How to send updates when waitlisted

[KilgoreT]

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So I'm currently waitlisted at a couple of schools I would like to go to. I am also currently in the process of making my plans for what to do this summer (it will be medically related). I am planning on sending updates to the schools, but I am unsure which path to take.

I could either: 1) Send an update now with my fall term grades (A, A, B), tell them about my job as a TA and express interest in their school. Then a month or two from now once I have summer plans concretely figured out send ANOTHER update and tell them about them.
2) Wait until I have secured my summer job/internship and then send them the update all at once so that the update has more weight and relevance to it.

Which is the better idea? It seems that if I send them an update in the next week or so, it will be pretty empty and not that impressive. But at the same time, I don't want to have to wait too long to get in contact with the schools.

Please let me know what you think.

 

[Mobius1985]

IMO, an update letter should be about what you have done to improve your application, not about what you plan to do. Future, not-yet-started plans are not relevant. Besides mentioning grades (which is elective and need not be included if it brings your cGPA down), mention the names of any courses you took that are med-school related (upper-level science), additional hours you've logged in on-going, already mentioned community service and clinical experience venues, a leadership task you undertook, hours in the TA job (as well as you enjoyment of teaching, as this is relevant to medicine), and any update on your research (if in progress). Then say why their institution is perfect for you, and that you look forward to receiving an acceptance letter. An update letter should be succinct, and no more than one page (if you want it to get read).

 

[rowerontheriver]

Is it better to have an update as a narrative letter, or as points to ensure that it is concise and easy to refer to/more likely for everything to be read?

 

[Mobius1985]

Either format is acceptable.