2018-2019 Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson

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What are some examples of updates - I guess this question goes beyond SKMC, but I am not sure what warrants an update, and was hoping you, or someone else can elaborate on it 🙂

Some common examples include getting a publication, getting a new job/volunteer/ research position, or getting a promotion at a current job/volunteer position. If you're still in school, some updates could be sending Fall semester transcripts once those become available

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Some common examples include getting a publication, getting a new job/volunteer/ research position, or getting a promotion at a current job/volunteer position. If you're still in school, some updates could be sending Fall semester transcripts once those become available
how about sending a new LOR?
 
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Oh yeah, that’s good as well. The letter itself should be sent through AMCAS but sending an email mentioning that you sent a new rec letter would be good
thank you! and this might be a stupid question but in the email do you mention the fact that you were waitlisted and then give the update, or just give the update?
 
Oh yeah, that’s good as well. The letter itself should be sent through AMCAS but sending an email mentioning that you sent a new rec letter would be good
Should these be Pre-II, After an II, but before interview, after interview, or after waitlist? Thanks in advance
 
Should these be Pre-II, After an II, but before interview, after interview, or after waitlist? Thanks in advance

That's entirely school dependent. I can't speak for Jefferson because I haven't looked into it, but each school has its own policy. Some schools only accept updates from people they invite to interview, some are open to any update from any applicant, some don't accept updates.
 
Should these be Pre-II, After an II, but before interview, after interview, or after waitlist? Thanks in advance
It can really be at any time. Also, for those wondering, there is NO LIMIT for the number of updates/LORs/letters of intent etc. that you can send in. Make sure that if you really want to go here that the admissions committee really understand that. Just like the above posters, I am a 2nd year and I am open to questions as well! Good luck everyone!
 
It can really be at any time. Also, for those wondering, there is NO LIMIT for the number of updates/LORs/letters of intent etc. that you can send in. Make sure that if you really want to go here that the admissions committee really understand that. Just like the above posters, I am a 2nd year and I am open to questions as well! Good luck everyone!
Hi, does Jefferson accept pre-II updates? if so, is sending them an email the best way?
 
Hi, does Jefferson accept pre-II updates? if so, is sending them an email the best way?
Hi! Yes, so Jefferson absolutely does accept pre-II updates. The best way to send them an update is through email, and if for some reason you do not get confirmation that they received it, then you can call the admissions office and they will check for you.
 
Is not hearing back for a long time after an interview more of a soft R or indicative of our interviewer not making it to meetings?
 
High priority waitlist. Interviewed late November.
 
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Is not hearing back for a long time after an interview more of a soft R or indicative of our interviewer not making it to meetings?
How long has it been? If you feel like it has been a longer than average wait time (~2-3 weeks), then it might be a good idea to call the admissions department and ask.
 
is Jefferson still sending out interview invites?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that people who are scheduled for next year, may drop their interview spots if they accept another offer, so interviews are constantly going out until April.
 
How long has it been? If you feel like it has been a longer than average wait time (~2-3 weeks), then it might be a good idea to call the admissions department and ask.

Wait, really? It has been 5 weeks... My friend who goes there said I should just wait. Would it not be considered rude to call?
 
Hey, to those who’ve been accepted - did you guys make a campus key and start the housing application or is it too early for any of that stuff?

Also to current students, do most first years live on campus? Or would it be better to just look for an apartment close to campus (do those even exist?)
 
Also to current students, do most first years live on campus? Or would it be better to just look for an apartment close to campus (do those even exist?)

Yes--I live in one! Basically five to ten blocks in every direction from Jeff is mixed use or even more residential.
 
Wait, really? It has been 5 weeks... My friend who goes there said I should just wait. Would it not be considered rude to call?
In my opinion, that is a long time and longer than normal especially because the average wait time is 2-3 weeks. If you want, you can wait a couple more weeks and then call, but calling would not be considered rude.
 
Hey, to those who’ve been accepted - did you guys make a campus key and start the housing application or is it too early for any of that stuff?

Also to current students, do most first years live on campus? Or would it be better to just look for an apartment close to campus (do those even exist?)

Hey, current first year here. There is a large amount of us living on campus, but also there are many people who live in the surrounding area. There are plenty of nice spots just off campus, if I were you I would at least take a peek at what’s available. I live on campus right now and I kinda wish I chose the off campus route just because I saw the great spots/deals some of my classmates were able to get.
 
It can really be at any time. Also, for those wondering, there is NO LIMIT for the number of updates/LORs/letters of intent etc. that you can send in. Make sure that if you really want to go here that the admissions committee really understand that. Just like the above posters, I am a 2nd year and I am open to questions as well! Good luck everyone!
How do you email the admissions committee directly? Thank you
 
It can really be at any time. Also, for those wondering, there is NO LIMIT for the number of updates/LORs/letters of intent etc. that you can send in. Make sure that if you really want to go here that the admissions committee really understand that. Just like the above posters, I am a 2nd year and I am open to questions as well! Good luck everyone!
I have a Lm of 67 (<510 MCAT), ORM, does sending in updates actually matter? I've almost given up hope and just anticipating a rejection at this point.
 
I have a Lm of 67 (<510 MCAT), ORM, does sending in updates actually matter? I've almost given up hope and just anticipating a rejection at this point.

Hey, don’t give up! Just show your continued interest in the school and provide specific examples. I believe sending in updates made a difference for me so I would keep trying if I were you.
 
It can really be at any time. Also, for those wondering, there is NO LIMIT for the number of updates/LORs/letters of intent etc. that you can send in. Make sure that if you really want to go here that the admissions committee really understand that. Just like the above posters, I am a 2nd year and I am open to questions as well! Good luck everyone!
I was under the impression that you cannot send any official LORs (in the sense that they will be included in your file as part of the review process) after the school-specific deadline has passed...does anyone care to pitch in?
 
Hey, don’t give up! Just show your continued interest in the school and provide specific examples. I believe sending in updates made a difference for me so I would keep trying if I were you.
How often is too often to update? I tend to be the type that updates infrequently but puts together like 4-5 things in 1 paper. My last update included a letter of interest as well the bottom 2 paragraphs but don’t know if it would be overkill to do a separate LOI as I haven’t even interviewed there yet.
 
This may be an unpopular opinion -- so please bear with me -- but I do get a bit frustrated that TJ seems to want applicants to send in frequent updates. This only intensifies the pressure, perceived or real, that applicants feel to update the school frequently. Tbh, come on, what were the secondaries for after all? Are we replacing secondaries with updates now? Not blaming the applicants at all -- I also am planning on sending in updates since that seems to be what the school wants -- but just venting a little bit and curious what all others think about this.
 
This may be an unpopular opinion -- so please bear with me -- but I do get a bit frustrated that TJ seems to want applicants to send in frequent updates. This only intensifies the pressure, perceived or real, that applicants feel to update the school frequently. Tbh, come on, what were the secondaries for after all? Are we replacing secondaries with updates now? Not blaming the applicants at all -- I also am planning on sending in updates since that seems to be what the school wants -- but just venting a little bit and curious what all others think about this.

Understand the frustration. I am actually surprised the the school requests updates. If you don’t mind me asking, are you referring to pre-II or post-II? I have submitted my app mid-July and since then, crickets....
 
How often is too often to update? I tend to be the type that updates infrequently but puts together like 4-5 things in 1 paper. My last update included a letter of interest as well the bottom 2 paragraphs but don’t know if it would be overkill to do a separate LOI as I haven’t even interviewed there yet.


That is a good way to send updates, that way your updates are significant and you aren't sending them too often. I am honestly not sure how often is too often, just make sure that each update you send is meaningful and not something very minor. Don't feel bad about sending updates pre-interview, thats what I did. I sent two pre-interview updates that were spaced out by a few weeks. In addition, although I tried packing a good amount of info into the updates, I kept the letter as a whole on the shorter side.
 
That is a good way to send updates, that way your updates are significant and you aren't sending them too often. I am honestly not sure how often is too often, just make sure that each update you send is meaningful and not something very minor. Don't feel bad about sending updates pre-interview, thats what I did. I sent two pre-interview updates that were spaced out by a few weeks. In addition, although I tried packing a good amount of info into the updates, I kept the letter as a whole on the shorter side.
May I PM you about your update letter?
 
I sent in an update about a week ago
Did you send it to the Dean of Admissions, or to the general admissions email? Also, whom did you address it to, and did you only discuss the updates to your application, or did you also reiterate the reasons for your interest in the program?
 
Are there people who have been getting II without sending updates? If so - what were your complete dates? LM? Thanks
 
I have a Lm of 67 (<510 MCAT), ORM, does sending in updates actually matter? I've almost given up hope and just anticipating a rejection at this point.
Absolutely! Sometimes getting an interview over another person comes down to who has shown more interest. Do not give up hope because people with different LMs get in. It's just a matter of showing interest that can make a difference!
 
I was under the impression that you cannot send any official LORs (in the sense that they will be included in your file as part of the review process) after the school-specific deadline has passed...does anyone care to pitch in?
You certainly can! I don't know about it being part of your file, but they will definitely look at it and it cannot hurt!
 
How often is too often to update? I tend to be the type that updates infrequently but puts together like 4-5 things in 1 paper. My last update included a letter of interest as well the bottom 2 paragraphs but don’t know if it would be overkill to do a separate LOI as I haven’t even interviewed there yet.
In terms of this school, there is no such thing as updating too frequently. You should send something in whenever you have something.
 
That is a good way to send updates, that way your updates are significant and you aren't sending them too often. I am honestly not sure how often is too often, just make sure that each update you send is meaningful and not something very minor. Don't feel bad about sending updates pre-interview, thats what I did. I sent two pre-interview updates that were spaced out by a few weeks. In addition, although I tried packing a good amount of info into the updates, I kept the letter as a whole on the shorter side.

Can I too? Really love this school!
 
Absolutely! Sometimes getting an interview over another person comes down to who has shown more interest. Do not give up hope because people with different LMs get in. It's just a matter of showing interest that can make a difference!
Thank you very much. I appreciate it!
 
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