How to Write a Thank-You Note After a Medical School Interview
Sending a thank-you note after your medical school interview isn’t just polite… it is needed! A thoughtful message can reaffirm your interest, highlight your professionalism, and leave a lasting impression with the admissions team.
But how you write it depends on the type of interview you had.
Traditional Interview: Personalized and Reflective
Goal: Reinforce your fit for the school and connection with the interviewer.
Traditional interviews are conversational and relationship-based. Your thank-you email should feel personal, grateful, and specific to the discussion you had.
What to Include:
Subject line: “Thank You – [Your Name], [Interview Date]”
Greeting: Address the interviewer directly if possible (Dr. Smith, Ms. Johnson, etc.)
Opening: Express appreciation for their time and insight.
Personal reference: Mention a topic, story, or value discussed during the interview.
Closing: Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school and your fit with its mission.
Example:
Subject: Thank You – Jane Kim, October 8 Interview
Dear Dr. Smith,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me during my interview on Tuesday. I truly enjoyed discussing how [School Name] integrates community-based learning into its curriculum—especially your example about students partnering with local clinics.
Our conversation reinforced my excitement about the program’s emphasis on service and holistic care. I would be honored to contribute to that mission as a future student.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Tip: Send your thank-you within 24–48 hours. Keep it short (under 200 words), and proofread carefully.
MMI (Multiple Mini Interview): Professional and General
Goal: Express gratitude and reaffirm your interest in the school, not each station.
MMIs involve multiple interviewers across different stations. You won’t typically send individual thank-yous to each one. Instead, send a single note to the admissions office or MMI coordinator.
What to Include:
Subject line: “Thank You – [Your Name], [MMI Interview Date]”
Greeting: Address the admissions team or MMI coordinator.
Opening: Thank them for organizing and facilitating the experience.
Reflection: Mention one aspect of the day that stood out (format, student panel, culture, etc.)
Closing: Reiterate enthusiasm for joining the community.
Example:
Subject: Thank You – Jane Kim, October 8 MMI Interview
Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for organizing such a well-structured and engaging MMI experience. I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on ethical scenarios and to interact with students who spoke passionately about [School Name]’s supportive learning environment.
The day reaffirmed my desire to train at [School Name], where collaboration and compassion are clearly at the heart of medical education.
Warm regards,
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Tip: If you met with a student panel or tour guide, you can send a short, separate thank-you to the general admissions email, acknowledging their insights and enthusiasm.
Final Advice
Timing: Send your note within 24–48 hours.
Tone: Keep it professional, warm, and authentic.
Proofread: Typos undermine professionalism—read it twice before sending.
No gifts: A sincere email is sufficient.
Optional follow-up: If a major update occurs (e.g., new publication, award), you can reference it in a later update letter, not in your thank-you note.
