Letters of interest timing? Update letter timing?

[lifeisgood7]

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Hello! I am super passionate about some of the medical schools I have applied to so far and am wondering which schools I can be more proactive about/aka which ones are more receptive to them? The ones I am very passionate about are Michigan, Case Western, Mayo, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Emory

 

[lifeisgood7]

As a follow-up, I would be outlining my gap year plans/accomplishments so far (started a new job working with hospital administrators) in an update letter because I didn't put it in the primary at all and some secondaries didn't allow me room for it!

Am I able to combine a letter of interest with an update letter or should those be separate?

 

[Goro]

Hello! I am super passionate about some of the medical schools I have applied to so far and am wondering which schools I can be more proactive about/aka which ones are more receptive to them? The ones I am very passionate about are Mayo, Case Western, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Emory

LOI are a waste of time. The schools already know that both:
1) you're interested because you sent them an app
2) you're lying, because you have multiple candidates you want to take to the prom

 

[lifeisgood7]

Okay, I won't send one then! Thank you!

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

I'd argue against the notion that all LOIs are a waste. The only time I'd send a Letter of Intent is if you have an acceptance at another school but would rather go to another school you're on the Waitlist for. This will hold some weight. I did this last cycle and it turned out for me (did the LOI actually help? Who knows). A Letter of Interest sent to multiple schools without any pull is useless.

Most schools allow 2-3 updates so you should periodically send them (maybe in October if you applied July/August) with your updated accomplishments and plans. I'd really only use them for significant updates (starting a new job isn't the best to use an update on. Once you've worked there for a month or so, then I'd write about it). Of course, focus on what you've already accomplished because planned activities hold less weight. Good luck!

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

I would say that is not true; most schools do not recommend updates nor do most schools have any formal process to evaluate or include update into the decision making process

Ehh I only had 3 schools out of 30 that I applied to that didn't accept any updates. List consisted of FL schools and private OOS.

 

[gyngyn]

Ehh I only had 3 schools out of 30 that I applied to that didn't accept any updates. List consisted of FL schools and private OOS.

Accepting them is not the same as wanting them.
They are a big pain to process and the type usually described will have no effect on the outcome.