What to Include in an Application Update

[NeuroNYC]

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Hey SDN,

I'm applying to a school that will accept only very specific types of application updates: grades and publications. I have a recently accepted publication to update them with, and they told me to send it over.
Since submitting my application, I also have new volunteering activities, new clinical research, and additional shadowing.

My question is should I send a document describing only my publication, or should I include information on volunteering/clinical research/shadowing?

FYI: the publication has to do with previously completed basic science research, not the clinical research I'm currently involved with.

Thank you for your opinion, I appreciate it 🙂

 

[NickNaylor]

Hey SDN,

I'm applying to a school that will accept only very specific types of application updates: grades and publications. I have a recently accepted publication to update them with, and they told me to send it over.
Since submitting my application, I also have new volunteering activities, new clinical research, and additional shadowing.

My question is should I send a document describing only my publication, or should I include information on volunteering/clinical research/shadowing?

FYI: the publication has to do with previously completed basic science research, not the clinical research I'm currently involved with.

Thank you for your opinion, I appreciate it 🙂

I would talk about:

-most recent set of grades (if available)
-any updates on extracurricular activities (new positions, responsibilities, achievements)
-any updates on research

It might also be worthwhile to reiterate your interest in the school and why you would be a great addition to their class.

 

[NeuroNYC]

So... you think it is acceptable to update them with information they don't want to receive (but is definitely relevant), as long as I describe the publication as well? Because when I asked over the phone if they were receptive to updates, I was told "Not unless it's a publication or new grades"

And I haven't got any new grades to send.

 

[NickNaylor]

So... you think it is acceptable to update them with information they don't want to receive (but is definitely relevant), as long as I describe the publication as well? Because when I asked over the phone if they were receptive to updates, I was told "Not unless it's a publication or new grades"

And I haven't got any new grades to send.

Well, if a school told you to do X, then you should probably do X. I think it would be fair to follow-up and ask them if they're opposed to receiving additional information, but it sounds like they specifically aren't interested in that information. In that case, I would stick to whatever they specifically want to hear about.

 

[seeinghowitgoes]

So... you think it is acceptable to update them with information they don't want to receive (but is definitely relevant), as long as I describe the publication as well? Because when I asked over the phone if they were receptive to updates, I was told "Not unless it's a publication or new grades"

And I haven't got any new grades to send.

I was told by schools the same thing and did what you're contemplating (made the bulk of my update about the pub, but mentioned the other stuff). To be honest, I think people read too much into these things; they just don't want a ton of emails coming in every week, but you're going to send one anyway to talk about the publication, so I don't think it matters if you include the other stuff at all. Worst comes to worst they'll just ignore it.

 

[NeuroNYC]

Thanks for your opinions guys!