Adding late LOR

[difficultturtle]

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Hi everyone! To preface I’ve been complete at all my schools from July-September as I have submitted secondaries.

I only recently uploaded a new letter to AMCAS as a volunteer coordinator offered to write me one. Interfolio says it’s two pages so I assume it’s a good letter, it’s from my time as a hospital volunteer.

I did all my research on which schools accept an extra LOR, I just want to know if I have to update schools separately? I assume it won’t change my complete date at schools. Should I send schools an email / call them letting them know I added a LOR, or just let them find it themselves. I am planning on sending out update letters soon, maybe I could include this as part of the update letter?

Thanks.

 

[ecobio]

it should automatically be sent out to schools when you upload it to amcas. i think it would be fine to wait and include it in your update letter.

 

[purpledoc1]

Hi everyone! To preface I’ve been complete at all my schools from July-September as I have submitted secondaries.

I only recently uploaded a new letter to AMCAS as a volunteer coordinator offered to write me one. Interfolio says it’s two pages so I assume it’s a good letter, it’s from my time as a hospital volunteer.

I did all my research on which schools accept an extra LOR, I just want to know if I have to update schools separately? I assume it won’t change my complete date at schools. Should I send schools an email / call them letting them know I added a LOR, or just let them find it themselves. I am planning on sending out update letters soon, maybe I could include this as part of the update letter?

Thanks.

1. Two pages doesn't nec. mean that it's a good letter. Not to be tough on you but why do you say, "I assume it's a good letter?"
2. Please do not update schools separately as this tends to create the equivalence of double posting. I am pretty sure that this is correct but you might want to double check. I am assuming so bc AMCAS is centralized. You're right; sending updates will not change your complete date.
3. Instead of adding an extra LoR, I would just send a LOI (letter of intent [to register if you are accepted]) to the your top 3 schools. Usually people say to do this for your top two schools, but you can do top three if you're really feeling anxious.
4. Do not pepper the schools that you applied to with tons of updates. The update must be significant (new publication, new poster presentation at a conference, new leadership experience, etc.), and try to combine it with the LOI as stated above. Too many updates can irritate people, especially if they feel like it's not tailored to the specific school.

Please do not worry or hesitate to reach out to schools. As stated above, LOIs are good. Make sure that they are meaningful. Too many updates = no bueno.

Oh also and to answer your question: It probably doesn't matter that the LoR was submitted "late." I am actually a litte confused about what you mean because you have to submit the app all at once.

 

[difficultturtle]

1. Two pages doesn't nec. mean that it's a good letter. Not to be tough on you but why do you say, "I assume it's a good letter?"
2. Please do not update schools separately as this tends to create the equivalence of double posting. I am pretty sure that this is correct but you might want to double check. I am assuming so bc AMCAS is centralized. You're right; sending updates will not change your complete date.
3. Instead of adding an extra LoR, I would just send a LOI (letter of intent [to register if you are accepted]) to the your top 3 schools. Usually people say to do this for your top two schools, but you can do top three if you're really feeling anxious.
4. Do not pepper the schools that you applied to with tons of updates. The update must be significant (new publication, new poster presentation at a conference, new leadership experience, etc.), and try to combine it with the LOI as stated above. Too many updates can irritate people, especially if they feel like it's not tailored to the specific school.

Please do not worry or hesitate to reach out to schools. As stated above, LOIs are good. Make sure that they are meaningful. Too many updates = no bueno.

Oh also and to answer your question: It probably doesn't matter that the LoR was submitted "late." I am actually a litte confused about what you mean because you have to submit the app all at once.

lol okay so I did submit the app all at once, with 5 letters of rec. Recently a volunteer coordinator offered to write me one without me asking, which is why I assume it’s a good letter. It would be added late because I can assign the new letter to schools I have already submitted, adding it to the other letters. I’m not sure how else to explain it.

I have not sent any updates to schools so far, I promise I’m not irritating anyone. Just asking a question about a LOR to see if schools see it without a separate update. I want to upload the letter because it’s from a volunteer position and letters of rec can weigh a lot. I wasn’t asking what I should do, just how to go about doing it.

The update letter is separate and yes, I do have significant updates. Thanks.

 

[lioneljohn]

So, you don’t really need to email or call the schools just to let them know you added a new letter of recommendation. Once it’s uploaded to AMCAS, the schools should automatically see it.

If you’re worried about it not getting noticed, though, you can always shoot them a quick email like, “Hey, I just added a new LOR from my hospital volunteering, just wanted to give you a heads up!” It’s super low-key and just ensures they know about it.

 

[difficultturtle]

Great thank you!

 

[Goro]

Have mercy on those of us who have to read these things. One more LOR to pack of five is merely gilding the lily, and isn't going to move the needle.