post-interview advice?

[watermelon]

So, to my extreme annoyance, my interview to Neat School currently in my top 3 came the first day I was out of bed following a fun time with gastroenteritis (i.e., the first full day I was consuming solid food or being upright for more than about an hour). I was exhausted and woozy for a lot of the day, and even though I had a great time talking to everyone, I'm worried I came off as a little 'dull' or rudely tired. I apologized at a couple of points to professors as I made the rounds (right at the start of meetings - "I'm sorry if I seem a little discombobulated, I've been pretty sick the last few days"), but I'm still worried I came off poorly. I definitely wasn't together enough to ask all the questions I wanted to.

I'm planning to send a short thank-you email to the people I spoke to. Should I mention/apologize for my tiredness from the illness in the note?

[GraduateSchoolNut]

I wouldn't mention it - you will just draw more attention to it. Just focus on writing a very strong letter that makes you look intelligent, grateful and put together. Focusing on the negative will make them focus on the negative.

Also, I was extremely tired during one of my interviews. I could have done better, but there's nothing I can do at this point.

People will remember your flaws less if you bring less attention to it.

Good luck.

[MacDuff]

Since you already acknowledged your illness during your in-person interview, I suggest you simply follow-up with strong thank you letters that communicate your enthusiasm about the program and write your emails based on conversations you had with each individual faculty member. The sooner you do this, the better. Use this communication as an opportunity to ask any relevant follow-up questions you may have. This step alone will help to demonstrate your curiosity and interest in the program.

Faculty understand that "life happens". At this point, be sure to shine in your follow-up letter and you should be all set. Good luck and try not to worry too much.