If you’ve already applied and you’re waiting for a response from medical schools, what do you do in the meantime?
The Update Letter Can be a Useful Tool:
- To inform med schools of news relevant to your candidacy and
- To reinforce your desire to attend their school.
Update Letter Do’s and Don’ts
Do send an update letter if you have compelling news or wish to share a meaningful change in your candidacy. Example: You have won a major prize, or your research has been published.
Don’t send an update letter if you have nothing to add to your application. Example: You did the same volunteering experience over the summer that you have been doing for the last three years.
Do include in your update letter a clear statement that shows why you are particularly interested in this medical school. Example: My interest in attending (name of) med school stems from my desire to participate in your school’s student-run medical clinics.
Don’t write flattery in a letter because you think you should. Example: “I would love attending your medical school because your program is so highly rated and respected – and the architecture is beautiful!”
Parting Advice – Must Read!
An update letter should be written in standard business letter format (do not send an email – it’s too informal). If you don’t know the school’s mailing address, go to the school website. Send the letter to the premedical school’s director of admissions. Send one, or at most two, update letters to a medical school. And if a medical school has told you, “Please do not send us additional material,” then don’t.
Next Step — Take My Assessment
For more information on how to make yourself as strong a candidate as possible, take my medical school admissions self assessment.
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