Update Letter Timing (submitted vs. accepted abstracts)

[Premed421]

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Hello!

I am questioning whether to send in update letters to the schools I haven't heard from yet (that accept them). I have a letter ready to submit, but as of now, my updates include two submitted abstracts. Is it worth sending these letters now, or should I wait until 12/15 when I will hear about whether the two abstracts are accepted?

I understand an accepted abstract is better, but I'm concerned about it being close to the holidays/end of II season if I wait until 12/12. Also, should the update letters be generic? With my current updates, I'm already at one page (including a heading). I would like to personalize my letters to show my interest, but I don't want to make the letters too long.

I'd really appreciate any guidance with this. Thanks!

 

[wysdoc]

Hello!

I am questioning whether to send in update letters to the schools I haven't heard from yet (that accept them). I have a letter ready to submit, but as of now, my updates include two submitted abstracts. Is it worth sending these letters now, or should I wait until 12/15 when I will hear about whether the two abstracts are accepted?

I understand an accepted abstract is better, but I'm concerned about it being close to the holidays/end of II season if I wait until 12/12. Also, should the update letters be generic? With my current updates, I'm already at one page (including a heading). I would like to personalize my letters to show my interest, but I don't want to make the letters too long.

I'd really appreciate any guidance with this. Thanks!

It’s only 2 more weeks, wait until they are accepted, and also keep your update under 1 page maximum

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Clarify that the communications are pre-interview or post-interview. Why are you putting in effort to pre-interview comms?

Also, abstracts for conferences aren't usually a big deal, so don't hype yourself up to believing they serve as the tipping point.

 

[Premed421]

Hi! Thank you both for your responses.

These are pre-interview updates. I figured abstracts aren't that big of a deal, but I have nothing to lose in terms of submitting an update letter since IIs stop going out relatively soon.

I'll wait until 12/15 to submit the update then. Would it be overkill to submit a separate letter of interest on top of the updates? I want to show that I'm still interested, but I don't want to overwhelm the adcoms with extra materials.