How many updates is it appropriate to send?

[kyamh]

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So, it is my understanding that updates ought to be sent when there is something to update schools about. My question, however, is whether there is SDN consensus about how many updates it is appropriate to send during a given cycle.

About a month or so ago, I was promoted at my job - with an increase in responsibilities and autonomy. That said, I have been waiting on a recent publication to get through major revisions so I can put that in the update as well...along with little things like more shadowing.

Should I wait on the publication or would it be okay to send an update about the job and to send a second update if/when the manuscript comes through?

Thank you!

 

[Mr Avante]

where do you work?

 

[Etyan]

Not sure about the SDN consensus, but my recommendation would be that it depends on the quality of each topic and how much you will write about it.

1-2 high-quality paragraphs should be your upper limit per update letter - and definitely no more than 1 page. Busy professionals are less likely to seriously consider (or even look at) lengthy unsolicited communications.

So if it takes you 2 paragraphs to drive home the awesomeness of your promotion and its implications to your med school candidacy, then by all means send two updates. 👍

Should I wait on the publication or would it be okay to send an update about the job and to send a second update if/when the manuscript comes through?

 

[gyngyn]

I have never seen an update worth reading before an interview. The best time to send an update is after May 15th (when you are on the waitlist at a school you would attend over the one at which you are holding an acceptance). Even then, it's only useful if an objective observer would reasonably think you prefer the school at which you are holding the acceptance.