Our S19 has been visiting with AOs who come through his high school to visit. Almost all of the meetings that he has attended have been pretty personal since only 2-3 kids have shown up. He has received hand written thank you notes from a few of the AOs. He’d like to respond but isn’t exactly sure what to say other than “thank you” for their time and to call out a few things he specifically liked about the school.
Should he just leave it at that? Would it also be ok for him to say something about his SAT score if it puts him in a good light? Or to mention his class load and how he’s preparing to do well if he’s accepted to x-school…or is that pushy and weird? We were thinking he could just say a few sentences about how he’s doing well in school and is excited to apply.
Thoughts?
“He’d like to respond but isn’t exactly sure what to say other than “thank you” for their time and to call out a few things he specifically liked about the school.”
I’d leave it at that. No need IMO to add his own qualifications. That is what the application is for. This is a thank you note, thanking the AO for their time and information. I think bringing up the stats/course load does come across a little brash.
If the school ranks very highly on your son’s list thus far, I think it is worth mentioning that. “X school is at the top of my list” or something to that effect worded better.
Short and sweet is best. Thank him/her for the time. Mention particulars about the school that connected with applicant. Mention enthusiasm for applying/ the school. Thank you again. Done.
They know your kid now, or wouldn’t have sent the note. “Thank you for the thank you” isn’t needed. He should put his time into essays instead, and making sure his application shows why he is a good for for the school.
I agree with @doschicos . It’s a thank you note, not a marketing pitch. Rather than simply mentioning something about the school, I would reference something he talked about with the AO. (“I really appreciated your explanation of the benefits of your academic calendar; I’m really interested in doing internships, and it’s clear to me now how this would be possible xyz college.” )
““Thank you for the thank you” isn’t needed”
I agree with this to some extent although it can’t hurt now. Your son should have sent his own thank you note ASAP, within 24-48 hours. It takes 5 minutes max. Good thing to do going forward.