We wrote a letter because we had also asked some friends to write on behalf who were already at the school. We didn't want them to write a letter if we were on the fence so we thought stating our commitment was good for everyone.

It used to be a good idea. Now too many people do it, and at more than one school. They are also careful not to use the word "first choice" but convey that message, so that they can send off many such "I will come" letters.

IMO it will only help if schools have high uncertainty about their acceptance rate. And this usually rules out the top 3.

Good point, especially when it comes to colleges. Our high school was very involved in the recommendation process, so when we indicated that college X was our first choice, the college knew it was true and the High School college advisor backed it up. If we had tried to pull that with multiple schools, it would have backfired.

Anonymous wrote:And what if your CHILD is 3. Then what? think people.


To OP: This isn't New York. No need to follow NYC customs

Crayons? Of course not if 3. Ours was 12 at the time and she did write her own letter when she was on a waitlist. Bingo. In the next day.

One word of warning: I've read several articles that caution against sending out *multiple* first-choice letters. Apparently some unscrupulous people do that. The admissions community is a small one, and if schools sense you're trying to play them, your name can quickly become mud in that community. In the articles I recall, several ADs told stories about comparing notes and finding out that some families were leading several schools to believe they were first choices. They all ended their stories by saying that such families were sorely disappointed when the letters arrived.

I think it's a good idea. I would say it as part of a thank you note or follow up note. I think it definitely makes a difference.

Anonymous wrote:And what if your CHILD is 3. Then what? think people.


To OP: This isn't New York. No need to follow NYC customs

Even 5 years ago, when DC was applying to private middle schools here in the DC area, the AD at DC's private elementary said that a first choice letter would be a good idea.

And what if your CHILD is 3. Then what? think people.


To OP: This isn't New York. No need to follow NYC customs

Have your CHILD write that letter. Makes all the difference in the world.

I think a follow up note would definitely get noticed.

We mentioned it in the parent essays (where else are you applying question). Do we need to follow up with a dedicated letter or is that sufficient? It was very clearly stated, but just wasn't in a separate document.

Yes! I was telling the AD at our selective school that our school is the #1 choice of some friends of ours who are applying. She said to tell them they should definitely write a letter.

We did it in person. Your sincerity will surely come through.

I do think the most selective schools like to take kids they know will accept the offer. I say go for it. Tell them if your kid is accepted you will definitely have them attend the school.

We are applying to a few schools, but we do have a clear first choice. From reading here, it seems like it would be appropriate to draft a letter to the school letting them know that. Does anyone have suggestions on how to do that? We are sincere in the school being our first choice, so we don't want to have the let come off as insincere or odd. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!