Letter of Update Timing

[NotAnotherPreMed]

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Hey guys,
I've been complete at most schools around the beginning of August but so far I've only heard back from 6 of the 23 schools I've applied to (3IIs, 3 rejections). Since submitting I've presented a poster at a National Research conference and at a regional conference. Also had a new leadership position related to medicine and continued a longitudinal volunteered experience over the summer and started a new design project in lab with medical outcomes. Initially I was think of sending a letter of update (to those schools that accept updates) combined with some reasons why I think the school is a good fit for me over thanksgiving break. However, instead, should I send it in sooner? This would probably be the last roll of the dice in terms of doing anything that might change my chances!

 

[takeurmeds02]

Honestly, I don't think it would make much difference at this point. Others are welcomed to chime in but the general consensus has been unless you've won the Nobel Prize for the cure to all cancers, you might as well not waste your time. Obviously, take this with a grain of salt and you're still welcomed to shoot them an update.

 

[NotAnotherPreMed]

"the cure to all cancers" haha. I guess that's fair. Anyone else with different viewpoints? (most of the places I applied to are top 20ish and I know a lot of them do silent rejections and only tell you in the spring)

 

[catie_jane]

I've been complete for about 8 weeks at most schools and am planning on sending an update letter to schools this week.

I have only heard from about 5 of the 25 schools so far (one pre-interview hold, one II, and 3 rejections) so I think in this case it may be helpful!

 

[NotAnotherPreMed]

I've been complete for about 8 weeks at most schools and am planning on sending an update letter to schools this week.

I have only heard from about 5 of the 25 schools so far (one pre-interview hold, one II, and 3 rejections) so I think in this case it may be helpful!

What kind of things are you putting on your update letter? (trying to figure out what counts as substantial)

 

[catie_jane]

What kind of things are you putting on your update letter? (trying to figure out what counts as substantial)

1) Promotion (to supervisor position) at a job I worked throughout college
2) Began hospice volunteering back in September (a lot of schools I applied to place a heavy emphasis on volunteering)
3) Added that my paper is in the final stages before submission (was hoping it would be a 1st author publication by now but my PI has been holding me up)

Hope this helps!

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

This process has so much gray area to it I have no idea what to think anymore, who knows if they will help or not, but if you feel inclined to send one, do so.