Should I write an update letter?

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

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Hi everyone. 2 schools that I have applied to accept updates and I've been told to send them in a letter format. I'm a junior and graduating this semester. I haven't done much this other than continue doing previous volunteer work (though I have moved from a only teaching a single class to a homeroom instructor) because I wanted to focus on my classes for my last semester. I'm graduating cum laude and am part of the honors college at my school. Currently I've sent out a few job applications for tutoring and research. I haven't received final grades yet.

Any advice on whether I even should write an update letter? What can I even talk about in it?

Also, I'm graduating this semester but probably attending the spring commencement. Don't think that's relevant though.

Thanks.

 

[kb1900]

I have a related question. Would adding "expected to graduate cum laude" or "with an honors thesis" to an update letter be sensible or ridiculous.? the schools already have my transcripts/future coursework so im not sure if i should add these things.

being waitlisted at my top choice is miserable -_-

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

I have a related question. Would adding "expected to graduate cum laude" or "with an honors thesis" to an update letter be sensible or ridiculous.? the schools already have my transcripts/future coursework so im not sure if i should add these things.

being waitlisted at my top choice is miserable -_-

I completed a capstone project related to my research as well for my honors college. Does that count as an honors thesis? Also wondering about what you said.

 

[BKNbkn]

Hi everyone. 2 schools that I have applied to accept updates and I've been told to send them in a letter format. I'm a junior and graduating this semester. I haven't done much this other than continue doing previous volunteer work (though I have moved from a only teaching a single class to a homeroom instructor) because I wanted to focus on my classes for my last semester. I'm graduating cum laude and am part of the honors college at my school. Currently I've sent out a few job applications for tutoring and research. I haven't received final grades yet.

Any advice on whether I even should write an update letter? What can I even talk about in it?

Also, I'm graduating this semester but probably attending the spring commencement. Don't think that's relevant though.

Thanks.

- They already know about your volunteerism, so that's not as meaningful to include.
- I don't think ADCOMs care about graduating early or when you walk.
- Update letters should include accomplishments, not plans. Unfortunately, your pending job apps for tutor/research are not worthwhile, as is cum laude unless you have already been awarded/notified.

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

- They already know about your volunteerism, so that's not as meaningful to include.
- I don't think ADCOMs care about graduating early or when you walk.
- Update letters should include accomplishments, not plans. Unfortunately, your pending job apps for tutor/research are not worthwhile, as is cum laude unless you have already been awarded/notified.

I did receive an email notification from my college about being awarded cum laude. Should I include it then? Should I mention my capstone project? It was completed in Spring of 2016 but I did not get confirmation of its acceptance from my adviser until this semester.

Thank you for the help.

 

[aldol16]

It seems like you don't have anything to update the school on so why do you feel like you should right an update letter at all? What gave you the idea?

 

[kb1900]

It seems like you don't have anything to update the school on so why do you feel like you should right an update letter at all? What gave you the idea?

some schools request update letters from applicants after they've been waitlisted.

also right -> write

the definition of "update" is vague. you may think that continuing an activity is not worthy of an update. i'd counter saying that a promotion/absorbing more responsibility/increasing hours/week at an activity is worth of one.

in fact, after asking at an interview whether continuing activities was worthy of an update in and of itself, the adcom responded that "it'll be school dependent, but for us it is worth it, especially while on the waitlist"

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

It seems like you don't have anything to update the school on so why do you feel like you should right an update letter at all? What gave you the idea?

Well in the thread for one school in particular a few people said they recieved IIs shortly after sending in updates... should I at least send something re-expressing my interest in the school? Sorry if I seem to be repeating myself with these questions.

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

some schools request update letters from applicants after they've been waitlisted.

also right -> write

the definition of "update" is vague. you may think that continuing an activity is not worthy of an update. i'd counter saying that a promotion/absorbing more responsibility/increasing hours/week at an activity is worth of one.

in fact, after asking at an interview whether continuing activities was worthy of an update in and of itself, the adcom responded that "it'll be school dependent, but for us it is worth it, especially while on the waitlist"

Thanks for the insight. I wanted to write something that is both an update and something that restates my interest in the school I'm applying to... it can't hurt can it?

 

[aldol16]

some schools request update letters from applicants after they've been waitlisted.

also right -> write

the definition of "update" is vague. you may think that continuing an activity is not worthy of an update. i'd counter saying that a promotion/absorbing more responsibility/increasing hours/week at an activity is worth of one.

in fact, after asking at an interview whether continuing activities was worthy of an update in and of itself, the adcom responded that "it'll be school dependent, but for us it is worth it, especially while on the waitlist"

Yeah but I suspected it was quite early in the cycle for OP to be waitlisted (although yes, I know some schools have already waitlisted people) and he/she would have mentioned it, as that's an important detail. If one is waitlisted, then an update letter or even a letter of intent would be a good idea. But unless there's a substantial update, I personally believe that the committee has enough information to make an II decision and an update letter by itself wouldn't change the outcome. Now, if that update letter were packaged with a statement that you're still very interested in the school and your specific reasons for being interested in their program, that might be enough to get you more attention.

 

[aldol16]

Well in ththread for one school in particular a few people said they recieved IIs shortly after sending in updates... should I at least send something re-expressing my interest in the school? Sorry if I seem to be repeating myself with these questions.

If you don't have a substantial update and want to express your interest, I would package your updates with a statement expressing your strong interest in the school and the specific reasons for your interest (try not to recapitulate your secondaries too much).

 

[kb1900]

Thanks for the insight. I wanted to write something that is both an update and something that restates my interest in the school I'm applying to... it can't hurt can it?

most adcoms on here seem to think that its a waste of time

and im only a fellow applicant like you


having said that though, i believe that a strongly worded letter of intent/interest which includes some update stuff you've noted can't hurt your chances at an interview. but definitely don't repeat your answer to "why x school" from ur secondaries

 

[BKNbkn]

I did receive an email notification from my college about being awarded cum laude. Should I include it then? Should I mention my capstone project? It was completed in Spring of 2016 but I did not get confirmation of its acceptance from my adviser until this semester.

Thank you for the help.

- What was the nature of the capstone project? The typical threshold is for relevance is publishing/conferences, if I recall correctly.

I think the better answer to your question is not "what you should write" but "if you should write". Will your letter meaningfully add or bring a new dimension to your application? They're not going to care if you add 20 more volunteer hours if you already have triple digits of hours reported on the primary. So your cum laude reflects your ability to earn/maintain good grades, which they can see on the transcript they already have. However, say you do not have anything in research, but was suddenly published first/second author, that is worth writing about.

I think the only exception is a significant award. If you win a Nobel or Fields Medal, you may want to put that in.

Oh, also don't do the whole "____ SOM is my first choice!" thing. Every school is everyone's first choice.

 

[optimisticallypassingorgo]

- What was the nature of the capstone project? The typical threshold is for relevance is publishing/conferences, if I recall correctly.

I think the better answer to your question is not "what you should write" but "if you should write". Will your letter meaningfully add or bring a new dimension to your application? They're not going to care if you add 20 more volunteer hours if you already have triple digits of hours reported on the primary. So your cum laude reflects your ability to earn/maintain good grades, which they can see on the transcript they already have. However, say you do not have anything in research, but was suddenly published first/second author, that is worth writing about.

I think the only exception is a significant award. If you win a Nobel or Fields Medal, you may want to put that in.

Oh, also don't do the whole "____ SOM is my first choice!" thing. Every school is everyone's first choice.

It was a requirement for my honors college. Basically a research project I did over a few months which culminated in presentation at a school research forum.

What do I include if I've won multiple such awards? Do I list them in alphabetical order or by date awarded? /s

I definitely know not to do that. For the school I mentioned above, I actually don't think there was anything in their secondaries about why I wanted to attend that particular school. I'm thinking of mentioning specific programs I am interested in as well as talking about their mission statement/core values.

 

[partypantss]

Slightly off topic but do people actually put that they graduated cum laude on their AMCAS? I was Magna Cum Laude but I didn't see the need to put it on AMCAS since I figured they would know based on my GPA... I have never mentioned it and I'm a re applicant, I thought it was just sort of a given?

 

[kb1900]

Slightly off topic but do people actually put that they graduated cum laude on their AMCAS? I was Magna Cum Laude but I didn't see the need to put it on AMCAS since I figured they would know based on my GPA... I have never mentioned it and I'm a re applicant, I thought it was just sort of a given?

I had a activity that listed my awards and accomplishments and pooled in the random **** like deans list/honors in X at the bottom of the lost

 

[RogueBanana]

- What was the nature of the capstone project? The typical threshold is for relevance is publishing/conferences, if I recall correctly.

I think the better answer to your question is not "what you should write" but "if you should write". Will your letter meaningfully add or bring a new dimension to your application? They're not going to care if you add 20 more volunteer hours if you already have triple digits of hours reported on the primary. So your cum laude reflects your ability to earn/maintain good grades, which they can see on the transcript they already have. However, say you do not have anything in research, but was suddenly published first/second author, that is worth writing about.

I think the only exception is a significant award. If you win a Nobel or Fields Medal, you may want to put that in.

Oh, also don't do the whole "____ SOM is my first choice!" thing. Every school is everyone's first choice.

Say someone took up a new position volunteering with the underserved, and didn't have any meaningful non-clinical volunteering otherwise. This position may have changed their entire motivation to enter medicine, strengthening it, but in a way not before known.

Would this be something to update about?

 

[ThoracicGuy]

Thanks for the insight. I wanted to write something that is both an update and something that restates my interest in the school I'm applying to... it can't hurt can it?

They already know that you have interest in the school. Unless you have something significant to update, I wouldn't do it. You don't want to come across as desperate. There are plenty of applicants that are already, these schools don't need another.

 

[BKNbkn]

Say someone took up a new position volunteering with the underserved, and didn't have any meaningful non-clinical volunteering otherwise. This position may have changed their entire motivation to enter medicine, strengthening it, but in a way not before known.

Would this be something to update about?

ADCOM: "Applicant X accomplished Y?! Let's get him/her in here for an interview!"

If you think your update letter will elicit that response, write away. However, I'd wager most updates sent in (grades, "I luv ___ SOM and its mission", awards/accomplishments, etc.) are not highly regarded due to the low impact of such accomplishments and the sheer volume ADCOMs get, culminating in the general consensus on SDN for pre-II update letters is that it is a low-yield practice with overtones of desperation.

My final thought on Update Letters is the "why now?", which I think ADCOMs are very sensitive to. This pertains to your example of a "new position volunteering with the underserved, and didn't have any meaningful non-clinical volunteering otherwise". For a traditional student, they have 4+ years for volunteerism opportunities, and AMCAS/secondaries give plentiful opportunities to highlight everything one has done. So why now? Why start that volunteerism now? I'd wager that question opens ADCOM neuroticism regarding an applicant's ability to juggle a rigorous academic workload and community outreach, willingness to be altruistic, etc.

Good "Why now?" Examples
- My paper didn't make the publishing cutoff for that issue by the time I submitted the primary/secondary.
- My award was not given by the time I submitted the primary/secondary.
- Dr. Ohsumi graciously shared the Nobel in Medicine with me, but was after I submitted the primary/secondary.

Bad "Why now?" Examples
- It's past Thanksgiving and no IIs yet
- "I really, really, really, really, wanna go to XSOM!"
- I need to seem like I care about ____, when I really don't.

 

[Med Ed]

Hi everyone. 2 schools that I have applied to accept updates and I've been told to send them in a letter format. I'm a junior and graduating this semester. I haven't done much this other than continue doing previous volunteer work (though I have moved from a only teaching a single class to a homeroom instructor) because I wanted to focus on my classes for my last semester. I'm graduating cum laude and am part of the honors college at my school. Currently I've sent out a few job applications for tutoring and research. I haven't received final grades yet.

Any advice on whether I even should write an update letter? What can I even talk about in it?

Also, I'm graduating this semester but probably attending the spring commencement. Don't think that's relevant though.

Thanks.

 

[Ehwic]

So what about new LOR? Would the be considered an update-esp if you have been waitlisted to a school of interest?

 

[Med Ed]

So what about new LOR? Would the be considered an update-esp if you have been waitlisted to a school of interest?

Who is the LOR from and why was it not included in your primary?

 

[Goro]

Do you really think an Admissions dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to their Admin and say "We have to invite this kid! He just just sent us another LOR!!!!"

?????

So what about new LOR? Would the be considered an update-esp if you have been waitlisted to a school of interest?

 

[RogueBanana]

Do you really think an Admissions dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to their Admin and say "We have to invite this kid! He just just sent us another LOR!!!!"

?????

lol wrecked

 

[Ehwic]

Who is the LOR from and why was it not included in your primary?

It would be from my current employer for whom I work full-time. When I first submitted amcas, I just started in this job so a LOR was not appropriate. However, I have sent 5 LOR to them already, so I don't know what the whole procedure is

Do you really think an Admissions dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to their Admin and say "We have to invite this kid! He just just sent us another LOR!!!!"

?????

Well see that's were I was confused. I was told by the school to send extra LOR as updates if I have them. I mean it's such a random specific thing to ask for that's why I brought it up on the thread.

Also, it seems to me that you're not big on people sending updates after they were WL. In your opinion, under what circumstance (if any) would you want to receive an update from a student post II?

 

[Med Ed]

It would be from my current employer for whom I work full-time. When I first submitted amcas, I just started in this job so a LOR was not appropriate. However, I have sent 5 LOR to them already, so I don't know what the whole procedure is

A new LOR reflecting several months of employment is not going to change your equation. Even if the letter is positive it will be viewed as superficial and unnecessary.

 

[Med Ed]

Also, it seems to me that you're not big on people sending updates after they were WL. In your opinion, under what circumstance (if any) would you want to receive an update from a student post II?

Once in awhile we have received updates from OOS applicants with information like "My spouse just got a job offer near your school, so please do not wonder about my willingness to relocate." Those carry weight, but they are not very common. Usually updates include publications that have transitioned from [submitted] to [accepted], or poster presentations. These are nice but they don't really impact the overall perception of your application. So really you could break updates into two categories:

1. Those that indicate a compelling reason to choose our school (e.g. something fact-based rather than flatter-based)
2. Those that attempt to make one's application generally a little stronger

If you have something in the first category, then by all means use it. Most updates, however, fall in the second, and are therefore of little interest. My adcom likes to meet, discuss each applicant in light of all relevant information, and make decisions. It's not about having open-ended lines of communication that try to make us revisit our choices over and over.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

Do you really think an Admissions dean is going to run screaming out of his/her office to their Admin and say "We have to invite this kid! He just just sent us another LOR!!!!"

?????

 

[Goro]

To this excellent advice, add a new semester's worth of really good grades.

I just roll my eyes at the people who think that just because they started a new job, or have 20 more hours of volunteering, or that they submitted a paper, are worthwhile to report.

Once in awhile we have received updates from OOS applicants with information like "My spouse just got a job offer near your school, so please do not wonder about my willingness to relocate." Those carry weight, but they are not very common. Usually updates include publications that have transitioned from [submitted] to [accepted], or poster presentations. These are nice but they don't really impact the overall perception of your application. So really you could break updates into two categories:

1. Those that indicate a compelling reason to choose our school (e.g. something fact-based rather than flatter-based)
2. Those that attempt to make one's application generally a little stronger

If you have something in the first category, then by all means use it. Most updates, however, fall in the second, and are therefore of little interest. My adcom likes to meet, discuss each applicant in light of all relevant information, and make decisions. It's not about having open-ended lines of communication that try to make us revisit our choices over and over.

 

[Med Ed]

So if I have started a new job at a top tier medical school in my field of study during my gap year and expect to be included in future research publications at said medical school in upcoming months, no point in sending an update?

That is correct.

 

[Gurkhali]

What if you have worked at a new job for about 3 months with several hundred hours and it adds some clinical hours that may have been missing from your app? That seems like it could make a pretty good update letter.
Edit: Pre II

 

[Med Ed]

What if you have worked at a new job for about 3 months with several hundred hours and it adds some clinical hours that may have been missing from your app? That seems like it could make a pretty good update letter.
Edit: Pre II

So, your proposal is to update the school with the accomplishment of maintaining a job for 90 days, and in the process draw attention to a weak spot in your primary.

 

[Cytokine123]

- They already know about your volunteerism, so that's not as meaningful to include.
- I don't think ADCOMs care about graduating early or when you walk.
- Update letters should include accomplishments, not plans. Unfortunately, your pending job apps for tutor/research are not worthwhile, as is cum laude unless you have already been awarded/notified.

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm in the same boat about an update letter. The school I asked via e-mail said they'd accept one. The changes since submitting included 1 new poster for research and actually knowing what my project is for a summer research internship I got (at the time of application, I just submitted- "will be doing summer research") and I'm still volunteering in the lab after my tenure. We talked about in the interviews but only briefly. Pretty much my interviewer stopped me after I said "cancer research", and went on the to the next question. He was chill though, so I didn't take offense or read malintent.

Another thing is that the internship is in my city of residence, so I'm still volunteering. My volunteering hospital hired me for a second job on the weekends for 8 hours a day (yeah I'm bored), and it's clinical work related to patient care, pain management, and medical law, etc. Party of my paid training included actual shadowed practices on patients, etc supervised by PAs, MDs, DOs, etc. and I learned a lot. Is all of this worthy to put in a letter?

 

[Med Ed]

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm in the same boat about an update letter. The school I asked via e-mail said they'd accept one. The changes since submitting included 1 new poster for research and actually knowing what my project is for a summer research internship I got (at the time of application, I just submitted- "will be doing summer research") and I'm still volunteering in the lab after my tenure. We talked about in the interviews but only briefly. Pretty much my interviewer stopped me after I said "cancer research", and went on the to the next question. He was chill though, so I didn't take offense or read malintent.

Another thing is that the internship is in my city of residence, so I'm still volunteering. My volunteering hospital hired me for a second job on the weekends for 8 hours a day (yeah I'm bored), and it's clinical work related to patient care, pain management, and medical law, etc. Party of my paid training included actual shadowed practices on patients, etc supervised by PAs, MDs, DOs, etc. and I learned a lot. Is all of this worthy to put in a letter?

I notice your status is (Accepted). Are you fishing for another acceptance at a more desirable school?

 

[Cytokine123]

I notice your status is (Accepted). Are you fishing for another acceptance at a more desirable school?

Yup! I'm fortunate to be in the position I am in, but I definitely want to try to get the best option for me.

 

[BKNbkn]

The changes since submitting included 1 new poster for research

So you are only on submitted and your qualifier is new which implies previous posters.

and actually knowing what my project is for a summer research internship

Don't think they'll place weight, as its a future endeavor, coupled with it past the "required to notify acceptance" date

and I'm still volunteering in the lab after my tenure.

Already in your AMCAS primary/secondary, I am assuming.

We talked about in the interviews but only briefly. Pretty much my interviewer stopped me after I said "cancer research", and went on the to the next question. He was chill though, so I didn't take offense or read malintent.

Nothing worth writing about there.

Another thing is that the internship is in my city of residence, so I'm still volunteering. My volunteering hospital hired me for a second job on the weekends for 8 hours a day (yeah I'm bored), and it's clinical work related to patient care, pain management, and medical law, etc. Party of my paid training included actual shadowed practices on patients, etc supervised by PAs, MDs, DOs, etc. and I learned a lot. Is all of this worthy to put in a letter?

I mean, there's really nothing stopping you (or anyone) from writing a LOI, be it pre- or post-II. I don't want you or others shaking their fist at me through the Interwebs and rue the moment they chose not to write. What I'm advocating for is substantive changes with good reasons. See the "Why Now?" corollary on my earlier post.

Many applicants consider it an end-run, "they already have my money", Hail Mary, "I've got nothin' to lose", desperation move in attempt to land an II/acceptance.

Unfortunately, the ADCOMs know this and behave accordingly.

 

[Cytokine123]

So you are only on submitted and your qualifier is new which implies previous posters.



Don't think they'll place weight, as its a future endeavor, coupled with it past the "required to notify acceptance" date



Already in your AMCAS primary/secondary, I am assuming.



Nothing worth writing about there.




I mean, there's really nothing stopping you (or anyone) from writing a LOI, be it pre- or post-II. I don't want you or others shaking their fist at me through the Interwebs and rue the moment they chose not to write. What I'm advocating for is substantive changes with good reasons. See the "Why Now?" corollary on my earlier post.

Many applicants consider it an end-run, "they already have my money", Hail Mary, "I've got nothin' to lose", desperation move in attempt to land an II/acceptance.

Unfortunately, the ADCOMs know this and behave accordingly.

Volunteering in the lab was something that came up at the end of the interview. So while I'm not getting paid, I'm still affiliated. Hmm...so the adcoms don't really care too much about these?

 

[Med Ed]

Yup! I'm fortunate to be in the position I am in, but I definitely want to try to get the best option for me.

Have you been waitlisted or is a decision pending?

 

[Cytokine123]

Have you been waitlisted or is a decision pending?

No to the waitlist. Texan here, so this is open season to get a prematch at literally any moment until dec.31 and then you can match in feb depending on how you tell the schools you like 'em (its blinded). That alone kinda makes me wanna wait it out since it won't affect me THAT much.

 

[MNski]

I know there hasn't been any activity on this thread in a few months, but I'm hoping someone here can offer me a little advice. I'm wondering if I should submit an update letter to the school my husband has been accepted to? I haven't heard anything from them, and I know they are still interviewing... I may end up reapplying next year, but I'd like a shot this year, if possible. I can update them on the fact that I graduated with distinction, my employment, some shadowing experience, but also, my name change, as we were recently married (tacky, I know) and by extension, a connection to a recent admit. Obviously, I would try to convey all of these things in a professional manner.

 

[Toutie]

I know there hasn't been any activity on this thread in a few months, but I'm hoping someone here can offer me a little advice. I'm wondering if I should submit an update letter to the school my husband has been accepted to? I haven't heard anything from them, and I know they are still interviewing... I may end up reapplying next year, but I'd like a shot this year, if possible. I can update them on the fact that I graduated with distinction, my employment, some shadowing experience, but also, my name change, as we were recently married (tacky, I know) and by extension, a connection to a recent admit. Obviously, I would try to convey all of these things in a professional manner.

Quite honestly, at this point I don't think it will hurt you. It probably wouldn't help you either...but at this stage of the game go for it. Why not....what have you go to lose.