What happens if we send update letters to schools that ask not to send them?

[TheBossDoctor]

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This might be a dumb question, but what actually happens if we submit update letters/letters of interest to schools that tell you (through their website) not to send them? Does it go against you (like lower your chances of getting an interview/acceptance) or does it just have no effect (like nothing happens)?

I ask because I haven't heard back from a few of my top choices, and they say not to send updates. If it goes against me and lowers my chances, then I don't want to send them update letters/LOIs. But if it doesn't have any effect (like it won't hurt me or go against me at all), I am willing to spend time writing them even if it doesn't help (might as well try).

I'm just desperate...that's all.

 

[theseeker4]

This might be a dumb question, but what actually happens if we submit update letters/letters of interest to schools that tell you (through their website) not to send them? Does it go against you (like lower your chances of getting an interview/acceptance) or does it just have no effect (like nothing happens)?

I ask because I haven't heard back from a few of my top choices, and they say not to send updates. If it goes against me and lowers my chances, then I don't want to send them update letters/LOIs. But if it doesn't have any effect (like it won't hurt me or go against me at all), I am willing to spend time writing them even if it doesn't help (might as well try).

I'm just desperate...that's all.

If they specifically say not to send update letters, it will probably hurt, not help you. It might have no effect, but I doubt they will view you ignoring what they specifically ask you not to do in a positive light. Just relax, you will get in or you won't this cycle, focus your energy on getting ready to reapply if you haven't be accepted anywhere, or just relax and be happy you are going to be a doctor if you have been accepted somewhere already.

 

[NeuroNYC]

If the school says not to send them, I would listen to that unless you recently cured cancer.

 

[Ismet]

If they specifically say not to send one, and you send one, it shows that you either can't follow directions or you have a blatant disregard for directions. Either way, doesn't look good. I know UMich specifically says they do not want LOIs, and the admissions director has said that people who do send them in get their applications thrown in the trash.

 

[TheBossDoctor]

If they specifically say not to send one, and you send one, it shows that you either can't follow directions or you have a blatant disregard for directions. Either way, doesn't look good. I know UMich specifically says they do not want LOIs, and the admissions director has said that people who do send them in get their applications thrown in the trash.

Wait really? Michigan's secondary had a tab for updates. Well maybe they'll take updates but don't want an LOI?

Anyways, I guess I'll hold off on updating those schools that tell me not to. It's just frustrating when you don't hear anything from most of your top schools and you can't do anything about it. But I guess that's part of the application process. *Sigh*

 

[mcloaf]

Update letters and LOIs are not the same thing. Most (all?) schools accept the former, while many are not interested in the latter. I believe this is the case with Michigan.

 

[Ismet]

Update letters and LOIs are not the same thing. Most (all?) schools accept the former, while many are not interested in the latter. I believe this is the case with Michigan.

This. I said LOI.

And if you send an update letter, I'm assuming they'd want a legit update, not an LOI disguised as a mini update lol

 

[13132]

I sent and update letter to a school, and I received a polite email back saying they don't consider update letters. I didn't know that at all and thought it was going to hurt my chances, but a few days later I got an interview invite.

 

[TheBossDoctor]

Update letters and LOIs are not the same thing. Most (all?) schools accept the former, while many are not interested in the latter. I believe this is the case with Michigan.

Yea I figured. I know the difference. Although pretty much all my letters are combined update letters + letters of interest. Well I guess the damage is done with Michigan

 

[Narmerguy]

I sent and update letter to a school, and I received a polite email back saying they don't consider update letters. I didn't know that at all and thought it was going to hurt my chances, but a few days later I got an interview invite.

I think this is probably what would happen in most cases. I've sent an update letter to a school and received a similar polite email back and later received an interview.

If you know they don't accept update letters, don't bother sending it. It will not reach the decision makers who are viewing your application. Either the update attempt will harm you (unlikely) or it will do nothing at all (very likely). It won't help you.