<p>So I just had an interview with a top BS. Around a week after I received a handwritten letter from the interviewer saying that she enjoyed the conversation. </p>
<p>Is this a good sign or is it normal? I'm I overthinking? How much does interview influence the decision?</p>
<p>you shouldve sent a handwritten letter to HER…! At the very least write her one back now. As to if it is normal, I am not completely sure. I have not seen an interviewer send a handwritten letter to an applicant before, so it is probably a good sign. (but it also might just be a custom that that particular school participates in). But definitely handwrite her a letter back.</p>
<p>also, the interview does count for a lot. It gives the admissions office a sense of if your “real” or “fake”. It gives them the opportunity to see how articulate you are, and gives “life” to the person on paper.</p>
<p>A good sign indeed:)</p>
<p>Was the letter generic or was it personalized to you specifically? If it was the latter, that would be a very good sign. If the former, it may not have that much significance at all.</p>
<p>I believe that at some smaller schools, following up an interview with a handwritten note is “standard operating procedure” for admissions officers, so I wouldn’t get too caught up in the significance of it.</p>
<p>If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the years I’ve been on this forum, it’s that there is no way to predict how things will turn out on March 10. The worst interviews will result in offers of admission, while the very best interviews, where the AO swooned all over the applicant and her parents, can result in very polite letters of denial. Honestly, the only way this process would really make sense is if the schools revised their schedule so that the notifications arrived on April Fools’ Day!</p>
<p>If you had a good interview, take the time from now until March 10 to bask in the glow of it. If you didn’t, don’t worry about it. And make sure you have plenty of ice cream (or other favorite treat) in the house come March 10 - whether you’re celebrating or consoling yourself, you want to be prepared!</p>
<p>In our experience, handwritten letters and cards did not correlate with acceptances. Our house has received lots of handwritten notes from AOs. To us it appeared that many of the schools were trying to keep applicants “warm” until they ultimately decided, and that it was routine for those particular schools.</p>
<p>Lots of schools send handwritten notes. It is standard practice, especially as Dodgersmom points out, at the smaller schools. I am cynical, but I think they do it to ensure that the interviewee will turn in an application. And remember, even if they do gush over the interview and followup letter to the applicant, the aos probably haven’t seen a completed file yet. They may, in fact, really love you up to this point. And some aos have said they don’t read the application before the interview, even if they have it.
That being said, I have no doubt the letters are heartfelt and sincere.</p>
<p>All schools want applications. </p>
<p>zp</p>
<p>My D interviewed at 4 schools, and received handwritten thank you letters from all - 2 were smaller schools (300–350), and the other 2 were mid size (500-650). They were really nice to receive, but I agree that, as tempting as it may be, you shouldn’t read too much into it. A very nice custom though.</p>
<p>Also, BoardSchHopeful is absolutely right - you need to be handwriting thank you letters too!!</p>