Update Letter Timing (New Publications)

[bankedsynapse]

Hello all,

Apologies, I know this is probably a frequently asked question but I am finding a huge range of answers when searching around.

I have submitted almost all of my secondaries for this cycle and found out today that I had two publications accepted this week (first author and second author, respectively). I want to update my app at ideally all schools that accept updates. Should I do this ASAP, or wait a few weeks? I saw October mentioned as the time to submit updates but I got the impression that was moreso just for update letters that are "just showing I'm interested" rather than having something new to add. For context, my original primary app mentions one other publication I had at the time and I'm 4th author on that one, so I think these others would be a pretty significant update. I don't really see myself submitting any other updates, other than MAYBE another publication November or later, likely second author.

I'm mainly just paranoid that my app is balancing on a knife's edge right now and these new publications could make a big difference.

Thanks for your time!

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[LindaAccepted]

I'd just send it in to those schools that value updates.

 

[bankedsynapse]

Does the timing matter? Or does that October timeframe only matter if I'm not actually adding anything to my app and just showing interest?

 

[AJS59]

I'd at least wait until after Labor Day to send in stuff; some adcoms don't even begin reviewing applicants until that point. October is a fine time frame, and 2 publications — though impressive — is likely not enough to massively tip the scales