Pre Interview Update Letters

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

frosty66

New Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2024
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
I've only had one interview so far, so I was thinking of sending an update letter or a letter of interest to schools that accept them. In my primary application, I indicated that a tool I had developed during my research job was under review for a technology transfer license at my institution. We recently submitted it as a paper where I am first author, and it's now under review (not published, I don't have any other publications). I also started a new volunteering position, but don't really have any hours accumulated yet.

Is this worthy of an update letter? It's getting later in the cycle, so I was wondering if sending letters as a Hail Mary could help. If not, has anyone had success with pre-II letters of interest? I applied to some schools where my MCAT and GPA are significantly higher than the median, but I would very much love to attend. If I do end up sending letters to these schools, should I hint that I haven't had many IIs so far to indicate that I would be very enthusiastic about the opportunity and have a strong interest in attending the school?

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
 
Last edited:
No. Wait until it is accepted.

Indicating you do not have any acceptances or few interviews would not help your case.
I don't think it'll be accepted before interviews stop being sent out (a paper someone else in my lab submitted took many months to be accepted)

Should I just not send anything then?

Thank you for the advice
 
I don't think it'll be accepted before interviews stop being sent out (a paper someone else in my lab submitted took many months to be accepted)

Should I just not send anything then?

Thank you for the advice
Correct. You do not have anything substantial to update them on
 
My question: why do you think adcoms will care about your update? How does getting approval for a tool you developed relevant to your capabilities as a physician? Maybe for the engineering-learning schools, but I don't know if those are the schools you are targeting.
 
My question: why do you think adcoms will care about your update? How does getting approval for a tool you developed relevant to your capabilities as a physician? Maybe for the engineering-learning schools, but I don't know if those are the schools you are targeting.
I come from a more technical background, and because I don't have any other pubs I thought it might be good to show schools that I have a first author manuscript written. But yeah it makes sense that they wouldn't care if it's not accepted yet.

I appreciate your input!
 
Top