<p>IMO, the only genuine “thank you” notes are the ones sent AFTER the admission decisions have been made, and especially thoughtful if sent to school officials who did NOT accept a student.</p>
<p>No matter how one defends the practice and label it as basic courtesy, the fact remains that sending a note IS meant to make someone look “better” in the eyes of a decision maker. This said, sending thank you notes to people who are not involved in the finally decision (alumni “recruiters” or other interviewers who pretend to have a say) is utterly irrelevant! So fire away if it makes you feel better or … more courteous.</p>