What to include in a thank you email after a college interview?

I just had a college interview, and I want to make sure I follow up with a proper thank you email. What are some key things I should include? Also, how long should it be?

Writing a "thank-you" email after your college interview serves to express your gratitude, and it can leave a lasting impression with the interviewer, so it's great you're planning to do this.

Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity. Specifically mention something meaningful or insightful from the conversation that inspired you or furthered your interest in the school. However, avoid summarizing the entire conversation.

Next, reiterate your interest in the school and how the interview experience affirmed your decision to apply. This could be based on a shared value, opportunity at the university, or a unique insight you gained from the conversation.

Finally, end the note with another thank you and your full name. If you discussed any actions you would take after your interview (like checking out a certain book or looking into a particular resource), be sure to reiterate your plan to do so.

As for length, keep it concise and professional—usually, a well-written note of around 3-5 sentences should suffice. This allows your notes to be in-depth enough to be impactful, yet brief enough to not impose on the interviewer's time.

Remember, send this note within 24 hours of your interview while the conversation is still fresh in both yours and the interviewer's mind.

Here's a quick example:

"Dear [Interviewer's First Name],

I wanted to extend my gratitude for taking the time to chat with me today. Our conversation, particularly about [mention a highlight], truly echoed my interests and reminded me why [University's Name] is one of my top choices. As we discussed, I plan to [any actions you said you'd take], and I really appreciate you offering that suggestion.

Thank you once again for sharing your time and insights with me.

Best,

[Your Full Name]"

I hope this helps and best of luck with your applications!