Podcast Summary
Understanding the Differences Between Update Letters, Letters of Interest, and Letters of Intent: Update letters keep applications fresh, letters of interest are proactive communications, and letters of intent are binding commitments in the medical school application process.
Update letters are an essential component of the medical school application process, and it's crucial for applicants to understand the difference between letters of update, letters of interest, and letters of intent. I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Fukawa Connolly, the director of health professions advising at Princeton University, about this topic. Kate shared her extensive experience and insights into the world of prehealth advising. She emphasized that update letters are a way for applicants to keep their applications fresh and demonstrate their continued commitment to pursuing a medical career. Letters of interest, on the other hand, are proactive communications that applicants send to schools they're interested in, even if they haven't applied yet. Lastly, letters of intent are binding commitments that applicants make to attend a particular medical school if accepted. Kate also provided valuable advice on when to send these letters and what information to include. Overall, our conversation shed light on the importance of effective communication between applicants and advisors throughout the application process.
Update Letters During Waitlist Season: During waitlist season, send an update letter to express continued interest and showcase achievements, but make it quick, concise, and professional, highlighting growth and motivation since interview.
During the waitlist season for medical school applications, sending an update letter can be a valuable way for students to express their continued interest and showcase their accomplishments since their interview. This year, however, due to the unusual circumstances, advisors may need to approach these letters differently as schools may have a harder time gauging applicants' enthusiasm through digital communication. Ideally, students have been in regular contact with their advisors throughout the application process, but for those who haven't, an update letter can serve as an opportunity to share their recent achievements and reaffirm their interest in the school. These letters should be quick, concise, and professional, highlighting the student's growth and motivation since the interview.
Showing continued interest in a school: During uncertain admissions, sending a letter of continued interest to a school can help demonstrate commitment, but check their policy first.
In the current uncertain admissions landscape, providing additional information about your enthusiasm for a particular school can help admissions officers better understand your motivations. With the convenience and financial implications of virtual interviews, more students may be deciding late in the season to apply to multiple schools. This year, there is also a possibility of students choosing a medical school sight unseen due to travel restrictions. Admissions offices are relying less on historical data to predict trends, making the process even more unpredictable. If you're considering sending a letter of continued interest to a school, make sure to check their website or contact them directly to confirm their policy. If they allow it, highlighting any connections you have to the area can help demonstrate your commitment to that school.
Following up with a medical school after an interview: Keep schools updated with new experiences and accomplishments, check their protocols, and connect experiences to the school's mission or values.
If you're considering sending an update letter to a medical school after an interview, it's important to ensure you have new information to share and that it's been enough time since your last communication. Most medical schools welcome update letters, but it's essential to check their specific protocols. The content of the letter should demonstrate your continued interest in the school and highlight any new experiences or accomplishments since your interview. Make sure to connect these experiences to the school's mission or values to show why they should care. Additionally, be honest about how you've stayed engaged with the school since your interview, whether that be through social media, virtual events, or other means. Overall, the goal is to show that you're still excited about the school and that your experiences since the interview have only strengthened your candidacy.
Keep update letters concise and submit through designated portal: Respect medical school admissions offices' time by providing clear and succinct update letters, aim for a single-spaced, normal-sized page, and submit through the designated online portal.
Medical school applicants should keep their update letters to medical schools concise and submit them through the designated online portal. Admissions offices at medical schools are smaller and have limited resources, so it's essential to respect their time by providing clear and succinct letters. Aim for a single-spaced, normal-sized page, about a page long. If you're unsure about how to submit the letter, contact the admissions office and attach a copy to your email. Sharing a copy with your pre-health adviser can also be beneficial, as they may be consulted by the admissions office about your application. Remember, clear communication and respect for the admissions office's time and resources are key to making a positive impression.
Seek feedback from current students or alumni on your update letter: Engage with current students or alumni for valuable insights into medical school expectations and incorporate their feedback into your application materials.
When preparing your application materials for medical school, consider reaching out to current students or alumni for feedback on your update letter. This can provide valuable insights into what the school values and help ensure that your letter aligns with their expectations. Additionally, if you're considering submitting an additional letter of recommendation, it's best to choose someone with whom you have a professional relationship and who can speak to your personality and work ethic. While it may be tempting to seek out an alumnus or someone with a connection to the school, a letter from someone you've worked with closely and who can attest to your qualifications and fit for the program will carry more weight. If you're unable to secure an official letter of recommendation from someone, incorporating their insights into your update letter can demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn more about the school.
Update letters from alumni can be more impactful for college apps: Alumni update letters show genuine connections and interest, follow guidelines, and understand the difference between letters of interest and intent.
When it comes to letters of recommendation for college applications, update letters that share your interactions and experiences with alumni can be more impactful than one-time meetings or letters asked for by the applicant. These update letters show the admissions committee that you have genuine connections and interest in the school. Additionally, it's essential to follow the admissions office's guidelines when submitting letters of recommendation, including using the AMCAS letter service and letting them know when a new letter has been added. Furthermore, there is a difference between letters of interest and letters of intent. A letter of interest is an update on your continued activities and interest in the school, while a letter of intent is a commitment to enroll if accepted and withdrawing your application from other schools. It's crucial to understand these differences and communicate effectively with your recommenders.
Writing Authentic Letters of Interest or Intent for Medical School: Be genuine, thoughtful, and reflect your genuine interest in the school. Avoid making promises you can't keep and remember your reputation matters. Consider your future vision as a physician and why the school is the best fit for you. Seek advice but be true to yourself.
When applying to medical schools, the authenticity and specificity of your letters of interest or intent can significantly impact your chances of acceptance. These letters should be genuine, thoughtful, and reflect your genuine interest in the school. A letter that promises commitment without full consideration of all factors may not be seen favorably. It's essential to be honest about the number of letters you're sending out and to avoid making promises you can't keep. Remember, admissions officers communicate with each other, and your reputation matters. To write an effective letter, consider your future vision as a physician and why the school is the best fit for you. Seek advice but remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, be true to yourself and let your passion for the field and the school shine through.
Open dialogue between students, advisors, and admissions teams: Effective communication helps students find the best fit for their academic and personal growth, allowing for better decision making in the college application process.
Effective communication between students, advisors, and admissions teams is crucial for making informed decisions about college applications. During a recent conversation, it became clear that everyone involved in the process has the same goal: helping students find the best fit for their academic and personal growth. Kate, a student, shared her reasons for being less enthusiastic about a particular school, allowing the admissions team to better understand her perspective and potentially advocate for her. This open dialogue is essential for ensuring that students are placed in environments where they will thrive. The conversation also highlighted the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the college application process. Both Kate and Christian expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss this topic and their eagerness to explore new subjects together in the future. Overall, this conversation underscores the importance of open communication and collaboration between students, advisors, and admissions teams in creating the best possible college application experience.
