<p>Writing thank you notes has been a part of our childrens’ lives since they were tiny. I don’t think our boys would consider NOT thanking their interviewers and anyone who gave them time. I think its sad (1) that contrived messages (like the M&Ms) are being mixed up with genuine courtesy and (2) that the implication in this article of simply expressing gratitude is “what it will get me.” We also thanked the local hosts of an incoming freshmen gathering after S1 was accepted…and didn’t think we were doing it for some future reference or something.</p>