To Update Letter or Not

[capybaracarbonara]

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School I interviewed at recommended that applicants send update letters until decisions are made in March. Should I still send an update to demonstrate my high interest even though I don't have any significant updates (e.g., no publication, no new job)?

I'm not too sure what else constitutes an update, but I want to make sure this school knows that they're my top choice.

 

[AJS59]

School I interviewed at recommended that applicants send update letters until decisions are made in March. Should I still send an update to demonstrate my high interest even though I don't have any significant updates (e.g., no publication, no new job)?

I'm not too sure what else constitutes an update, but I want to make sure this school knows that they're my top choice.

Since they said update letters, then if you don't have any updates, I wouldn't submit it. You applied so they clearly know you're interested in attending. An LOI you can consider in the event of waitlist.

 

[capybaracarbonara]

Since they said update letters, then if you don't have any updates, I wouldn't submit it. You applied so they clearly know you're interested in attending. An LOI you can consider in the event of waitlist.

Are the only update-worthy things a publication and a new job? For example, I was thinking I could mention a new volunteering experience I started through my job, but it’s probably too minor?

 

[Goro]

Are the only update-worthy things a publication and a new job? For example, I was thinking I could mention a new volunteering experience I started through my job, but it’s probably too minor?

Since this is a needy school and they want love letters from you, an update saying that you started a new Endeavor is perfectly fine. You could also update them with this semester's grades once you have them

 

[GoSpursGo]

For the schools that ASK for updates, the usual advice to avoid updating doesn't apply--they're telling you that they want to see sustained engagement, so do that even if you don't have much to add.

 

[LindaAccepted]

Are the only update-worthy things a publication and a new job? For example, I was thinking I could mention a new volunteering experience I started through my job, but it’s probably too minor?

Are the only update-worthy things a publication and a new job? For example, I was thinking I could mention a new volunteering experience I started through my job, but it’s probably too minor?

The school is asking for updates and this is one of those "If they say 'jump,' just ask 'how high?'" situations.

What's worthy of an update? here are a few idea:s a new volunteer (clinical or not) position, a promotion, great grades, higher MCAT, and yes, your new volunteering position is worthy of an update. But don't just write I'm doing X for Y hours. Why did you choose to do this? Why do you like this work? Have you learned anything from it? (preferably something that aligns with the school's mission and values) Another possibility is interacting with current students or recent alumni and learning more about the school that has heightened your interest in it.

At the same time, keep the update to under one page. Don't waste their time with unnecessary verbiage.

 

[calcuttaho]

don't just write I'm doing X for Y hours. Why did you choose to do this? Why do you like this work? Have you learned anything from it? (preferably something that aligns with the school's mission and values)

Am I supposed to fit in the number of hours into the update instead of just describing the activity? Should I treat this like I’m writing a full activity section on the MCAT with dates/time instead as just a “most meaningful activity” portion?

 

[AJS59]

Am I supposed to fit in the number of hours into the update instead of just describing the activity? Should I treat this like I’m writing a full activity section on the MCAT with dates/time instead as just a “most meaningful activity” portion?

Hours are certainly a useful metric but I'd also add description there. Make it stand out a bit

 

[LizzyM]

I'd rather see your enthusiasm for a new role and the impact you are making than know that it has been N hours of activity. If you must, tell me when you started and mention how much time you are putting in each week (e.g. In October, I began volunteering every Saturday afternoon with the Podunk Food Pantry....), I can figure out the rest but frankly, it's not the hours, it's the impact.

 

[calcuttaho]

I'd rather see your enthusiasm for a new role and the impact you are making than know that it has been N hours of activity. If you must, tell me when you started and mention how much time you are putting in each week (e.g. In October, I began volunteering every Saturday afternoon with the Podunk Food Pantry....), I can figure out the rest but frankly, it's not the hours, it's the impact.

Thank you!

Do you think I should wait to write an update letter if I plan on starting a related activity soon? In my case, I’ve started volunteering twice a week with a harm reduction agency, who put me in contact with a wound care organization that I plan on volunteering with on Saturdays.

Should I just write a letter about my harm reduction agency work now?

 

[LizzyM]

I'd go with the harm reduction work now. If you need another update in late January, early February, you can send a second update describing how happy you are that connections at the harm reduction program set you up with the wound care program.

 

[LindaAccepted]

Am I supposed to fit in the number of hours into the update instead of just describing the activity? Should I treat this like I’m writing a full activity section on the MCAT with dates/time instead as just a “most meaningful activity” portion?

I would include the hours just because it reflects your level of commitment and to some extent your enthusiasm for this activity, but I also agree with @LizzyM that your focus should be on the impact of this activity on you and on others. (BTW impact is great to include in almost all activity descriptions.)

 

[capybaracarbonara]

Following up on this, I think I will send a minor update to this school. However, would it be more beneficial to send a combined update + LOI before decision time? (This school is my top choice). Or would it be better to update now, then send an LOI in 2 months?

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Following up on this, I think I will send a minor update to this school. However, would it be more beneficial to send a combined update + LOI before decision time? (This school is my top choice). Or would it be better to update now, then send an LOI in 2 months?

Send a combined letter starting with thanking them for the work they have done reviewing your app thus far, say you will commit fully to the program if accepted, and then list your minor updates with what you have learned from them. Might not hurt to also send an official transcript if you were taking any classes during this time.

 

[capybaracarbonara]

Send a combined letter starting with thanking them for the work they have done reviewing your app thus far, say you will commit fully to the program if accepted, and then list your minor updates with what you have learned from them. Might not hurt to also send an official transcript if you were taking any classes during this time.

Thank you! So, since decisions come out in 3 months, would it be best to wait and send this in around 2 months?

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Thank you! So, since decisions come out in 3 months, would it be best to wait and send this in around 2 months?

Nah I’d send it now or right after the holiday break