<p>Alright guys, thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Never in my opinion write back to the ad office Dear Kathy etc. Always be formal. Though they like to give off the impression that they are breezy and casual- if you annoy one of them with a Dear Kathy, your file gets dumped and you are not in a position to say hey you were being casual... assume they are neurotic be formal and you will be fine. That is my opinion. Sadly they know a thumbs up or down by them can make or break your dreams. The academic world is filled with power crazed people who can't make it on the outside. If you don't know this then remember the expression " those who can't-teach". Assume they are not wrapped to tightly. SO KEEP IT FORMAL.</p>
<p>It's good training for when you go to university. There are few thing more annoying to a professor than getting an e-mail from a student that starts "Hey." Generally, professors prefer "Dear Professor x."</p>
<p>What I meant was, it is always best in these instances to go with the etiquette that is more conservative and traditional- using Dr, Ms, Professor..., even if the person signs it Kathy</p>