What do update letters and letter of intents consist of? When to send it?

[leafs2012]

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Hi,

What does an update letter consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

What does a letter of intent consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

I got complete at most schools in the first week of december and have been put on hold for one school. They said they encourage update letters and so I want to know what it should consist of? Also, there were some schools that I was heavily interested in so I wanted to also send them an update letter or a letter of intent but wasn't sure if sending it pre-interview is ok.

Any help would be great!

 

[Hoya2009]

Some schools explicitly say to not send them things. Don't send them thing.

If schools are open to it and you've done something of note like gotten grades, been promoted, abstract/poster/paper, etc...
Send a quick letter, dear school X, I love your program because of Y, Q E and Z, I'd like to update my application and tell you I just did some way cool stuff since September (insert story about saving babies).
I haven't heard back from you yet, but I would love to get to know your school better and think you'd like to see me at an interview, kk thx bye
Don't write more than a page. Send letters! Unless schools say not to, then don't send letters!

 

[NickNaylor]

I agree with the above.

1) Talk about anything relevant that has changed/wasn't included in your application. New grades, updates on research, updates on activities, etc. all qualify.

2) Talk about why you're interested in that school and why you feel like you'd fit in. Is there something unique to that school that makes you want to go there? If so, mention it. If a school is your top choice, it might be appropriate to mention that.

 

[varsityblue]

Hi,

What does an update letter consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

What does a letter of intent consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

I got complete at most schools in the first week of december and have been put on hold for one school. They said they encourage update letters and so I want to know what it should consist of? Also, there were some schools that I was heavily interested in so I wanted to also send them an update letter or a letter of intent but wasn't sure if sending it pre-interview is ok.

Any help would be great!

1) Resume updates. The ones I've submitted have generally been about a page long. I recommend submitting one every 1.5 months.
2) LOI is like a cover letter.
3) Yeah, so tell the schools what you've accomplished academically and extracurricularly. It wouldn't hurt to build up a rapport with a member of the adom.
4) Yup, sending in stuff pre-interview is fine. Just don't go overboard.

 

[Ebola4Breakfast]

Hi,

What does an update letter consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

What does a letter of intent consist of? How long should it be and when should it be sent?

I got complete at most schools in the first week of december and have been put on hold for one school. They said they encourage update letters and so I want to know what it should consist of? Also, there were some schools that I was heavily interested in so I wanted to also send them an update letter or a letter of intent but wasn't sure if sending it pre-interview is ok.

Any help would be great!

Here's a link to an SDN user's incredibly thorough MD App that has two LOIs (bottom of the page): http://www.mdapplicants.com/profile.php?id=09582 . It's always nice to at least see the general template of how someone else did it before attempting it yourself.

Also, from hanging around other school-specific boards, I've seen other people send in letters of interest prior to interview invites. Sometimes these lead to interview invites, sometimes they don't. Either way, it is being done. Good luck.

 

[MelMelisqueen]

Every 1.5 months? That seems pretty intense. What schools have you done that for? They responded well?