear back from your top choice medical school, a well-timed letter of intent could help tip the scales in your favor. But it has to be done right.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a compelling, professional letter of intent for medical school, with examples, key mistakes to avoid, and tips to stand out from the crowd.

What Is a Medical School Letter of Intent?

A medical school LOI is a formal letter sent by a medical school applicant to a specific school, clearly stating that if accepted, they will attend. These letters are typically sent after interviews during the medical school admissions process and are intended to show continued enthusiasm, a strong fit, and a commitment to matriculate.

Important: It is recommended to only send a letter of intent to one school. It’s a statement of commitment, sending letters of intent to multiple medical schools or falsely claiming a school is your first choice could reflect poorly on your integrity.

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Interest vs. Update Letter

Many medical school applicants confuse these three documents. Here’s how they differ:

Some schools accept letters via their application portals, and others accept them via email to the admissions office. Always check each school’s application portal for specific policies.

When Should You Send a Med School Letter of Intent?

Timing matters. Ideally, send your letter of intent:

• You’ve completed your interview at the school. Never send a letter of intent before interviewing, it won’t carry weight.
• You’re confident this is your top choice. You should only send a letter of intent if you’re 100% sure you’d attend if accepted.
• You have a meaningful update to share or want to reaffirm your fit. This is your chance to reinforce your interest and provide new context.
• You’ve checked the school’s policy on accepting letters. Some schools don’t accept them, or only through their portal, so always verify.
• You’ve waited until mid-to-late in the cycle. For most applicants, this means January–March, before final decisions are made.

How to Write a Strong Medical School Letter of Intent

A compelling letter of intent should feel personal, specific, and strategically timed. Here’s how to craft one that resonates with the medical school admissions committee and reinforces your genuine commitment.

Address the Letter Thoughtfully

Start by addressing the letter to the correct individual. If you know the name and title of the admissions dean or director, use it—this adds a professional and respectful touch. If you’re unsure, “Dear Admissions Committee” is perfectly acceptable and commonly used.

Open with a Clear Statement of Intent

Within the first few sentences, make it unmistakably clear that this is a letter of intent. Don’t bury the lede. A strong opening might read: “I am writing to reaffirm that [School Name] is my dream medical school, and if offered admission, I will gladly accept.” This clear, direct statement signals your commitment—and distinguishes this letter from a general update or expression of interest.

Show You Understand and Value the Program

After your statement of intent, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Reference specific aspects of the medical program that resonate with your goals or values. This could be a faculty member’s research project, a standout community health initiative, or the school’s unique curriculum structure.

If there’s something about the student body or academic environment that excites you, say so. The key is to show you’re not just sending the same letter to multiple schools, this one is tailored, intentional, and authentic.

Share New Updates Since Your Interview

Use this opportunity to include any relevant updates that strengthen your candidacy. This could be a new research publication, a clinical job, a leadership role, or continued volunteer service. Not only do these additions show growth, but they also reinforce your momentum and dedication during the application cycle. This part of your letter can function similarly to a medical school update letter, while staying focused on your commitment to that specific school.

Incase you’re wondering if your thank-you letter after the interview was enough, read: How to Craft the Perfect Medical School Interview "Thank You" Letter

Reinforce Your Fit with the School’s Mission

To close your main body, connect your personal values and goals with the school’s mission. If their mission emphasizes serving underserved populations, promoting diversity, or advancing innovation in healthcare, draw the line between your experiences and those ideals. Use this section to reinforce that this school isn’t just your first choice—it’s the right choice for your future as a physician.

Not sure how to connect your values to a school’s mission? An expert medical admissions coach can help you identify the right talking points and avoid common pitfalls.

Medical School Letter of Intent Template (Copy/Paste Format)

Here’s a sample letter structure you can adapt:

Subject: Letter of Intent – [Your Full Name], [AMCAS ID]

Dear Dr. [Name] / Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my continued and enthusiastic interest in [School Name]. I want to state unequivocally that if admitted, I will attend. [School Name] is my **particular medical school**, and I am deeply committed to becoming a physician trained in your outstanding program.

Since my interview on [Date], I’ve continued to [mention key updates: research, clinical experience, awards]. These experiences have only reinforced my desire to train at [School Name], especially given your emphasis on [specific program or mission-related value].

I believe I would thrive in your dynamic **academic environment**, and I hope to contribute meaningfully to your community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[AMCAS ID]

Examples of Strong Medical School Letters of Intent

Example 1: Focus on Fit + Continued Interest

“Since interviewing at [School], I’ve reflected deeply on the program’s commitment to underserved populations. That mission resonates with me—I’ve spent the past three years volunteering in community clinics, and this has been a defining part of my journey. I want to train in a place that will allow me to continue that work. If accepted, I will absolutely attend.”

Example 2: Academic Update + Personal Connection

“I recently completed a capstone project on disparities in maternal health outcomes, an area closely aligned with [School’s] OB-GYN research initiatives. I believe my academic focus and personal background are a strong match for your student body. [School] remains my first choice, and I would be honored to attend.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending the letter too early (before your interview)
• Being vague about your intent
• Writing a generic letter that could apply to multiple schools
• Failing to include updates or evidence of growth
• Using the wrong name or outdated information
• Writing more than one letter of intent

Where to Send Your Letter of Intent

Always verify with the admissions office how they prefer to receive letters—some accept letters only through their school's application portal, while others accept direct emails.

You can title your email “Letter of Intent – [Your Name], [AMCAS ID]” to be clear and professional.

Final Tips Before You Hit Send

• Proofread your letter multiple times and have someone else read it for clarity and tone. Even small typos or awkward phrasing can undermine professionalism.
• Confirm you’re sending it to the correct contact (or portal) at the school. Some schools require letters to be uploaded through the applicant portal, not emailed.
• Keep it to 3–5 paragraphs, ideally under 500 words. Admissions committees are busy—brevity shows respect for their time.
• Mention the date of your interview and thank the committee for the opportunity. This small detail shows professionalism and helps jog their memory.
• Avoid repeating what’s already in your secondary or personal statement. Focus on updates, fit, and commitment, not rehashing.
• Don’t send a letter of intent to more than one school. If you’re not ready to commit, a letter of interest or update letter is more appropriate.
• Back up your enthusiasm with specifics, what about this school makes it your top choice? Vague praise won’t move the needle.
• Be truthful and thoughtful; your word matters! Even though letters of intent aren't legally binding, admissions committees take them seriously.

Need Help Writing Your Letter?

Writing your own letters can be overwhelming, especially if you're juggling secondaries, interviews, and other parts of the medical school application process. Work with a top medical school admissions coach to get expert feedback on your letter of intent, secondary essays, or overall strategy. Browse top med school coaches here.

The Bottom Line

Writing a compelling letter of intent for medical school is a challenging task. Still, with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can craft an impressive document that showcases your passion, experience, and fit with the school's mission and values. By following the tips and guidance outlined in this article, you're sure to make a strong impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of acceptance into the school of your dreams.

For more information on applying for medical school, be sure to delve into these resources to make all of your application materials as effective as possible:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Medical School Application
• Medical School Student Loans: Types & Alternatives
• Harvard Medical School Class Profile: Insights & Takeaways
• Harvard Medical School Secondary Essays: The Ultimate Guide

FAQs

When is the best time to send a letter of intent?

• Ideally, after you've completed your interview and are either waiting for a decision or have been waitlisted.

Can I send a letter of intent before my interview?

• It's generally advised to wait until after your interview to send a letter of intent, as sending one beforehand may seem premature.

Is it appropriate to send a letter of intent to multiple schools?

• No, a letter of intent should only be sent to your top-choice medical school to express your commitment to attend if accepted.

Do all medical schools accept letters of intent?

• Not all schools accept letters of intent. It's important to check each school's policy before sending one.

How should I send my letter of intent?

• Letters of intent are typically sent via email, either as the body of the email or as a PDF attachment.

What should I include in the subject line of my email?

• Include your full name followed by "Letter of Intent" to clearly indicate the purpose of your email.

Should I mention other schools I've been accepted to in my letter of intent?

• It's generally not recommended to mention other schools in your letter of intent, as the focus should be on your commitment to the school you're addressing.