weird experiences on update letters

[Exene]

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Hi everyone-
I've found myself on a couple of waitlists and was wondering about writing an update letter.
I sent my last update letter in mid-December after I graduated- sent in my final transcripts and graduating GPA.
Then, from mid-December until last Sunday, I have been in NYC, *essentially* "modeling." Now I'm back, I haven't gotten a job yet (probably won't for another week or so), and I've done absolutely nothing medicine- or science-related since I graduated college.
I was talking to someone last night who advised me to write an update letter about what I've been doing over the past 2 months- "update with anything you've got" was the advice. But once I actually sat down and started writing the letter, it seemed a little weird.

So- I wanted to get a pan-SDN verdict: will updating about abysmally unrelated activities help me on the waitlists? What are some other seemingly admissions-invisible activities that people have used in update letters?

-ex

 

[alphabeta53]

Originally posted by Exene
Hi everyone-
I've found myself on a couple of waitlists and was wondering about writing an update letter.
I sent my last update letter in mid-December after I graduated- sent in my final transcripts and graduating GPA.
Then, from mid-December until last Sunday, I have been in NYC, *essentially* "modeling." Now I'm back, I haven't gotten a job yet (probably won't for another week or so), and I've done absolutely nothing medicine- or science-related since I graduated college.
I was talking to someone last night who advised me to write an update letter about what I've been doing over the past 2 months- "update with anything you've got" was the advice. But once I actually sat down and started writing the letter, it seemed a little weird.

So- I wanted to get a pan-SDN verdict: will updating about abysmally unrelated activities help me on the waitlists? What are some other seemingly admissions-invisible activities that people have used in update letters?

-ex

"modeling" you say. As long as it wasn't for the big and tall catelog, I have got some interesting update ideas for this Sat night.

 

[Exene]

Noooo! Thread must remain serious!
(Pretty funny though) 😉

 

[Mike59]

Originally posted by Exene
Noooo! Thread must remain serious!

I say go for it. An update letter never hurts, and modeling can only help you stand out.

I feel that it was my eccentric qualities and unusual experiences (I'm pretty non-trad myself) that got me accepted, so don't hold back. If schools don't like you for what you've accomplished, you're better off elsewhere.

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Exene--a lot of med schools encourage you to do something non-medicine-related the summer before you start, anyway. I would frame your activities as doing something that interests you before you have to settle down in med school. And it sounds like a good way to sock away some cash. Good luck.

 

[xaelia]

I would say the salient aspect of the update letter is to indicate continued interest in the school, not to astound them with recent activities. I would imagine few people accumulate game-breaking application fodder after their interview that makes an admissions committee do backflips after receiving your update letter.

If there are activities you've been involved with that you're not sure are appropriate for the letter, keep it short and focus on reasons why you're still excited about the opportunity to attend Medical School X.

 

[antoniop]

Key phrase to remember in framing any non-med related activity ... "______ contributed to my personal development, growth, and overall maturity because ________." If anything, a letter will also let them know you're still very interested in their school.

 

[bondgirl]

If there is not much to update them on, maybe your focus should be your interest in the school. I've heard it termed as 'letter of interest' on SDN. So talk about your continued interest in the school for reasons of x,y, ans z. Why you would be such a good fit etc.... and if you can either remind them of something you have done that can link your interests together, all the better.
But I agree that writing a letter shows that you are interested in the school, and would most likely go there if accepted. I've heard that GW especially likes this. So good luck writing the letter- (don't make a laundry list of activities- personalize it a bit!)

 

[athena21]

my "weird" experience with update letters? Everytime I write them, I receive a rejection from that school! And the schools that I didn't bother to update come knocking down my door!!!

 

[wolferman]

Did you do any modeling for Abercrombie? If so, be sure to let Columbia know. Apparently they like students that fit this profile.😉