Sending an Update

Since applications to medical and other health professional schools are submitted in early summer, you may wish to update your application at some point. Sending an update is not a requirement and it should be done only with great care, thought, and planning. Not all schools accept updates, so only send one if a school accepts them. You should not over-communicate with a school and you should not send an update if a school asks you not to send additional information. Whether a school accepts updates can be found in MSAR and should be followed.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Only provide an update when something "new" and "significant" has happened, e.g., you have won an award, published a paper, begun a new job with relevance to health care, or gained new clinical experience. You may also provide an update if there was a particular weakness in your application and you have now addressed it.
  • Updates may be sent throughout the year and may be sent prior to interviews if the information will expand or enhance your application.  Some schools have a maximum number of updates you can send or windows of time when you are allowed to send them.  Follow those rules first.
  • An update letter should follow similar guidance to your experience entries on your primary and your secondaries.  The update should describe, demonstrate how you’ve grown/impacted others/ core competencies all while highlighting how this has better prepared you to be a future member of that specific school. 

 

Letter of Interest

As of the 2025M cycle, a Letter of Interest is defined by medical schools as a letter sent to admissions offices by an applicant on the alternate/wait list to communicate to the medical school the applicant's interest to attend if given an acceptance.

 

Letter of Intent

As of the 2025M cycle, a Letter of Intent is defined as a letter that communicates your strong belief that you would be a good fit and asset for a specific medical school.  Generally, these are sent after an interview or being put on a waitlist when you have enough experience with the school for you to have strong credibility that you know this is the right school for you.  It specifically informs one school that they are your first choice, you will accept their offer if they extend one, and that you will withdraw your applications from other schools if accepted. You should send a Letter of Intent to only one school, and if accepted, should not change your mind. In your letter, explain why they are your first choice, what you would bring to that school and clearly state that you will accept an offer.

 

Tips If You Write a School

  • A strong draft of a letter is:
    • Written in a clear, professional tone, and it should be concise – no more than a page long.   
    • Include your name, cycle you are in, AAMC/TMDSAS/AACOMAS ID and an appreciation of the ongoing consideration of your candidacy. 
    • Be sure to thank the Admissions Committee for considering your application.
  • Frequent updates may be an inconvenience to the admissions committee and can affect your candidacy. Your correspondence should be viewed as useful and appropriate, not overly eager and annoying.
  • Check MSAR for:
    • Dates when schools would like to receive information.  We advise waiting until mid to late October to send updates.
    • How to submit your letter as each school is different whether you submit it through the portal or email.
  • Keep copies of everything you send.

If you are unsure of how to proceed after reviewing this information, please contact your prehealth advisor directly.