What are Update Letters?
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Allow you to still have some control over the process even after you submit via AACOMAS or AMCAS
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Help showcase new leadership, activities, awards, etc to continue to put yourself in a good light for admissions committees
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Show the admissions committees that you're still working hard and trying to improve yourself as a student, person and future physician
Who do I Send Update Letters to?
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Any school you applied to and haven't yet been accepted, rejected or waitlisted
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Sometimes it can also be appropriate to send update letters to schools you've been accepted or waitlisted at, check specific school policies​
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Some schools don't allow update letters of any kind so be sure to check each school's policy first
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Usually sent in October and/or January
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October is typically for showcasing new leadership, work, activities, etc for those who applied in June​
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January is best for those looking to showcase academics and/or awards or who may have applied later in the cycle
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How Do I Write Update Letters?
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Open with a professional and specific salutation
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Ex. "Dear University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Admissions Committee,"​
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Intro Paragraph: Introduce yourself and make it known this is an update letter
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Ex. "My name is Jane Smith and I am a current applicant for the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine's class of 2025. I wanted to provide an update on my activities and express my continued interest in your school since submitting my secondary application in August."
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Middle paragraphs: Give your updates! (This should be the bulk of the letter)
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Ex. "I have recently begun taking on more responsibilities in my research and was accepted to present my work at XYZ conference."​
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Ex. "Throughout the school year I have been able to step into my new role as President of Medicus Pre-Medical Society and implement my new ideas for meeting structure and boosting attendance."
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Last paragraph: Tell them why you love their school and are still interested in attending
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Ex. "I recently read a research article from the University of Iowa on the development of new drugs to treat COVID-19 and I found that it renewed my passion for intensive care that I found in my volunteer work."​
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Ex. "The dedication the University of Iowa shows to its students and community through various mentoring and strong faculty relationship it something I would be proud to be a part of."
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Short sentence or two of appreciation
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Ex. "Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and your continued consideration of my application."​
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End with a professional farewell (Kind Regards, Sincerely, etc)
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Include a signature and your AACOMAS or AMCAS ID
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The letter in whole should be about 1 page long typed
How do I Send Update Letters?
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Some schools allow you to send update letters through ttheir secondary application portal as an upload
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Most schools accept update letters via email
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It is easiest for formatting to ​send the letter as an attached .pdf to the email with the subject line "Update Letter - (Your Name)"
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For a list of contact information for medical schools click the links below
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