Letters of Interest & Intent
Precision. Strategy. Timing.
Since 2008, I’ve helped U.S. medical residency applicants use letters of interest
and intent at decisive points in the application cycle. These letters function as
strategic communications—either to secure an interview invitation or to signal
focused intent to a single program before rank order lists are finalized.
How I Work with Letters of Interest & Intent
I treat letters of interest and letters of intent as strategic communications. Each letter serves a specific purpose at a specific point in the residency application cycle, and I work with applicants to ensure the letter achieves that purpose.
I begin by assessing timing, context, and audience. That includes where the program sits in the interview cycle, what makes the program a strong fit for the applicant, and what makes the applicant a strong fit for that program. From there, I help shape a focused message that aligns with what residency program directors expect to see at that stage.
My feedback centers on:
- Ensuring the message communicates the applicant's strengths, fit, and intent without overreach
- Refining structure, emphasis, and tone so the letter reads as deliberate and informed
- Avoiding common errors that hurt—rather than help—the applicant
I do not provide generic templates. Instead, I guide applicants through revisions that produce a letter suited to a specific moment, a specific program, and a clear strategic goal—whether that is securing an interview or communicating focused intent before rank order lists are finalized.
Letter of Interest & Intent Services
I offer two service options depending on the level of guidance you need. Both services are designed for U.S. medical residency applicants and are tailored to a specific purpose.
Letter of Interest & Intent Editing & Feedback
Two Rounds of Review
This service provides strategic editing and detailed feedback to help you refine a letter of interest or letter of intent intended for a specific residency program.
My feedback focuses on:
- Clarity and precision of purpose (interest vs. intent)
- Strength and credibility of fit between applicant and program
- Structure, emphasis, and tone appropriate to timing in the cycle
- Word choice and phrasing that conveys confidence without overreach
- Removing language that weakens impact or creates unnecessary risk
You revise the letter based on my guidance, and I review the revised version in a second round to refine clarity, intent, and execution.
Letter of Interest & Intent Proofreading
One Round of Review
This service provides a final polish for a letter that is already strategically sound and ready for submission.
Proofreading covers:
- Grammar and punctuation
- Spelling and typographical errors
- Subject-verb agreement
- Pronoun agreement
- Verb tense
- Singular vs. plural
This option does not include strategic feedback or structural revision.
Who You’ll Be Working With
I’m David Lombardino, founder of DLA Editors & Proofers. Since 2008, I’ve worked one-on-one with U.S. medical residency applicants at critical points in the application cycle—when a single letter can influence whether an interview is offered or how a program views an applicant’s intent.
My approach to letters of interest and intent is strategic and judgment-driven. I focus on timing, audience, and purpose, and on shaping language that conveys fit and intent without missteps. I understand what residency program directors expect from these letters, what raises concern, and what strengthens credibility.
Applicants work with me when the margin for error is small and the letter needs to do its job—clearly, deliberately, and in alignment with how residency decisions are made.
If you’re ready to begin, you can place your order below.
Place Your Order
Program Type and Service
Ready to Use This Letter Strategically?
If a letter of interest or intent could influence the outcome of your application, this is the moment to get it right.
Work with me to shape a letter that aligns with timing, purpose, and what residency program directors expect to see.