to update or not to update... that is the question

[MedicalJustice]

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so i want to send an update letter to my first choice school that waitlisted me. I was also hoping to send in my fall grades. the problem is that i got a b+ in one of my classes (for a minor). I say this is a problem because the school is a top 10 school and i havent received any b+'s except for that one. (btw the rest of my classes the semester i got a's and a+'s)

The reason i cannot update without sending my grades is because my updates are based on the fact that i graduated this past fall so it would be wierd to mention a graduation award and not give them my final transcript etc.🙁

I already sent a letter of intent before my fall grades came in... and on the waitlist letter the school said that my app is going to be reevaluated later and i "can" update with grades etc. also, my mcat is below their average but my gpa is above which adds to the dilemma since that was my stronger point.

i know a b+ isnt a terrible grade but in this case i dont want to bring any extra negative attention if i can avoid it

my question: do i send the update and my fall grades and hope for the best... do i do nothing and just have my letter of intent in my file.. or any suggested third option?

thanks!!

 

[GoSpursGo]

What exactly are you updating them on? If it's just the graduation award (aka, another recognition of your high GPA, I assume), I wouldn't bother- that's not telling them anything truly new. If you have something else, however, go ahead and send the update w/ everything. They're really not going to kill you over one B+, especially considering that they understand the difficulty of trying to juggle the application process with schoolwork.

 

[MedicalJustice]

What exactly are you updating them on? If it's just the graduation award (aka, another recognition of your high GPA, I assume), I wouldn't bother- that's not telling them anything truly new. If you have something else, however, go ahead and send the update w/ everything. They're really not going to kill you over one B+, especially considering that they understand the difficulty of trying to juggle the application process with schoolwork.

i didnt want to say too much to remain anonymous but i also have a job for the spring semester and have submitted my research for publication as coauthor

 

[GoSpursGo]

Getting that publication is definitely a big deal, and depending on what the job is, that might be also, especially if it significantly enhances your clinical experience. By all means update. There is really 100% no chance that they are going to care about you getting your first B+ in your last semester; your GPA is still going to be a very strong point for you, and you'll significantly enhance your research experience and other ECs.

 

[aebvd97]

i didnt want to say too much to remain anonymous but i also have a job for the spring semester and have submitted my research for publication as coauthor

Do you have any idea how long it will be before you find out whether or not the paper is accepted? Certainly, if it's accepted, that is definitely worth noting to them...but I would shy away from telling them that you have only submitted a paper (there's a big difference been submission and publication).

If the paper doesn't get accepted, I would probably still update with the new job opportunity, especially if it is research or medically relevant. Sure, you can mention your grades...let's not be silly a B+ is not going to hurt your chances in the least bit.