Getting into medical school takes hard work and careful planning. One key step many students miss is sending a strong letter of intent. This simple letter can boost your chances by showing schools how serious you are about attending their program.
The right letter of intent can make all the difference between acceptance and rejection. Ready to learn how to write one that gets noticed? Check out these 15 examples that have helped students just like you get into their dream medical schools.
Sample Letters of Intent for Medical School
A letter of intent shows medical schools your genuine interest in their program and why you would be a perfect fit.
1. The Research-Focused Candidate
*Jane Smith
1234 College Drive
Boston, MA 02115
March 15, 2025
Dr. Michael Johnson
Office of Admissions
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115
Subject: Letter of Intent for Harvard Medical School Class of 2026
Dear Dr. Johnson,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview at Harvard Medical School last month. After visiting your campus, meeting with faculty members, and talking with current students, I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend Harvard Medical School if accepted.
My background in cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital has prepared me well for Harvard’s research-focused curriculum. During my visit, I was especially drawn to Dr. Lisa Chen’s work on targeted immunotherapies, which perfectly aligns with my research goals. The chance to participate in the Pathways research track would allow me to build on my previous work studying tumor microenvironments while gaining clinical skills that will make me a better physician-scientist.
Harvard’s commitment to integrating basic science with clinical medicine perfectly matches my vision of becoming a physician who can translate laboratory discoveries into patient care. After speaking with several current MD/PhD students during my visit, I became even more convinced that Harvard provides the ideal training ground for someone with my goals.
What truly sets Harvard apart is its collaborative atmosphere. I was impressed by how faculty members from different specialties work together on research projects, creating an integrated approach to medical problems. This kind of environment would push me to think beyond traditional boundaries and develop innovative approaches to medical challenges.
I have been accepted to several other medical schools but Harvard remains my first choice due to its unique research opportunities and supportive community. If accepted, I will absolutely attend Harvard Medical School.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
jane.smith@email.com
(617) 555-1234*
2. The Community Service Advocate
*Marcus Johnson
789 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
April 2, 2025
Dr. Sarah Williams
Admissions Committee
Rush Medical College
600 S. Paulina Street
Chicago, IL 60612
Subject: Letter of Intent for Rush Medical College
Dear Dr. Williams,
Since my interview at Rush Medical College in February, I have reflected deeply on my experiences there and am writing to confirm that Rush is my top choice for medical education. If offered a position in your incoming class, I will accept without hesitation.
My five years working with underserved communities through Chicago Health Outreach has shown me the critical need for compassionate physicians who understand social determinants of health. Rush’s community service focus and location in Chicago make it the perfect place for me to continue this work while gaining medical training.
The Family Medicine Interest Group members I met during my visit described meaningful opportunities to work in Rush’s community clinics. These experiences would build on my background while helping me develop as a community-focused physician.
Rush’s curriculum emphasizing early clinical exposure stands out among the schools I’ve considered. The chance to interact with patients from my first year would help me build the communication skills that I believe are essential for effective community medicine.
During my interview, Dr. Martinez discussed Rush’s partnership with local schools to create healthcare career pipelines. This commitment to addressing systemic healthcare access issues matches my long-term goal of combining clinical practice with policy work to improve healthcare in underserved areas.
While I have received acceptances from other institutions, Rush remains my first choice because of its perfect alignment with my personal and professional goals. I am ready to commit to Rush Medical College immediately if accepted.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Rush community.
With appreciation,
Marcus Johnson
mjohnson@email.com
(312) 555-9876*
3. The Rural Medicine Enthusiast
*Emma Wilson
456 Country Road
Missoula, MT 59801
March 20, 2025
Dr. Robert Anderson
Director of Admissions
University of Washington School of Medicine
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
Subject: Letter of Intent – UWSOM WWAMI Program
Dear Dr. Anderson,
Following my interview for the WWAMI program at the University of Washington School of Medicine, I am writing to express my strong intent to attend if accepted. UWSOM’s commitment to training physicians for rural practice makes it my clear first choice.
Growing up in rural Montana, I witnessed firsthand the healthcare challenges facing small communities. My experiences volunteering with the Mobile Health Unit in underserved areas of Montana have strengthened my commitment to returning to a rural community as a primary care physician. The WWAMI program’s focus on rural healthcare makes UWSOM uniquely suited to my goals.
During my campus visit, I was particularly impressed by the Rural/Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP). The chance to complete a clinical rotation in a rural setting would provide invaluable experience for my future practice. Dr. Thompson’s description of her work supporting telehealth initiatives in Alaska showed me how UWSOM is leading innovations in rural healthcare delivery.
The regional training model of WWAMI would allow me to maintain connections to my home state while receiving world-class medical education. I was excited to learn about the Montana track, which would enable me to complete much of my training near the communities I hope to serve.
While I have been fortunate to receive acceptances from several medical schools, UWSOM remains my absolute first choice because of its unparalleled commitment to rural medicine. If offered admission, I will accept immediately and withdraw all other applications.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the UWSOM community.
Sincerely,
Emma Wilson
ewilson@email.com
(406) 555-3456*
4. The Global Health Advocate
*David Chen
567 University Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
March 25, 2025
Dr. Emily Rodriguez
Admissions Committee Chair
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
733 N. Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
Subject: Letter of Intent for Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
After my recent interview at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, I am writing to express my strong intent to attend if accepted. Hopkins has been my dream school since beginning my medical school journey, and my campus visit only strengthened this conviction.
My three years working with Doctors Without Borders in Sudan shaped my goal of becoming a physician who can address global health challenges. Johns Hopkins’ Center for Global Health offers unmatched opportunities to build on this foundation. During my visit, I was particularly excited to learn about the Global Health Leadership Program from Dr. James Wilson, whose work on infectious disease control strategies has greatly influenced my thinking.
The Hopkins approach to medical education, with its emphasis on both clinical excellence and population health, perfectly aligns with my vision of physician leadership. I was impressed by how the curriculum integrates basic sciences with global health perspectives, preparing students to address health challenges at both individual and community levels.
My conversations with current students in the Global Health Pathway confirmed that Hopkins provides the ideal training environment for someone with my background and goals. The chance to participate in international electives while receiving mentorship from faculty engaged in global health research would be invaluable for my development.
Though I have received acceptances from other excellent institutions, Johns Hopkins remains my definitive first choice due to its unique strengths in global health. If offered admission, I will accept immediately and withdraw all other applications.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Johns Hopkins community.
With gratitude,
David Chen
dchen@email.com
(215) 555-7890*
5. The MD/PhD Applicant
*Sophia Thompson
890 Research Boulevard
Stanford, CA 94305
April 5, 2025
Dr. Thomas Jackson
MD/PhD Program Director
Yale School of Medicine
367 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Subject: Letter of Intent for Yale MD/PhD Program
Dear Dr. Jackson,
Following my interview for the Yale MD/PhD program in February, I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend if accepted. The unique combination of medical and scientific training offered by Yale would provide the ideal foundation for my career as a physician-scientist.
My undergraduate research on neurodegenerative diseases at Stanford and subsequent work at the National Institutes of Health have prepared me well for Yale’s rigorous program. During my visit, I was particularly drawn to Dr. Maria Sanchez’s lab, where the work on neural circuit mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders aligns perfectly with my research interests.
What sets Yale apart from other programs I’ve considered is its truly integrated approach to MD/PhD training. I appreciated learning about how MRSP courses are designed to help students identify connections between basic science research and clinical problems. This approach would help me develop as a scientist who can address clinically relevant questions.
The collaborative culture at Yale was evident throughout my visit. Conversations with current students revealed a supportive community where MD/PhD trainees regularly interact across research areas, creating opportunities for innovative thinking. This environment would push me to develop creative approaches to complex biomedical problems.
While I have been fortunate to receive offers from several excellent MD/PhD programs, Yale remains my absolute first choice. If accepted, I will immediately confirm my attendance and withdraw from consideration at other institutions.
Thank you for your consideration. I am excited about the possibility of joining Yale’s MD/PhD community.
Sincerely,
Sophia Thompson
sthompson@email.com
(650) 555-2345*
6. The Primary Care Focus
*Ryan Martinez
123 Main Street
Portland, OR 97201
March 10, 2025
Dr. Rebecca Lee
Admissions Director
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239
Subject: Letter of Intent – OHSU School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Lee,
After interviewing at OHSU School of Medicine last month, I am writing to confirm that OHSU is my top choice for medical education. If accepted, I will without question enroll at OHSU and withdraw all other applications.
My experiences working at community health centers in Portland have solidified my commitment to primary care, particularly for underserved urban populations. OHSU’s reputation for excellence in primary care education and its community-based curriculum make it the perfect fit for my goals.
During my campus visit, I was especially impressed by the Primary Care Progress student group and their work with local clinics. The opportunity to gain early clinical experience through the Preceptorship Program would provide valuable preparation for my future practice. Dr. Johnson’s presentation on OHSU’s innovative approaches to teaching patient-centered communication particularly resonated with me.
The school’s location in Portland would allow me to maintain my connections with the communities I currently serve while gaining medical training. I was excited to learn about the OHSU Urban Health track, which would help me develop specialized skills for working with diverse urban populations.
What truly distinguishes OHSU is its commitment to addressing physician shortages in Oregon through focused recruitment and training of students interested in primary care. This mission aligns perfectly with my goal of practicing family medicine in the Portland area after graduation.
While I have received acceptances from other programs, OHSU remains my clear first choice. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the OHSU community.
Warm regards,
Ryan Martinez
rmartinez@email.com
(503) 555-6789*
7. The Technology and Innovation Enthusiast
*Aisha Patel
789 Tech Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94107
April 8, 2025
Dr. Daniel Kim
Admissions Committee
Stanford University School of Medicine
291 Campus Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Subject: Letter of Intent for Stanford School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Kim,
Since my interview at Stanford School of Medicine in February, I have become even more convinced that Stanford offers the perfect environment for my medical education. I am writing to express my strong intent to attend Stanford if accepted.
My background in biomedical engineering and work developing mobile health applications at a Silicon Valley startup have prepared me well for Stanford’s innovative approach to medical education. During my visit, I was particularly excited by the opportunities available through the Center for Digital Health and conversations with Dr. Lisa Wong about her work integrating artificial intelligence into clinical decision support systems.
Stanford’s unique location at the intersection of medicine and technology creates unparalleled opportunities for someone with my interests. The chance to collaborate with engineering students through the Biodesign program would allow me to continue exploring how technology can address healthcare challenges while developing my clinical skills.
What truly sets Stanford apart is its forward-thinking curriculum that prepares students for the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The Scholarly Concentration in Medical Technology that Dr. Garcia described during my interview perfectly aligns with my goal of becoming a physician who can bridge clinical practice and technological innovation.
Although I have been fortunate to receive acceptances from several excellent medical schools, Stanford remains my definitive first choice. If accepted, I will immediately confirm my attendance and withdraw from consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Stanford Medicine community.
With appreciation,
Aisha Patel
apatel@email.com
(415) 555-9012*
8. The Patient Advocacy Champion
*Jamal Washington
456 Advocacy Lane
Atlanta, GA 30322
March 22, 2025
Dr. Katherine Brown
Associate Dean of Admissions
Emory University School of Medicine
100 Woodruff Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322
Subject: Letter of Intent for Emory University School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Brown,
After my interview at Emory University School of Medicine in January, I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend if accepted. Emory’s commitment to patient advocacy and health equity makes it my definitive first choice for medical education.
My four years working as a patient navigator at Grady Memorial Hospital have strengthened my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. Emory’s location in Atlanta and partnership with Grady provide unique training opportunities for someone dedicated to serving vulnerable populations. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the Community Learning and Social Medicine curriculum that integrates patient advocacy throughout medical training.
Conversations with Dr. Martin about Emory’s Health Equity Initiative highlighted how the school is leading efforts to address systemic healthcare barriers. This approach aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a physician who combines clinical practice with advocacy for healthcare access.
What truly distinguishes Emory is its supportive community. The current students I met demonstrated a genuine commitment to patient care and social responsibility that matches my own values. The mentorship opportunities through the Social Medicine Program would provide valuable guidance as I develop my advocacy skills.
While I have received acceptances from other institutions, Emory remains my absolute first choice due to its unique combination of clinical excellence, commitment to equity, and supportive community. If offered admission, I will accept immediately and withdraw all other applications.
Thank you for your consideration. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the Emory community.
Sincerely,
Jamal Washington
jwashington@email.com
(404) 555-3456*
9. The Physician-Leader
*Alexandra Garcia
234 Leadership Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
April 10, 2025
Dr. William Harris
Director of Admissions
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
215 Light Hall
Nashville, TN 37232
Subject: Letter of Intent for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Harris,
Following my interview at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in March, I am writing to confirm that Vanderbilt is my top choice for medical education. If accepted, I will without question enroll at Vanderbilt and decline all other offers.
My experiences leading healthcare quality improvement initiatives at Saint Thomas Hospital have shaped my goal of becoming a physician who can drive positive change in healthcare systems. Vanderbilt’s emphasis on leadership development through the Vanderbilt Leadership Development Program perfectly aligns with this vision.
During my visit, I was particularly impressed by Dr. Robinson’s presentation on Vanderbilt’s curriculum innovations that prepare students for leadership roles in a changing healthcare landscape. The opportunity to pursue a scholarly project focused on healthcare policy would build on my background while helping me develop new skills.
What sets Vanderbilt apart is its intentional approach to developing physician-leaders. The Vanderbilt Program in Interprofessional Learning would provide valuable experience working in multidisciplinary teams, an essential skill for effective leadership in today’s complex healthcare environment.
The supportive community at Vanderbilt was evident throughout my visit. Conversations with current students revealed a collaborative culture where students are encouraged to pursue individual interests while supporting each other’s growth. This environment would allow me to thrive both personally and professionally.
While I have received acceptances from other excellent institutions, Vanderbilt remains my clear first choice. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the Vanderbilt community.
With gratitude,
Alexandra Garcia
agarcia@email.com
(615) 555-7890*
10. The Combined Interests Candidate
*Benjamin Taylor
567 Multidisciplinary Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
March 18, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Adams
Office of Admissions
University of Michigan Medical School
1301 Catherine Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Subject: Letter of Intent for University of Michigan Medical School
Dear Dr. Adams,
Since my interview at the University of Michigan Medical School in February, I have become increasingly convinced that Michigan offers the ideal environment for my medical education. I am writing to express my strong intent to attend if accepted.
My background spans both biomedical research and healthcare policy, reflecting my belief that addressing complex health challenges requires multiple perspectives. Michigan’s curriculum, with its emphasis on both scientific excellence and social determinants of health, would allow me to integrate these interests throughout my training.
During my visit, I was particularly drawn to the Paths of Excellence program. The opportunity to pursue focused study in Innovation and Entrepreneurship while maintaining my interests in health policy would provide a unique educational experience tailored to my goals. My conversations with Dr. Thompson about how students have combined different paths confirmed Michigan’s commitment to supporting students with diverse interests.
What truly distinguishes Michigan is its collaborative approach to medical education. The current students I met described an environment where faculty actively support students in pursuing individual passions while providing a strong foundation in clinical medicine. This approach would help me develop as a physician who can address healthcare challenges from multiple angles.
The chance to participate in the Healthcare Innovation Impact Program would build on my previous work designing community health initiatives while helping me develop new skills in implementation science. This opportunity is not available at other schools I’ve considered.
Although I have received acceptances from several excellent institutions, Michigan remains my absolute first choice. If accepted, I will immediately confirm my attendance and withdraw from consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Michigan Medicine community.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Taylor
btaylor@email.com
(734) 555-2345*
11. The Non-Traditional Applicant
*Sarah Johnson
890 Career Change Street
Seattle, WA 98195
April 3, 2025
Dr. Robert Davis
Admissions Committee
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
Subject: Letter of Intent for Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Davis,
After my interview at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in February, I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend if accepted. The unique learning environment at Mayo would provide the ideal setting for my transition from nursing to medicine.
My ten years as an ICU nurse have given me a deep appreciation for patient-centered care and collaborative healthcare teams. The Mayo Model of Care, with its emphasis on putting patient needs first, resonates strongly with the values that have guided my nursing practice. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by how this philosophy is integrated throughout the medical curriculum.
Mayo’s selectives system would allow me to build on my clinical experience while exploring new areas of medicine. The opportunity to personalize portions of my education would help me leverage my nursing background while developing the additional skills needed to become an effective physician.
What sets Mayo apart is its truly collaborative learning environment. The current students I met described a supportive community where teamwork is valued over competition. This culture would allow me to thrive as a non-traditional student bringing different perspectives to medical education.
The chance to learn in an institution known for clinical excellence is particularly meaningful for someone with my background. Having worked alongside physicians in clinical settings, I recognize how Mayo’s approach to integrating research, education, and clinical practice creates an exceptional learning environment.
While I have received acceptances from other programs, Mayo remains my definitive first choice. If offered admission, I will accept immediately and withdraw from consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for your consideration. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my nursing experience to the Mayo community.
Warm regards,
Sarah Johnson
sjohnson@email.com
(206) 555-6789*
12. The Underrepresented in Medicine Candidate
*Miguel Rodriguez
345 Diversity Avenue
Albuquerque, NM 87131
March 12, 2025
Dr. Angela Williams
Associate Dean for Admissions
University of New Mexico School of Medicine
MSC09 5085
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Subject: Letter of Intent for University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Williams,
Following my interview at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in January, I am writing to confirm that UNM is my top choice for medical education. If accepted, I will without question enroll at UNM and withdraw all other applications.
As a first-generation college graduate from rural New Mexico, my path to medicine has been shaped by witnessing healthcare disparities in my community. UNM’s commitment to addressing physician shortages in New Mexico and serving diverse populations makes it the perfect place for me to pursue my goal of returning to practice in my home state.
During my campus visit, I was particularly impressed by the BA/MD program’s efforts to create pathways for New Mexico students from underrepresented backgrounds. The opportunity to participate in the Rural and Urban Underserved Program would provide valuable preparation for serving communities like the one I grew up in.
What truly distinguishes UNM is its dedication to training physicians who understand the unique healthcare challenges facing New Mexico’s diverse populations. My conversations with Dr. Gonzalez about culturally responsive care and the school’s approach to teaching about social determinants of health confirmed that UNM’s values align perfectly with my own.
The current students I met demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving New Mexico communities that matches my own goals. The supportive environment they described would allow me to thrive as I work toward becoming a physician who can address healthcare needs in my home state.
While I have received acceptances from other institutions, UNM remains my clear first choice due to its mission and connection to the communities I hope to serve. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining the UNM community.
Sincerely,
Miguel Rodriguez
mrodriguez@email.com
(505) 555-0123*
13. The Public Health Background
*Rachel Kim
678 Population Health Way
Boston, MA 02118
April 15, 2025
Dr. James Wilson
Dean of Admissions
Boston University School of Medicine
72 East Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118
Subject: Letter of Intent for Boston University School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Wilson,
Since my interview at Boston University School of Medicine in March, I have become increasingly convinced that BU offers the ideal environment for my medical education. I am writing to express my strong intent to attend if accepted.
My Master’s in Public Health and subsequent work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have strengthened my commitment to addressing health at both individual and population levels. BU’s integration of clinical medicine with public health perspectives through the Primary Care Training Program perfectly aligns with this approach.
During my visit, I was particularly drawn to the Patients, Populations, and Physicians curriculum that weaves social determinants of health throughout medical training. The opportunity to continue public health research through the Medical Student Summer Research Program would allow me to build on my previous work while developing clinical skills.
What sets BU apart is its location in Boston and strong partnerships with community health centers. These connections would provide valuable training opportunities for someone committed to addressing urban health disparities. My conversation with Dr. Martinez about BU’s community engagement initiatives highlighted how students can make meaningful contributions while learning.
The current students I met demonstrated a genuine commitment to social responsibility that matches my own values. The supportive community they described would allow me to thrive both personally and professionally as I work toward becoming a physician who combines clinical practice with public health approaches.
Although I have received acceptances from several excellent institutions, BU remains my absolute first choice. If accepted, I will immediately confirm my attendance and withdraw from consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the BU Medicine community.
With appreciation,
Rachel Kim
rkim@email.com
(617) 555-4567*
14. The Healthcare Administration Expert
*Michael Jackson
901 Systems Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
March 28, 2025
Dr. Susan Taylor
Director of Admissions
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Subject: Letter of Intent for Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Dear Dr. Taylor,
After my interview at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in February, I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend if accepted. Case’s innovative curriculum and emphasis on systems thinking make it my definitive first choice for medical education.
My six years in healthcare administration have given me unique insights into how systems affect patient care. Case’s curriculum, with its emphasis on addressing healthcare as a complex system, offers the perfect foundation for someone with my background. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the Health Systems Science curriculum that teaches students to identify and address systemic factors affecting health outcomes.
Conversations with Dr. Johnson about Case’s Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine pathway highlighted how students can develop skills in healthcare leadership while gaining clinical expertise. This approach aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a physician who can drive positive change in healthcare organizations.
What truly distinguishes Case is its forward-thinking approach to medical education. The opportunity to participate in interprofessional teams through the Health Care Delivery Science program would build on my administrative experience while helping me develop new perspectives as a clinician-in-training.
The supportive community at Case was evident throughout my visit. Current students described a collaborative environment where diversity of background and experience is valued. This culture would allow me to contribute my unique perspective while learning from classmates with different strengths.
While I have received acceptances from other institutions, Case remains my absolute first choice due to its innovative curriculum and alignment with my professional goals. If offered admission, I will accept immediately and withdraw from consideration elsewhere.
Thank you for your consideration. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my healthcare administration experience to the Case community.
Sincerely,
Michael Jackson
mjackson@email.com
(216) 555-7890*
15. The Older Career-Changer
*Elizabeth Chen
123 New Path Road
New York, NY 10027
April 7, 2025
Dr. Thomas Brown
Admissions Committee
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
630 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
Subject: Letter of Intent for Columbia University Vagelos College of P&S
Dear Dr. Brown,
Following my interview at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in March, I am writing to confirm that Columbia is my top choice for medical education. If accepted, I will without question enroll at Columbia and withdraw all other applications.
My fifteen-year career as a high school science teacher has prepared me well for this transition to medicine. The skills I’ve developed in communication, mentorship, and continuous learning will serve me well as a physician. Columbia’s commitment to educating the complete physician through its new curriculum perfectly aligns with my holistic approach to education and healing.
During my campus visit, I was particularly impressed by the Narrative Medicine program and its emphasis on understanding patients’ stories. This approach resonates with my belief that effective teaching, like effective healthcare, requires deep listening and genuine connection. Dr. Davis’s presentation on how Columbia integrates humanities throughout medical training confirmed that Columbia’s values match my own.
What sets Columbia apart is its supportive approach to students from non-traditional backgrounds. The current students I met described an environment where diverse life experiences are valued and where faculty provide mentorship tailored to individual needs. This culture would allow me to leverage my teaching background while developing the new skills needed to become an effective physician.
The opportunity to participate in the Columbia Commons curriculum, with its integration of basic science, clinical medicine, and social determinants of health, would provide the comprehensive foundation I seek. The flexibility within this curriculum would allow me to build on my strengths while addressing areas where I need more development.
While I have received acceptances from other institutions, Columbia remains my clear first choice due to its innovative curriculum, supportive community, and alignment with my values. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of bringing my teaching experience to the Columbia community.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Chen
echen@email.com
(212) 555-0123*
Wrap-up: Sample Medical School Intent Letters
Writing a strong letter of intent takes time and careful thought. These 15 examples show different ways to express your interest in a medical school program while highlighting what makes you a great fit. The key is to be specific about why that particular school matches your goals and what unique qualities you bring.
When writing your own letter, focus on making genuine connections between your background and the school’s strengths. Show them you’ve done your homework by mentioning specific programs, faculty members, or opportunities that attract you. Most importantly, clearly state your commitment to attend if accepted.
A well-crafted letter of intent might be the extra push that moves your application from the waitlist to the acceptance pile. Take the time to write one that truly represents your passion for medicine and your specific interest in that school.