What’s the Difference Between a Letter of Intent and a Letter of Interest for Med School?

A letter of intent tells one school you’re ready to matriculate there if admitted, while a letter of interest tells a school you’re still highly interested but aren’t making an exclusive promise. Use a letter of intent only after an interview, only when you’re certain that program is your first choice, and only if you’d immediately withdraw other applications upon an acceptance. Keep it short and concrete: one clear intent statement, a few specific reasons that are truly school-specific, and any meaningful updates since your interview or last communication (new grades, a publication, expanded clinical hours, a leadership outcome). A letter of interest is appropriate when you want to signal sustained enthusiasm without burning bridges; it should still include targeted fit and updates, but it must avoid language that sounds like a guarantee.

What most applicants don’t realize is that the difference isn’t the format, it’s the commitment you’re asking the school to trust. Schools read these letters as signals about yield and professionalism, so vague passion doesn’t move the needle, and over-promising can backfire if your actions don’t match your words. Before you send anything, do a quick honesty check: if you got an acceptance tomorrow, would you stop courting every other school and happily enroll? If yes, intent can be strategic; if no, stay with interest and strengthen it with evidence. You’re not lacking enthusiasm, you’re choosing the level of certainty you can defend with your behavior, and that’s what makes your message credible.