Application Updates Post-Interview

[DrMeows]

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So say you are currently waitlisted post-interview at a school. Aside from updated grades and/or MCAT, what do you all think would be legitimate updates to send that school? I've already graduated and I'm trying to come up with some ideas 🙂 Thanks!!

 

[MedPR]

So say you are currently waitlisted post-interview at a school. Aside from updated grades and/or MCAT, what do you all think would be legitimate updates to send that school? I've already graduated and I'm trying to come up with some ideas 🙂 Thanks!!

Additional volunteering/research hours
New volunteering
New research
Letter of intent/interest

 

[Dr.TurkandJD]

"Hey yo DAWGZ, accept me, OR ELSE!"

 

[DrMeows]

Additional volunteering/research hours
New volunteering
New research
Letter of intent/interest

Thank you! 😀 In your opinion is there anything that is more important than anything else? I have updated retake grades coming, a letter of intent, and 3 extra LORs being added to my file (2 from faculty that teach there). I just want to make sure I spend my time wisely over the next 8 months.

"Hey yo DAWGZ, accept me, OR ELSE!"

Very funny sir IF ONLY that would work! 🙄

 

[XCourtSmash]

I told them I went from volunteering full-time to full time job while still volunteering on weekends.

 

[DrMeows]

I told them I went from volunteering full-time to full time job while still volunteering on weekends.

Do you think it's productive if the full-time job I will be holding come January isn't medically related?

 

[as1212559]

I think people generally understand that you have to pay the bills and you can't always find a medically related job just to appease an adcom somewhere.

 

[BabyDoc86]

New job, additional volunteer gigs/hours, new publication. Make sure it's substantial.

 

[MedPR]

Thank you! 😀 In your opinion is there anything that is more important than anything else? I have updated retake grades coming, a letter of intent, and 3 extra LORs being added to my file (2 from faculty that teach there). I just want to make sure I spend my time wisely over the next 8 months.



Very funny sir IF ONLY that would work! 🙄

I think showing your continued commitment to something (whatever that thing may be) is the most important. Also in your LOI be sure to explain why your acceptance would be mutually beneficial and not just "I want to go to your school because...".

 

[DrMeows]

Thanks for the replies guys! Also, I've heard that continued updates/number of updates can be taken into account. That is, for example, sending an update about every month or so. How important do you think this actually is? I'm trying to plan it out by getting involved in certain things at certain times and having certain additional letters of recommendation sent in at specific times. I don't want them to forget my name 😀

 

[sbuxaddict]

Thanks for the replies guys! Also, I've heard that continued updates/number of updates can be taken into account. That is, for example, sending an update about every month or so. How important do you think this actually is? I'm trying to plan it out by getting involved in certain things at certain times and having certain additional letters of recommendation sent in at specific times. I don't want them to forget my name 😀

I think it's hit or miss, depending on the school. I've read 1-2 success stories on SDN where people were pulled off the waitlist practically right before classes started, so yes it's worked. But on the one hand, it can be overkill after a while especially if you have nothing substantial to add.
I'd think carefully about what you have to add, and maybe space it out in 2 updates if you really want to send in more than 1.

If I were an adcom member I'd rather just have everything in bulk--imagine if every waitlisted applicant sent in a letter every month? I would feel like the applicant is nagging me. Plus, the offices are probably busy enough as it is.

But hey, I'm just a pre-med 😛

 

[Dr.TurkandJD]

Thanks for the replies guys! Also, I've heard that continued updates/number of updates can be taken into account. That is, for example, sending an update about every month or so. How important do you think this actually is? I'm trying to plan it out by getting involved in certain things at certain times and having certain additional letters of recommendation sent in at specific times. I don't want them to forget my name 😀

When was the last time you sent an update to "hogwarts"? Did Mr.X write that letter yet?

 

[DrMeows]

I think it's hit or miss, depending on the school. I've read 1-2 success stories on SDN where people were pulled off the waitlist practically right before classes started, so yes it's worked. But on the one hand, it can be overkill after a while especially if you have nothing substantial to add.
I'd think carefully about what you have to add, and maybe space it out in 2 updates if you really want to send in more than 1.

If I were an adcom member I'd rather just have everything in bulk--imagine if every waitlisted applicant sent in a letter every month? I would feel like the applicant is nagging me. Plus, the offices are probably busy enough as it is.

But hey, I'm just a pre-med 😛

One of my friends who was pulled of the waitlist for this school last year was told by admissions that they tend to look at how frequently you contact them. I'm TOTALLY with you on not being a nag, so I'm coming up with good things (I have 3 substantial LORs to send in and will probably space them out), have grades coming in at the end of the month along with a LOI, and 2 volunteering opportunities lined up come January. I definitely wasn't planning on doing that at all, but I do appreciate the feedback my fellow coffee-lover! 😀

When was the last time you sent an update to "hogwarts"? Did Mr.X write that letter yet?

I haven't sent one yet since I was placed on the waitlist about 2 months ago. I spoke to an important member of the adcom and they told me to send my LOI with grades in at the end of December and frequent updates are a good thing to do. And yes Mr. X did I believe 🙂

 

[sbuxaddict]

One of my friends who was pulled of the waitlist for this school last year was told by admissions that they tend to look at how frequently you contact them. I'm TOTALLY with you on not being a nag, so I'm coming up with good things (I have 3 substantial LORs to send in and will probably space them out), have grades coming in at the end of the month along with a LOI, and 2 volunteering opportunities lined up come January. I definitely wasn't planning on doing that at all, but I do appreciate the feedback my fellow coffee-lover! 😀

That sounds like a solid plan. Best of luck! 👍

 

[DrMeows]

That sounds like a solid plan. Best of luck! 👍

Thank you!! 🙂 🙂

 

[RegisBioMedMS]

Updates do matter. Unless a school has specifically said not to, send them off. Grades and volunteer/pub updates are most important but even just regularly letting the schools know in writing that you are still REALLY interested helps. Especially at the very end of a cycle, if you don't have an acceptance by summer and are still on waiting lists, send out those letters and e-mails, even weekly if necessary. Schools will fill last minute vacancies with students they are certain are engaged and will be excited to be there.