Pointing out weaknesses in an update letter

[mikeyboy]

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So I just got my final grades in, and I'm planning on sending another update letter with those grades. This letter is gonna be a letter of interest as well. My question is, do you think it's wise to point out weaknesses in my app and say how I would overcome them? I mean specifically, I'm applying straight out of school so I didn't have a lot of time to do shadowing, volunteer work etc. like many people who took a few years off. I really think this, along with possibly my LORs, is what is holding back my app. The LORs I can't do anything about (I can't get a really good one from this semester). Would pointing out my somewhat weak ECs but explaining my extreme desire to be a physician be helpful, or will it just direct them to my weaknesses?

Here's my mdapplicants

School has basically taken up most of my time, at least for the first few years. Should I say something like "despite my relative inexperience, I have no doubt that I want to be a physician and have been looking forward to this for several years" and then give more reasons?

One other thing is that the schools I interviewed at won't discuss my application with me (for improvement) until later, should I just e-mail a school I didn't get an interview at to ask how I can improve? Anyone know of schools on my list that are especially helpful in this regard?

 

[CalBeE]

I think pointing out weakness is fine, but I think a statement like "despite lack of clinical exposure, I'm sure I want to be a physician" without great reasons will not be convincing. At this point, you should write these letters anyway, but do take time to think about what to say. Maybe even explain activities in your 15 EC that was significant but may not seem so on paper.

 

[mikeyboy]

I think pointing out weakness is fine, but I think a statement like "despite lack of clinical exposure, I'm sure I want to be a physician" without great reasons will not be convincing. At this point, you should write these letters anyway, but do take time to think about what to say. Maybe even explain activities in your 15 EC that was significant but may not seem so on paper.

Right, I was thinking about explaining more about the ECs I did do and why they confirmed my desire. I'm going to write one regardless, but I already pointed out reasons I liked each school in a previous letter and just need something else to talk about now.

 

[CalBeE]

Right, I was thinking about explaining more about the ECs I did do and why they confirmed my desire. I'm going to write one regardless, but I already pointed out reasons I liked each school in a previous letter and just need something else to talk about now.

For me, I asked a person to send in an extra LOR to the schools I'm waitlisted at. May or may not help, but worth a try if you know someone who's willing to help, especially from someone at an influential position.

 

[camstah]

pointing out your weaknesses would not be constructive, they know them already...especially saying you were busy with school....most of us who have applied did the research/volunteer thing while we were in school...not during years taken off...so that wouldn't help you at all......

instead, point out your strengths...if your current grades are good, say something like look, i'm maintaining my academic excellence, and have proven i can handle medical school academically...i think what you have to convince them of is that you know what your getting into beyond the academics....if i were you, i'd start shadowing someone next week if you can do it, and then in a couple of weeks write a letter about how you've been shadowing and all of your thoughts about it...let them know you know what you're getting into....

 

[camstah]

okay, just looked at your mdapplicants, you've got clinical experience (the children's hospital, and pediatrics thing) why not write a letter about that? mention a specific story or something....they know you're a smarty, so that's not the issue...focus on your humanity....
good luck

 

[secretmiss]

In an update letter, I would only point out weaknesses that you have addressed/improved upon since your application/interview.

 

[mikedc813]

i agree with camstah, don't talk about your weaknesses. it doesn't tell the schools anything that will help get you in. really stress what you think makes you a good candidate and make the adcoms believe that it raises you above the rest.

 

[felipe5]

I agree with the previous posters.....instead of pointing out your weaknesses, I suggest you concentrate on a.) pointing out why you like the school much and b.)point out why you're perfect for the school. G'luck, from one waitlistee to another

 

[mikeyboy]

Yup, I just discussed my more recent experiences and how they'll make me better prepared. Thanks for the input.

 

[exilio]

I have to be honest,

After reading your MDapplicants page I am amazed no school has accepted you.

Great GPA, excellent MCAT, fantastic EC's....so you need to ask yourself what is missing?

If you plan on reapplying I would have some of your liberal arts friends review your letters and help you shape something.

Since you aren't getting interviews it must be something in your application. All the numbers seem great, so I am thinking your writing must really be weak. Whatever it is, you better figure it out.

 

[mikeyboy]

I don't think my writing is especially weak. I did get my apps in a bit late because of a hold-up with a LOR. I did have an English teacher review my PS as well as one of our school's pre-med advisors and made some changes. I don't know what it is either, I sent emails to some of the schools I didn't get into to see if someone will let me know which part I should improve. Still hoping for a call soon though!