Update Letters

[turkaglew]

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I was hoping to get some advice on writing an update letter. First, I assume it should be sent via snail mail. Also, I want to send updates because I have been complete from 4-6 weeks and only have 1 interview and 1 hold (2 rejections.)

I was planning on starting the letters with a brief summary of why I want to attend each school, then explaining what I have done to strengthen my app since completion. When I applied I had no shadowing experience (only clinical volunteering). Since completing I shadowed an IM physician for a day. I also completed a little community service work and continued to volunteer and research.

Anyone have any advice on what else to mention, or anything regarding these letters.

I am planning on sending updates to these schools..

UIC
Rush
Loyola
RFU(possibly... heard they dont take pre-interview updates)
GWU (on hold, and really want to go here!)
Arkansas
NYMC
Louisville

 

[Amadelphous]

I was hoping to get some advice on writing an update letter. First, I assume it should be sent via snail mail. Also, I want to send updates because I have been complete from 4-6 weeks and only have 1 interview and 1 hold (2 rejections.)

I was planning on starting the letters with a brief summary of why I want to attend each school, then explaining what I have done to strengthen my app since completion. When I applied I had no shadowing experience (only clinical volunteering). Since completing I shadowed an IM physician for a day. I also completed a little community service work and continued to volunteer and research.

Anyone have any advice on what else to mention, or anything regarding these letters.

I am planning on sending updates to these schools..

UIC
Rush
Loyola
RFU(possibly... heard they dont take pre-interview updates)
GWU (on hold, and really want to go here!)
Arkansas
NYMC
Louisville

Unfortunately this isn't much to update on. Rather than send generic updates to everyone try to pick your top one or two schools and elaborate why you want to go there. But at this point it's getting a little late so better to do something rather than nothing right? Good luck whatever you do. 👍

 

[turkaglew]

Thanks for the advice. I thought about waiting until grades come out in december and sending an update in with grades, but im afraid by then it might be too late...

 

[Amadelphous]

Waiting until December may only be a good idea for schools you've interviewed at or schools that have late interviews available. Hopefully update letters don't hurt your chances...so on the off chance it may help, go for it.

 

[turkaglew]

Thanks for the advice. I thought about waiting until grades come out in december and sending an update in with grades, but im afraid by then it might be too late...

 

[turkaglew]

sorry for the double post...

Is there a chance that update letters will have a negative effect?

 

[amine2086]

I was hoping to get some advice on writing an update letter. First, I assume it should be sent via snail mail. Also, I want to send updates because I have been complete from 4-6 weeks and only have 1 interview and 1 hold (2 rejections.)

I was planning on starting the letters with a brief summary of why I want to attend each school, then explaining what I have done to strengthen my app since completion. When I applied I had no shadowing experience (only clinical volunteering). Since completing I shadowed an IM physician for a day. I also completed a little community service work and continued to volunteer and research.

Anyone have any advice on what else to mention, or anything regarding these letters.

I am planning on sending updates to these schools..

UIC
Rush
Loyola
RFU(possibly... heard they dont take pre-interview updates)
GWU (on hold, and really want to go here!)
Arkansas
NYMC
Louisville

I do not think you have enough for an update letter. Also 4-6 weeks is not that long anyways. If I were you, I would just wait and see what happens. Updating schools with so little information may even have negative effect.

 

[girlspowerss]

should i send out update letters based on what i have done so far?
since the summer i have (during my year off):
worked as a labratory research assistant, quit the job to focus on studying for mcats in order to retake it in january, i am continuing volunteering at my local hospital (weekends), and i will be taking upper division bio classes next semester (undergrad)
thoughts?

 

[turkaglew]

I do not think you have enough for an update letter. Also 4-6 weeks is not that long anyways. If I were you, I would just wait and see what happens. Updating schools with so little information may even have negative effect.

would you recommend waiting until grades come out in december and then update with grades and ECs?

What about for GWU, I am on hold and I want to let them know I am still very interested...

thanks

 

[sassilysweet]

should i send out update letters based on what i have done so far?
since the summer i have (during my year off):
worked as a labratory research assistant, quit the job to focus on studying for mcats in order to retake it in january, i am continuing volunteering at my local hospital (weekends), and i will be taking upper division bio classes next semester (undergrad)
thoughts?

I don't think I would update schools on quitting a job just so you have time to study for the MCAT. It kind of makes it seem like you can't handle doing more than one thing at a time.