How to be proactive but not too pushy with the ADCOM

[Mones]

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A couple of weeks ago I sent 'update letters' to schools I am applying to but haven't heard anything back yet. A friend recommended that I try making personal phone calls to the Deans who I sent letters to and talking to them about my app (and trying to persuade them to give me the chance to interview!).

Is that being too pushy or would it show ADCOMs that I'm a proactive applicant who is really passionate about their program? What is considered going too far in regards to personally contacting the ADCOM? Has anyone had positive or (I hope not) negative experiences with this?

 

[morganlefay]

Good question; I wish I had a good answer. I've figured that when I get an interview, afterwards, if I'm put on the waitlist, I'll write LOIs, and make sure my file is updated/they know I'm interested. However, the longer it goes without an interview, I'm wondering if I shouldn't do something now. This is the part I'm not sure about...I think if you call/write before or in the midst of them reviewing your file, they might get angry. Then again, I really don't know. ????

 

[faradayampere]

I don't really know how effective the "update letter" is ... however, I'm going to send them out tomorrow (just finished them now). They do not have my spring and summer 2004 semesters grades, so I guess they cannot be angry when receiving my letters, because they surely would like to see my grades =)

If you do not have anything new to say, I guess you just wait. If you do, just send those in ... I guess it cannot hurt a lot, but it surely can help ... just my thoughts, not guarantee to be correct though

 

[DrThom]

Good question; I wish I had a good answer. I've figured that when I get an interview, afterwards, if I'm put on the waitlist, I'll write LOIs, and make sure my file is updated/they know I'm interested. However, the longer it goes without an interview, I'm wondering if I shouldn't do something now. This is the part I'm not sure about...I think if you call/write before or in the midst of them reviewing your file, they might get angry. Then again, I really don't know. ????

You better not write multiple letters of intent, that is just isn't right

 

[calstudent]

You better not write multiple letters of intent, that is just isn't right

i think that LOI in this context means letter of interest.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

omg!
i never sent letters!
what am i doing to myself???
why dont i harass people better????
i cant believe i just sat on my hiney while they ignored me for two months!

:::writes updates::::

(i wonder if the ppl who know me think this is my drake side-o-sarcasm or my real side)

 

[LionKing]

A couple of weeks ago I sent 'update letters' to schools I am applying to but haven't heard anything back yet. A friend recommended that I try making personal phone calls to the Deans who I sent letters to and talking to them about my app (and trying to persuade them to give me the chance to interview!).

Is that being too pushy or would it show ADCOMs that I'm a proactive applicant who is really passionate about their program? What is considered going too far in regards to personally contacting the ADCOM? Has anyone had positive or (I hope not) negative experiences with this?

What all did you include in your update? Grades? EC's? nothing at all? A med student friend of mine told me she will send a LOR to ADCOMs for friends of hers that she thinks would make good students to help with an "update".

 

[Mones]

What all did you include in your update? Grades? EC's? nothing at all? A med student friend of mine told me she will send a LOR to ADCOMs for friends of hers that she thinks would make good students to help with an "update".

My update included recent publications, midterm grades, info on a new volunteer project I started, and an addendum to my study abroad transcript. So getting letters of rec from current med students at the school you apply to really helps?

 

[morganlefay]

i think that LOI in this context means letter of interest.

calstudent is right 🙂

 

[sfbear]

From what I've heard, adcoms are really receptive to LORs from current students. It's worth a shot at least.