Update letter wording

[applesauce14]

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Hi. I recently interviewed at my top choice, and I have a couple pretty significant updates. I am currently drafting an update letter. I need your opinion about a particular sentence. I wrote, "Attending XXXXXXX medical school is my dream, and I would be honored to join the class of 2026". Is it appropriate to say that their school is my dream, or does that come across as desperate? It truly is my dream, and I get so excited just thinking about it. Let me know what you think. Thank you.

 

[MyOdyssey]

What new info do you have to offer in your update?

Does the school permit updates?

The term “dream school” is inherently needy. Try to tone that down.

Some schools (Harvard, Stanford, etc) already know they’re your dream school.

 

[wydoc]

Imo adding any pathos to update letters is kinda useless, since schools know students will say just about anything to get accepted. I would personally stick with your update, as the actual update is the only thing that could really tip the scale in your favor (like if you had zero research but are updating you have a publication now or something).

That said, it probably wouldn't hurt and maybe you'd catch an adcom on a good day. If you do say it's your dream school, I would maybe try to substantiate that claim a little bit (my parents went there, I am from the area and have always wanted to go there, you have X specific unique program that I like, the doctor who saved me as a kid went/works there, etc). If it's just your dream school because it has a flashy name, it is probably everyone's "dream school" so like myodyssey said you shouldn't bother including that.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi. I recently interviewed at my top choice, and I have a couple pretty significant updates. I am currently drafting an update letter. I need your opinion about a particular sentence. I wrote, "Attending XXXXXXX medical school is my dream, and I would be honored to join the class of 2026". Is it appropriate to say that their school is my dream, or does that come across as desperate? It truly is my dream, and I get so excited just thinking about it. Let me know what you think.

Why is it your "dream?" Insert those reasons instead, assuming you can set a professional tone.