Worthy of Update Letter + Addition to application?

[yuh525]

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Hello all,

I am not having the cycle success I would like, and think it may be time to include an update letter. I received an award from my club sport for exceptional performance (All-Region team) after I submitted my primary. Is this worthy of using to send an update letter? I have no new publications, presentations, or clinical job etc. that I could include, it would only be the award and hours updates.

In addition, I forgot to include a non-clinical job from two separate summers (food service, ~1000 hours). Can I include this in an update letter as an addition/correction to my application if I forgot to add it to my original submission? Would this be viewed as irresponsibility in forgetting to include it the first time?

Let me know if sending a letter including these things would be helpful to my application, only including some of these things, or not sending one at all. Thank you for your help!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

As long as it isn't...

(h/t The Sports Memery facebook account, December 8, 2025)

Short answer: club sports award, not really.

 

[Med Ed]

Not worthy. From your WAMC it already looks like you are more committed to your club sport than becoming a physician.

If you want to use your time productively, get past the 150 hour mark on your non-clinical volunteering, and buff up your clinical experience. I know you have a stellar MCAT, but that’s not something you can rest on.

 

[yuh525]

Not worthy. From your WAMC it already looks like you are more committed to your club sport than becoming a physician.

If you want to use your time productively, get past the 150 hour mark on your non-clinical volunteering, and buff up your clinical experience. I know you have a stellar MCAT, but that’s not something you can rest on.

Thank you. I feel as if doing something I thoroughly enjoy and showing leadership/initiative shouldn’t indicate a misalignment of commitment, I hope it isn’t represented that way on my application due to the pure hours. I’ve held the same position in my clinical hours for 3+ years and hoped that would show I’m more than committed to becoming a physician. I have been adding to both clinical and non-clinical volunteering hours since I’ve applied, and if I need to re-apply I will be at 150 non-clinical and much more clinical as well. Thank you for the advice!

 

[LelouchLamperouge]

Unless you’re one of the four Heisman candidates and go on to win it, then no

 

[PickaGodnPray]

Unless you’re one of the four Heisman candidates and go on to win it, then no

Didn't realize Mendoza was applying to medical schools

 

[chilly_md]

Didn't realize Mendoza was applying to medical schools

Reminded me of Aaron Craft going back for medical school

 

[Med Ed]

I feel as if doing something I thoroughly enjoy and showing leadership/initiative shouldn’t indicate a misalignment of commitment, I hope it isn’t represented that way on my application due to the pure hours.

Different ECs serve different purposes. Some (service, clinical exposure) are essentially non-negotiable in this modern admissions environment. Medicine is a service-oriented profession, and adcoms want to see that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get out of your comfort zone.

Others do more to show your personality and how you choose to spend your free time, which can be interesting but isn't strictly necessary. The trick is to resist the urge to confuse the necessary stuff with the optional stuff. In other words, don't pick out the furniture before you've poured the foundation.

There are a lot of potential reasons to explain your disappointing cycle. You definitely applied with inadequate service, which will kill your app at a lot of schools. You have a great MCAT but a below average GPA. You clearly enjoy sports, and are very successful at your club sport, and you shadowed an orthopedic surgeon. This means you've already got aspiring ortho bro written on you, which people will have mixed feelings about.