Wait list and updating

[MedPR]

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If the school says they don't review or offer acceptances to people on the wait list until after May 15 is there any reason to update periodically? Is it better to send one huge update in early May?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[gyngyn]

There is no advantage to updating before May 15th.
Multiple updates take up staff time.
One good email telling them they are number one when they might listen is your best option.

 

[NickNaylor]

There is no advantage to updating before May 15th.
Multiple updates take up staff time.
One good email telling them they are number one when they might listen is your best option.

This is terrible advice. It certainly might be true at some schools, but definitely not at all. Mine for example is in the latter category - updates can play a HUGE role in getting off pre- and post-interview holds.

(sent from my phone)

 

[cheechootrain]

Yes, you can send a letter. I think it shows initiative and that you're willing to dedicate time in regards to your application.

 

[gyngyn]

This is terrible advice. It certainly might be true at some schools, but definitely not at all. Mine for example is in the latter category - updates can play a HUGE role in getting off pre- and post-interview holds.

(sent from my phone)

Unless they specifically state not to update!

 

[MedPR]

This is terrible advice. It certainly might be true at some schools, but definitely not at all. Mine for example is in the latter category - updates can play a HUGE role in getting off pre- and post-interview holds.

(sent from my phone)

But if they don't review your app until X date, what good is it to send occasional updates before that date? Not arguing with you, I just don't understand.

 

[Aerus]

But if they don't review your app until X date, what good is it to send occasional updates before that date? Not arguing with you, I just don't understand.

A friend of mine was waitlisted at one of his top choices. They also had a no review until May 15th Policy, but he still sent update letters periodically, telling them what he's been doing and that he's still incredibly interested in attending.

He eventually got off the waitlist. Whether or not the updates actually did something isn't clear, but there might have been that chance that these updates were kept in his "file" and later looked at as part of the consideration.

Who knows? If the school doesn't specifically say "Do not send us update letters", then I don't see how it can hurt. Just shows your interest.

 

[1289]

did the school say they won't "review" or they won't "accept" off the wait list until May 15th? usually it's the latter. if the school plans to do a review and/or ranking of the list before they start accepting around May 15th it's definitely in your advantage to have expressed a lot of interest in the months preceding this

*if they say they will accept updates

 

[MedPR]

A friend of mine was waitlisted at one of his top choices. They also had a no review until May 15th Policy, but he still sent update letters periodically, telling them what he's been doing and that he's still incredibly interested in attending.

He eventually got off the waitlist. Whether or not the updates actually did something isn't clear, but there might have been that chance that these updates were kept in his "file" and later looked at as part of the consideration.

Who knows? If the school doesn't specifically say "Do not send us update letters", then I don't see how it can hurt. Just shows your interest.

did the school say they won't "review" or they won't "accept" off the wait list until May 15th? usually it's the latter. if the school plans to do a review and/or ranking of the list before they start accepting around May 15th it's definitely in your advantage to have expressed a lot of interest in the months preceding this

*if they say they will accept updates

Ah makes sense guys. Thank you.

The only things I have to update are continued volunteering and fall midterm grades. Worth it to send one now?

Also is it acceptable to write something explaining that I was disappointed to be put on the alternate list, but am still very interested in attending blah blah blah?

 

[gyngyn]

But if they don't review your app until X date, what good is it to send occasional updates before that date? Not arguing with you, I just don't understand.

There appears to be a wide difference in openness to updates before May 15th. A reasonable interpretation of their statement that they do not review waitlist applicants before that date indates that this school is on the cooler side of receptivity.

 

[1289]

someone with experience on an adcom can weigh on, but I wouldn't talk about being disappointed about the alternate list position- keep it all positive. just my opinion though. your disappointment will be evident by the fact that you're still sending updates and expressing interest

 

[mcloaf]

This is terrible advice. It certainly might be true at some schools, but definitely not at all. Mine for example is in the latter category - updates can play a HUGE role in getting off pre- and post-interview holds.

(sent from my phone)

Good to know; I guess I'll be writing an update tomorrow!

 

[JCTWP46]

If on a waitlist (only for a little less than 2 weeks now), would it be a better idea to call and ask what I should do to improve my app for next cycle because I still really want to attend their school, or to send an update about my continued activities, grades, and how I really want to attend their school? My advisor suggested that by calling and asking them I would show continued interest and place myself into their thoughts once again, which could improve my chances for this cycle. Like I said, not on the waiting list long, but trying to get a plan.

 

[Aerus]

If on a waitlist (only for a little less than 2 weeks now), would it be a better idea to call and ask what I should do to improve my app for next cycle because I still really want to attend their school, or to send an update about my continued activities, grades, and how I really want to attend their school? My advisor suggested that by calling and asking them I would show continued interest and place myself into their thoughts once again, which could improve my chances for this cycle. Like I said, not on the waiting list long, but trying to get a plan.

No, don't ask how to improve your app. That's quitting too early. Just send updates about your continued activities, grades and INTEREST in their school. If you were waitlisted, that means you have what it takes to be in their school. Just keep in contact with them.

 

[487806]

Unless they specifically state not to update!

That isn't what MedPR is saying. He meant a LOI in general. Of course, some schools have certain restrictions to LOI's, but your initial advice was an incorrect generalization.

This is terrible advice. It certainly might be true at some schools, but definitely not at all. Mine for example is in the latter category - updates can play a HUGE role in getting off pre- and post-interview holds.

(sent from my phone)

👍 Although it's a first time I saw a debate between two great helpers, I'll side with Nick on this one.

 

[MedPR]

Ok so once you send an LOI, how do you continue to say you're interested in the school without being redundant? I understand that sending updates of grades/activities shows your interest, but do we need to write a new LOI everytime we update?

 

[BigBlueBear]

NickNaylor is God. Whatever he says is correct.

 

[mcloaf]

So I assume you just address these to the Dean of Admissions as "Dear Dean So and So, I wanted to contact you regarding my strong and continued interest in attending X medical school. Since submitting my primary...yadayadayada."

 

[cheechootrain]

I really don't get letters of interest. I understand update letters and a letter of intent, but writing a letter stating that you are still interested in the school doesn't make sense to me. Of course you're interested!

That is why you applied and spent that 100 dollars or so. You're not going to be like, "hey, I'm not interested in this school anymore so I'm not going to send them an letter of interest." If you're not interested anymore, then you withdraw. But emailing them saying that your still interested is ridiculous. Don't waste their time with those kinds of letters. Rather, send them with updates of your activities and why you are a good fit.

Good luck!

 

[487806]

I really don't get letters of interest. I understand update letters and letter of intent, but writing a letter stating that you are still interested in the school doesn't make sense to me. Of course you're interested!

That is why you applied and spent that 100 dollars or so. You're not going to be like, "hey, I'm not interested in this school anymore so I'm not going to send them an LOI." If you're not interested anymore, then you withdraw. But emailing them saying that your still interested is ridiculous. Don't waste their time with those kinds of letters. Rather, send them with updates of your activities and why you are a good fit.

Good luck!

Good point. I just view LOI's as reminding the schools that we still love them, so please don't forget us.

 

[cheechootrain]

Good point. I just view LOI's as reminding the schools that we still love them, so please don't forget us.

Awhh, if you write it that way, like a love note from P.S. I Love You, then go for it! I've never been the casanova so I have no experience with those.

 

[487806]

Awhh, if you write it that way, like a love not from P.S. I Love You, then go for it! I've never been the casanova so I have no experience with those.

That wasn't supposed to be a literal meaning...

 

[cheechootrain]

That wasn't supposed to be a literal meaning...

Oh... I feel like an idiot.

 

[Trauma Triad]

Oh... I feel like an idiot.

Theres a thread for that

 

[487806]

Oh... I feel like an idiot.

Don't worry. I suffer from idiocy all the time.

 

[Aerus]

I really don't get letters of interest. I understand update letters and a letter of intent, but writing a letter stating that you are still interested in the school doesn't make sense to me. Of course you're interested!

That is why you applied and spent that 100 dollars or so. You're not going to be like, "hey, I'm not interested in this school anymore so I'm not going to send them an letter of interest." If you're not interested anymore, then you withdraw. But emailing them saying that your still interested is ridiculous. Don't waste their time with those kinds of letters. Rather, send them with updates of your activities and why you are a good fit.

Good luck!

You make some good points, although I look at this with a different perspective.

I feel like LOI's show some sort of initiative and "true interest". While it's not a perfect filter by any means, it sort of shows which waitlisted applicants/hold applicants are assertive enough to email them and continue telling them that they're still really interested in going to that school, as opposed to people who are using the school as a "safety" or just applying there because someone told them to.

I don't see LOI's as useless from a factual perspective, but yes update letters are definitely more useful. On the other hand, Letters of Intent, in my eyes, don't do anything more than a Letter of Interest, since they are both non-binding.

 

[MedPR]

How exactly are letters of intent different from the letters of interest? Don't both just tell the school that they're your top choice and why you're mutually a good fit?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Goobs]

How exactly are letters of intent different from the letters of interest? Don't both just tell the school that they're your top choice and why you're mutually a good fit?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Top choice and will definitely go there = intent

I like you = interest

 

[MedPR]

Ok so once you send an LOI, how do you continue to say you're interested in the school without being redundant? I understand that sending updates of grades/activities shows your interest, but do we need to write a new LOI everytime we update?

Can someone weigh in on this please!

Top choice and will definitely go there = intent

I like you = interest

But aren't they written the same way except for maybe 1 sentence? For example:

I like you and I think we are a good fit for each other because reason 1, 2, 3.

and

I will go to your school 100% if accepted because of reasons 1, 2, 3.

Same letter, right?

 

[Fivo]

Can someone weigh in on this please!



But aren't they written the same way except for maybe 1 sentence? For example:

I like you and I think we are a good fit for each other because reason 1, 2, 3.

and

I will go to your school 100% if accepted because of reasons 1, 2, 3.

Same letter, right?

Have you looked at Alwaysanangel's mdapps? She has her exact letter she sent to UCI

http://www.mdapplicants.com/profile.php?id=6325

And here is her advice

What it comes down to is when I was desperate at the end I basically updated them with anything I could think of.

I got put on hold for interview in early September - and I sent a letter of intent/appeal for interview early. It just basically consisted of some new activities/addition of duties in old activities and a comparision of my goals to Irvine's teaching styles and how well they meshed. I did briefly mention in that letter how it would affect my personal life (being close to my friends/family/SO and how successful I could be if I were close to my support system). I also briefly mentioned a family issue that was a concrete reason why I wanted to stay close to my parents.

After my interview in April I sent a letter of intent saying if they let me in I would definitely attend - which would benefit them because they would have a definite spot filled and I would get to go to my number one choice for school. I touched on some deficits in my application (lower grades sophomore and junior year and lack of research)

Then after I got waitlisted I sent ANOTHER letter of intent which was kind of a hail mary - the only thing I could think of that wasn't in my files- that I am conversant in sign language and spanish. (this was the only non-hard copy I sent - I sent this by email to the main email, to Gayle and to Dr. Pederson.

Shortly after that I got in. And the dean of admissions even said that it was my 'persistence' that they admired that got me in.

Just be sure to show lots of interest and always put in both how you will benefit from it and how they will benefit from having you there. You have to walk the line between persistenceand annoyance. Just start those letters early, and send them when it is most advantageous for you! You always want to send the letter after you've already been reviewed so they have to review your file again - the more times they review you the better chance you that someone will notice something they like.

I think you can send one heartfelt letter or break it up into two. Decide the kinds of things you want to include and only talk about half of them in the first letter, then send another letter one month later with the other half of your important material? I'm just throwing that out there as I have on idea and hope I don't have to send one of these letters.

 

[cheechootrain]

Have you looked at Alwaysanangel's mdapps? She has her exact letter she sent to UCI

http://www.mdapplicants.com/profile.php?id=6325

And here is her advice




I think you can send one heartfelt letter or break it up into two. Decide the kinds of things you want to include and only talk about half of them in the first letter, then send another letter one month later with the other half of your important material? I'm just throwing that out there as I have on idea and hope I don't have to send one of these letters.

I agree with you guys. You brought up good points. I do believe it shows initiative and that you're willing to spend your time and attention to write letters to that school why you should be accepted. It shows drive and I like that.

However, it is a hit or miss on the schools. Some will like it and some will not. It's the way people are. But when you're desperate like the Irvine girl, then go for it. The worse they can do is tell you no again.



Just make sure you don't send a LOT of letters that you become this chick:

 

[JCTWP46]

Here is an excerpt regarding the improvement of waitlist status from a portion of the waitlist email I received:

"Generally, once an application is put on the hold list that position does not change except by additional committee action and attrition. The application is thoroughly reviewed before being placed on the list and no further review usually occurs. All active applicants are urged to keep the admissions office fully informed on any items of possible interest to the committee; for example, additional grades, test results, honors, recognitions, publications, etc. However, it would be extremely rare for the committee to take an additional action to increase an applicant's relative position on the list based on information of this type."

The last sentence is a little discouraging. But, this school notoriously accepts many students off of the waitlist, so not all hope is lost. Should I write soon or should I wait until the end of the semester to send a LOI? I believe the next committee meeting is on the 12th of Nov and there hasn't been any meetings that I know of since the meeting that decided my status.

 

[CholeCystems]

One of my schools doesn't accept updates once they have reviewed you post interview and given your application a score so I guess I don't have to worry about this. Good advice for others though!

 

[wizedw]

I know what school you are talking about I think from school specifics (sorry if that makes me a creeper) But when I interviewed there they specifically told me that getting off the wait list is a correlate of "showing them love" and that you should update periodically.