How To Write An Update Letter For Medical School

If you’ve been wondering how to write an update letter for medical school, you’re not alone. Many applicants find themselves on a wait list or still waiting to hear back, and they want to do everything possible to stay in the running.

A well-written update letter can be a helpful part of the medical school application process, especially if you’ve gained new accomplishments, want to express continued interest, or simply want to remind the admissions committee of your dedication to becoming a physician. Knowing when and how to send an update letter could make a difference in how your application is perceived.

What are Medical School Update Letters and Letters of Interest?

When applying to medical school, many students find themselves with questions about update letters and letters of interest. While both types of communication are commonly used during the med school application cycle, they serve different purposes and are used at different points in the process.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:

Medical School Update Letters:

• These letters provide the admissions office with new or significant information since your original med school application.
• Think of them as a way to keep your file fresh and updated, like improved grades, new research, volunteer experiences, or achievements.
• Update letters are especially common among medical school applicants who want to show growth and progress, particularly while waiting for an interview day or after being placed on a wait list.
• These updates help maintain the attention of medical school admissions committees, showing that you remain an active, competitive candidate for med school.

Letters of Interest:

• A letter of interest communicates your enthusiasm for a medical program and your interest in the school, even if you haven’t been offered an interview yet.
• It’s a chance to say, “You’re one of my top choices,” and explain why that particular school is aligned with your dream of pursuing medical education.
• These letters don’t necessarily include new updates, but they can still highlight fit and motivation.
• Ideal for post-interview letters as well, where you want to express your continued interest without making a formal commitment like in a letter of intent or letter.

Purpose of the Update Letter for Medical School

The purpose of the update letter is straightforward: to provide the update that strengthens your position in the eyes of the university and college admissions committees. But beyond that, it’s also a form of communication that reflects your professionalism, interest, and awareness of the process.

Here’s why sending one can work in your favor:

Show You’re Still Engaged:

• Medical schools value students who are still growing, learning, and investing in themselves, even after the med school application is submitted.
• An update letter shows that you’re not just waiting around, you’re still moving forward with your goals.

Reinforce Your Interest in the Program:

• This type of med school letter gives you an opening to express your continued interest in the program, helping you stay top of mind at your dream school.
• A strong letter can act almost like a second impression before your medical school interview or after interview day.

Answer Questions About Update Letters:

• Applicants often ask, “Should I send one?” The answer often depends on whether the medical school accepts updates and whether you truly have things to update that make a difference.
• Use the letter to clarify or respond to items on your application, maybe a new academic score or clinical role that wasn’t on your original form.

Add Value to Your Profile:

• A good update letter isn’t filler; it should make you a stronger candidate for med school.
• When tailored to the school prerequisites and culture of top medical schools, your update can support your case in a way that generic submissions cannot.

Why Send an Update Letter to Medical School?

Sometimes your original medical school application doesn’t reflect all your accomplishments or the full scope of your qualifications. That’s where an update letter comes in. This letter is your chance to improve your standing with the admissions committee by sharing new achievements or activities that have occurred since you applied.

Here’s why you might want to send one:

• Strengthen Your Application: You’ve completed a new research project, earned higher grades, taken on a leadership role, or received recognition for something significant; any of these could enhance your profile.
• Express Continued Interest: Admissions committees often want to know which applicants are genuinely interested in attending. An update letter shows that you’re still enthusiastic about their program and that they’re your top choice.
• Reinforce Your Commitment to Medicine: By sharing recent work in healthcare, volunteering, or other relevant areas, you’re showing you’re fully dedicated to the path of becoming a physician.

A medical school update letter doesn’t guarantee admission, but it could nudge your application in a more favorable direction.

When Is the Right Time to Send a Medical School Update Letter?

Timing matters. Sending your letter too early, or too often, might not have the impact you want. Here are some good times to consider sending a med school update letter:

• After Submitting Your Application But Before Interview Invitations Are Sent: If you’ve had major academic or extracurricular updates, this can be a good time to provide the information.
• Post-Interview But Before a Final Decision: A post-interview update can show maturity, growth, and a strong desire to attend.
• If the School Accepts Updates: Always check each school’s admissions guidelines. Some medical schools explicitly state whether or not they accept update letters. If a school does not accept updates, respect that.
• After Being Placed on a Wait List: If you’re waitlisted, a strong update letter can show you’re still improving and committed to that particular medical school.

Keep in mind: you don’t want to overwhelm the admissions office. One solid update letter, thoughtful and well-written, is better than several rushed ones.

What to Include in an Update Letter for Medical School

An effective update letter should give the admissions committee a clear and relevant picture of what’s changed or improved since your initial application. Here are some categories of updates you might include:

• Academic Progress: Did your GPA improve after your latest semester? Did you complete a challenging new course relevant to the med school curriculum?
• Research Experience: Have you started or completed a project in the medical or scientific field? Presentations, publications, or lab responsibilities matter here.
• Work or Clinical Experience: If you’ve taken on new roles in healthcare settings, hospitals, or clinics, be sure to highlight that.
• Volunteering and Community Involvement: Med schools appreciate students who care about others. If you’ve volunteered somewhere meaningful, talk about your role and what you learned.
• Leadership Roles: If you’ve led a student organization, project, or team, it reflects well on your communication and leadership skills.
• Awards or Honors: New recognitions are definitely worth sharing, especially those related to science, service, or leadership.
• Certifications or Courses: For example, earning CPR certification, taking an EMT course, or completing a relevant online course from a reputable university.
• Response to Any Weaknesses: If there were areas in your application that you’ve worked to improve, now is a good time to show that progress.

The update letter isn’t the place to be long-winded. Instead, focus on relevant, meaningful additions that show you’re a stronger candidate today than you were when you first applied.

What NOT to Include in Your Update Letter

While it might be tempting to throw everything into your update letter, resist the urge. Here’s what you should leave out:

• Rehashing Your Personal Statement: The update letter is not a second essay. Avoid repeating stories, quotes, or narratives from your original application.
• Unrelated Achievements: Winning a photography contest or getting a part-time job in retail may not directly relate to your preparation for medical school.
• Negative Attitudes: Don’t complain about not being selected for an interview or placed on the wait list. Keep it positive and forward-looking.
• Overuse of Flattery: It’s okay to express admiration for the school program, but don’t go overboard. Stay respectful and authentic.
• Poor Formatting or Errors: If your update letter is hard to read or has grammar mistakes, it could hurt your credibility.

Stick with updates that tie directly back to your goal of becoming a physician and your interest in that particular medical school.

How to Write an Update Letter for Medical School

Learning how to write an update letter for medical school doesn’t have to be stressful. There are a few key parts that every strong letter includes, and we’ll go through them in detail below.

1. Start With a Professional Email Format

• Begin with a subject line that clearly identifies the purpose of the email (e.g., “Update Letter – John Smith – AMCAS ID XXXXXXXX”).
• Use a proper greeting (such as “Dear Admissions Committee” or “Dear [School Name] Admissions Office”).

2. Address the Right Person or Office

• If the school lists a contact person for updates (sometimes the director of admissions), use their name.
• If not, addressing it to the general admissions committee is perfectly fine.

3. Reaffirm Your Interest in the Program

• Mention the specific school by name.
• Explain clearly why it remains your top choice or a program you’re seriously considering.
• You might briefly note a feature of their curriculum, school mission, or community work that aligns with your goals.

4. Highlight New Achievements and Experiences

• Summarize key updates using bullet points for easy reading, especially if you’re mentioning more than one item.
• Make sure each point is relevant to your development as a future physician.

Example:

• Completed a research assistant position at [Institution] studying [Topic].
• Took on a new leadership role as President of the Pre-Medical Society at [University].
• Volunteered over 100 hours with [Organization], helping underserved communities.

5. Keep It Short, Clear, and Positive

• Limit the letter to one page or under 500 words.
• Avoid fluff and repetition.
• Use a warm but professional tone.

6. End With Gratitude and a Professional Sign-Off

• Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration.
• Sign off with something like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your full name and AMCAS ID number.

Tips for Writing a Strong Medical School Update Letter

Here are a few tips I’ve learned from working with applicants and reviewing school admissions feedback:

• Proofread Carefully: Small grammar issues or typos can distract from your message. Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Avoid Repetition: Don’t echo things that already exist in your original application unless it’s for context.
• Use a PDF Format: When possible, save your letter as a PDF and attach it to your email, unless a school has a specific submission portal.
• Personalize It: Even if you use a general template, tailor the letter for each school you send it to. Admissions committees can spot a generic message quickly.

Should You Send a Medical School Letter of Intent or a Letter of Interest?

This is a common question during the medical school application process. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Update Letter: Provides new information, grades, activities, and awards since your initial application.
• Letter of Interest: Expresses your enthusiasm and desire to attend, especially if you haven’t yet had an interview.
• Letter of Intent: Strongest statement you can make. You only send this to one school, stating that if accepted, you will attend. Use this only after interviews.

Each type of letter has its place. The key is to be honest about your intentions and respect the process. Never send a letter of intent to more than one school.

Sample Medical School Update Letter (Example Format)

Here’s a basic example to give you a sense of what a strong medical school update letter might look like:

Subject Line: Update Letter – Jane Doe – AMCAS ID 12345678

Dear [Admissions Committee/Director’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide an update to my application for the 2025 entering class at [University School of Medicine] and to reaffirm my strong interest in your program.

Since submitting my application, I have continued to grow academically and professionally. Notable updates include:

• Completion of my honors thesis in neuroscience, earning an A.
• Beginning a volunteer position at [Hospital Name], assisting in pediatric patient support.
• Acceptance of my abstract on community health initiatives at the [Conference Name] for presentation.

I remain deeply committed to becoming a physician and believe that [University School of Medicine] is the best fit for my goals. Your mission to serve underserved populations and your integrated curriculum align perfectly with my values and career aspirations.

Thank you for considering this update. Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is needed.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe
AMCAS ID: 12345678
[email protected]

Conclusion

Sending a well-written medical school update letter can remind the admissions committee of your growth, seriousness, and excitement about the school’s program. It doesn’t guarantee acceptance, but it does show you’re staying active and focused, and that can go a long way in such a competitive environment. Just remember to keep it clear, concise, and genuine.

Med School Update Letter FAQs