Worth updating schools of research?

[IlyaR]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I currently have no research experience and have just begun working under a PI at a local med school. Was wondering if I can throw this into my update (which will contain ECs I have actually completed since secondary submission)

Thanks

 

[GrapesofRath]

No this is not worthy of an update

 

[sovereign0]

It's not worthy of an update in and of itself. I'm not sure if the other EC's you completed are worth the update, but if you're already sending one I don't see why you wouldn't include this.

 

[IlyaR]

No this is not worthy of an update

Even as an addition to other ECs which I have actually completed? It wouldn't be a standalone update

 

[GrapesofRath]

Even as an addition to other ECs which I have actually completed? It wouldn't be a standalone update

Unless there is something truly significant in those EC's(think some kind of national recognition award or along those lines) no.

 

[IlyaR]

Unless there is something truly significant in those EC's(think some kind of national recognition award or along those lines) no.

Pardon my confusion, are we talking about not updating the start of research or not updating at all (unless its something huge)? I was under the impression that schools are receptive to updates along the gap year. Mine aren't anything crazy: ~150 hours of volunteering, fundraising and marathon on behalf of a charity, but I'd like to get those to schools since my primary ECs are lacking

 

[piii]

Ask yourself if you think the updated ECs are impressive enough to make them say, "oh now I'll give him an interview". I think in terms of research, a publication is worth the update but not just doing research. I'd wait and use any updates that hopefully bring something more tangible if you get a waitlist.

 

[IlyaR]

Ask yourself if you think the updated ECs are impressive enough to make them say, "oh now I'll give him an interview". I think in terms of research, a publication is worth the update but not just doing research. I'd wait and use any updates that hopefully bring something more tangible if you get a waitlist.

My main concern is my lackluster ECs in general. I can go without mentioning the research (or lack thereof) but I think I'd be more inclined to get an II if I bolster my activities with at least 1 update

 

[piii]

My main concern is my lackluster ECs in general. I can go without mentioning the research (or lack thereof) but I think I'd be more inclined to get an II if I bolster my activities with at least 1 update

Maybe if the ECs you are doing fit the mission of the school. I'm not too sure though, I'd have to be very confident that the schools are receptive to pre II updates

 

[Holmwood]

If the marathon thing is finished, I think that warrants an update letter...

Make sure to write some details about the organization, what it's about, and maybe how much it raised (maybe?). Not too excessive details. Just the bare min.

And piggy in the new research position and extra volunteer hours as an aside. They're not significant enough for standalone letters, so they just get a brief mention.

 

[mrspecialist]

Nope, if you get published this cycle, then update them on that.

 

[Banco]

During my cycle, if the schools were receptive, I updated them because I had multiple new things on my plate (ECs, volunteering, research accomplishments - not a publication though). I wrote a combination update letter a bit about each of my new activities and a letter of interest. I got 2 more interviews after I sent in updates; whether or not they helped, I don't know for sure. I also sent out a similar update at the end of the year for waitlists.

It is a judgment call on your part; in my opinion it can't really hurt if they are receptive to them. At worst they will think nothing of it.

 

[Goro]

Do you really think that the Dean of Admissions at @LizzyM's school is going to run to her screaming "LizzyM! We have to invite this kid! He's just starting a research project!!!


??????

I currently have no research experience and have just begun working under a PI at a local med school. Was wondering if I can throw this into my update (which will contain ECs I have actually completed since secondary submission)

Thanks

 

[IlyaR]

Do you really think that the Dean of Admissions at @LizzyM's school is going to run to her screaming "LizzyM! We have to invite this kid! He's just starting a research project!!!


??????

Of course not, I did notice a pair of schools mentioning they'd like updates on what we are doing during the gap year. One in particular mentions that they'd like an update if we attain any position that was stated in the "prospective plans" portion of the secondary

I'm neurotic not naive

 

[Goro]

Even for schools that welcome updates, I'm not convinced that "I'm starting activity X" will have any weight.

Saying "since my app was submitted, I have spent over four months in Dr Goro's lab and have a poster presentation at X meeting" will carry some weight.

Of course not, I did notice a pair of schools mentioning they'd like updates on what we are doing during the gap year. One in particular mentions that they'd like an update if we attain any position that was stated in the "prospective plans" portion of the secondary

I'm neurotic not naive

 

[IlyaR]

Even for schools that welcome updates, I'm not convinced that "I'm starting activity X" will have any weight.

Saying "since my app was submitted, I have spent over four months in Dr Goro's lab and have a poster presentation at X meeting" will carry some weight.

Very understandable, thank you. Would 200 hours of volunteering, a fundraiser for a diabetes charity which I led and the NYC marathon be more appropriate?

 

[GrapesofRath]

Mimelim had a really good post on how an update letter can help last week. If it is a truly significant accomplishment(ie a publication, national award etc) what it can do is get your application a second look. For true borderline candidates, this can help. The thing is the way he put it few applicants are actually on this type of borderline so it won't really help most people. And this is for significant accomplishments, not starting a new club. So that's how I would look at it.

At the bare minimum if you are determined to send up an update do the research to figure out which schools welcome and which don't if you haven't already.

 

[Goro]

Yes.

Very understandable, thank you. Would 200 hours of volunteering, a fundraiser for a diabetes charity which I led and the NYC marathon be more appropriate?