Update Letters

[JC2]

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Is there a rule for sending update letters? I'm talking, like, an LOR from a PI you just worked with over the summer, for example. Can you send them in after your interview or does it need to be before?

Thanks

 

[MadMnkey]

They can be sent afterwards. I had my PI send in a letter after I interviewed just so there's some continuous reminder that I exist and I'm doing something productive during my time.

 

[Mattabet]

I think it only makes sense to send it after. In every single interview I remember, they asked me if there was anything I wanted to add. This would be the appropriate time if you had something to add right before the interview. The update is primarily for new developments that come after interviews.

 

[Premed Worrier]

I think it only makes sense to send it after. In every single interview I remember, they asked me if there was anything I wanted to add. This would be the appropriate time if you had something to add right before the interview. The update is primarily for new developments that come after interviews.

I wrote update letters for schools whenever I had a chance (post-interview). I didn't make it annoying but I think I sent two update letters to all post interview schools, and three to a couple. Some of these were sent before decisions, and some were sent post-waitlist status. I agree with the previous poster that it is a good way to keep your name continuously on someone's mind. I am not sure who reads the letters at each school, but it can only help as long as they aren't too frequent. The more times you can get your name mentioned in a good way like this, the better right? Good Luck.

 

[Appless]

I wrote update letters for schools whenever I had a chance (post-interview). I didn't make it annoying but I think I sent two update letters to all post interview schools, and three to a couple. Some of these were sent before decisions, and some were sent post-waitlist status. I agree with the previous poster that it is a good way to keep your name continuously on someone's mind. I am not sure who reads the letters at each school, but it can only help as long as they aren't too frequent. The more times you can get your name mentioned in a good way like this, the better right? Good Luck.

for these letters are you just emailing admissions offices? Or are you sending in actual copies via snail mail? I dont really understand how you know who and where to send them to?

 

[gbu730]

what do you talk about in those update letters?? do they have to be additional LORs?

 

[LAman10]

are these the same letters where you update them about stuff you've been doing (e.g. new activities, new research, new pubs, etc.)? I've been doing some interesting stuff this summer and would like to send a letter of update before interview invites come out. I know that some secondaries ask for activities you've been doing over the summer, but for those that don't, is it appropriate/possible to send update letters pre-interview?

 

[UVAbme2009]

Don't let a lack of updates prevent you from sending a letter if you want. If you really love the school, just sending a short letter why the benefits of you being a student would be mutual will definitely help.