How important are thank you notes after college interviews?

I recently had a college interview and was wondering if sending a thank you note is crucial. Does it reflect positively on my application, or is it just a nice gesture? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Sending a thank you note after a college interview is generally viewed as a good practice, but it's not a crucial part of your application. That being said, it demonstrates politeness and maturity and shows that you took the interview seriously. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce your interest in the school.

It's worth mentioning that the thank you note doesn't need to be a formal, lengthy letter. A short, sincere email to the interviewer is plenty. In the note, you can express your appreciation for their time and maybe mention something specific from the interview that you found particularly interesting or enlightening.

Remember, the note won't necessarily have a huge impact on your admissions decision, but it can help in maintaining a positive impression with the interviewer, who often shares their impressions with the admissions committee. So while not absolutely essential, it's a small gesture with potential benefits. Lastly, make sure to send it within 24-48 hours of the interview for maximum impact.