I would agree with comment #2…when i was emailing schools I followed about the same format. However, if schools ask why you didn’t choose them, refer to comment #1. I had 1 school ask me why, just so they were aware and I said about the same thing. If they do respond to your first message with a follow up wondering “why?”, focus on what you liked at the other school instead of what you didn’t like at their school. Ex. I feel like I will be more successful in a smaller environment at a school like XYZ.