Updating schools on research experience?

[afranchise]

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Hi all, thanks in advance for your feedback. Short background - I graduated in 2010 with a business degree, worked for 2 years before completing a post-baccalaureate this past year to finish up my pre-requisite courses. I submitted my application first batch with no research experience but have since started a full-time research internship position. Fortunately, I have received a few invites despite my lack of research experience, but I haven't heard back from over half of the schools I've applied to and am wondering if it would be appropriate to update those schools on my updated experiences? I realize it is still early in the cycle and I am lucky to have interviews!! I know there are no guarantees in this application process and want to help my chances as much as possible. Thanks again!

 

[CleverThought]

Eh, I wouldn't worry about it. Plus, I believe in November you get to update AADSAS. I'm not sure if it's only coursework, or if it's also modifying hours and activities.

 

[sjv]

Eh, I wouldn't worry about it. Plus, I believe in November you get to update AADSAS. I'm not sure if it's only coursework, or if it's also modifying hours and activities.

I believe its just coursework.

http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...es/AcademicUpdate-UpdatingyourCoursework.aspx

 

[afranchise]

Thank you both! It actually is a course I registered for through my university, but I only signed up for 2 credit hours even though it's full time because applying to dental schools has made me poor haha!

 

[Glimmer1991]

Some schools are extremely receptive to updates of any kind, such as Case Western. And, quite honestly, I don't know why schools wouldn't be--don't you want to be able to view your applicants as holistically as possible? It has been four months since most of us applied, which is plenty of time to begin new activities.

I have submitted updates to three schools. Case, of course, responded immediately that they would add them to my file. I sent the other two update e-mails yesterday, but haven't heard anything back. I suppose that's better than a, "We don't accept these sorts of things!"

So long as you don't come across as annoying, desperate, or "pushy," I don't see how attempting to update your file could harm you. It's also a good way, in my opinion, to show that you are genuinely interested in the school. 🙂 I would send just one update--and I think now is a good time to do so--and leave it at that.

 

[afranchise]

Some schools are extremely receptive to updates of any kind, such as Case Western. And, quite honestly, I don't know why schools wouldn't be--don't you want to be able to view your applicants as holistically as possible? It has been four months since most of us applied, which is plenty of time to begin new activities.

I have submitted updates to three schools. Case, of course, responded immediately that they would add them to my file. I sent the other two update e-mails yesterday, but haven't heard anything back. I suppose that's better than a, "We don't accept these sorts of things!"

So long as you don't come across as annoying, desperate, or "pushy," I don't see how attempting to update your file could harm you. It's also a good way, in my opinion, to show that you are genuinely interested in the school. 🙂 I would send just one update--and I think now is a good time to do so--and leave it at that.

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you are in the same boat and it has worked out for you. I think the email template you are suggesting is perfect, a simple update on my research experiences and reaffirming my interest in each school. Hopefully it will help! And good luck to you this cycle!