While traditional, handwritten thank you letters may seem old-fashioned, it’s never a mistake to thank the people who are helping you on your college application journey. Who should you thank, what should you say, and why is following up important? Read on for some ideas about thank you letters and following up with the people who have supported you along the way.
Wondering who to thank? Consider who you are interacting with as you move through the college application process. It’s always good practice to thank anyone who interviews you, whether for an internship, job, or as part of your application. The alumni who meet with you are volunteers who report back to the colleges about their interactions with you. A simple email to thank them for their time —and to reiterate your interest in their college—can make a difference.
Closer to home, think about the teachers who are writing your letters of recommendation and the counselors who work with you on your applications. Taking the time to write a personal thank you note to these adults is an important part of the process. They have taken the time to support you and now it’s your turn to acknowledge that help. Handwriting an actual note, letter, or card is not only appropriate but more meaningful than an email. If sending an email is your only option, by all means, send an email–but make sure you do it!
After deciding who to thank, you will want to think about what to say. Thank you notes do not need to be long; they need only be sincere and display genuine gratitude. Make sure to be specific and to thank the recipient for guiding you, answering your questions, or making you feel supported. Thank an interviewer for their time and their willingness to tell you more about their college experience. Be sure to proofread your note before sending it.
While writing a thank you note may seem like one more chore to add to your list, it will make the person who receives it feel valued and appreciated. Interviewers for internships, jobs, or college admissions will appreciate your thoughtfulness and initiative. Teachers–who write many letters of recommendations on top of all their class preparation, teaching, and grading–know how important their insights are to the colleges where you are applying. Letting them know how much their efforts mean to you will mean more to them than you can imagine.
Thank you letters are also a great chance for you to let your teachers and counselors know which college you will be attending in the future. It’s a long journey and many people have helped you get to where you are. They’ll be proud of you and excited for what the future holds. Remember that thanking—in writing—the people who have shared their time with you is always a good decision.
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