How often do updates actually change the outcome of an application

[voxveritatisetlucis]

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It seems like their is a lot of talk about update letters and letters of interest/intent on SDN lately. However, it remains unclear how much update letters actually help in changing a decision from WL/R to II/A?

For reference, I am talking average updates (low impact journal publication, promotion at work, etc.)

Obviously if an applicant wins a Pulitzer Prize, their decision is likely to change. But what about for average updates. Should one feel guilty about not sending an update (especially post II) for not doing all that they could to gain acceptance?

 

[deleted1106140]

Probably like sending a cover letter when applying for a job. Depends on whoever ends up reading it, and how easily persuaded they are by words. People are fickle, and when looking at thousands of apps, a second look could change an outcome when the reviewer might have already read and passed on one's app.

 

[MyOdyssey]

It seems like their is a lot of talk about update letters and letters of interest/intent on SDN lately. However, it remains unclear how much update letters actually help in changing a decision from WL/R to II/A?

For reference, I am talking average updates (low impact journal publication, promotion at work, etc.)

Obviously if an applicant wins a Pulitzer Prize, their decision is likely to change. But what about for average updates. Should one feel guilty about not sending an update (especially post II) for not doing all that they could to gain acceptance?

Good question

 

[arnim]

Like a lot of answers about this entire process on here, it likely is: impossible to know for sure

 

[Catalystik]

However, it remains unclear how much update letters actually help in changing a decision from WL/R to II/A?

For reference, I am talking average updates (low impact journal publication, promotion at work, etc.)

Obviously if an applicant wins a Pulitzer Prize, their decision is likely to change. But what about for average updates. Should one feel guilty about not sending an update (especially post II) for not doing all that they could to gain acceptance?

It depends on the school. Some don't want them. Some won't care much. Some do. Some love indications of your continued interest. By combing through last year's School Specific threads (or reading schools' websites), you might be able to sort out which is which.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Last year people in the school specific thread for Jefferson discovered that if you sent the dean an update letter, in most cases it would lead to an II in the very near future. I wasn't an applicant last cycle but looking back at that thread is mind-blowing. I figured no way the admissions office wouldn't be suspicious to a sudden flurry of update letters but the evidence is there....worked for a ton of people.

Dean of admissions or Dean of medical school?

Asking for a friend.

Now I feel bad. Had interview at top choice Tuesday and sent a thankyou but not an update letter. Hopefully doesn’t make difference between A and WL

 

[MyOdyssey]

Dean of admissions or Dean of medical school?

Asking for a friend.

Now I feel bad. Had interview at top choice Tuesday and sent a thankyou but not an update letter. Hopefully doesn’t make difference between A and WL

What updates do you have in mind?