After applying to medical school, you may achieve new things worth sharing, from better grades to new research or clinical hours. An update letter lets you keep schools informed and show continued momentum. Here is when and how to send an update letter for medical school. Always check each school policy first, since practices vary.
What an Update Letter Is
An update letter is a brief letter informing a school of new, meaningful accomplishments since you submitted your application. These might include improved grades, new research or publications, awards, additional clinical or volunteer hours, or new leadership roles. Its purpose is to remind the committee of your fit and demonstrate continued growth, keeping your application fresh in their minds, especially if you are waitlisted or still under review.
When to Send One
Timing depends on your situation. If you are waitlisted, send an update letter promptly after receiving the waitlist notification, since much waitlist movement happens in late spring and summer, making updates most impactful then. If you are still under review before an interview, a reasonable window is the fall, once you have genuinely new developments and schools are still sending invitations. In both cases, only send when you have real news to share.
Check the School Policy First
This is critical: some schools do not accept update letters, and others limit how many you can send or specify the format and channel. Before sending anything, check each school policy and follow its instructions exactly. Sending an unwanted letter, or ignoring stated rules, can work against you. When a school does accept updates, submitting through the correct portal or address in the right format shows attention to detail.
What to Include
Keep an update letter focused. Include your full name, application ID, and the date, a short statement of continued strong interest, and then only new, relevant updates since you applied, stated specifically, such as the number of hours completed or a publication achieved. Keep it under one page and professional in tone. The goal is to share concrete new information efficiently, not to restate your whole application.
How It Differs From a Letter of Intent
An update letter and a letter of intent are related but different. An update letter primarily shares new information and can be sent to multiple schools, without declaring any school your top choice. A letter of intent commits to attending one school if accepted. The two can overlap, since a letter of intent often includes updates, but a plain update letter carries no commitment. Choose the type that fits your situation and your certainty about the school. See our guide to charities that help with medical bills for related help.
Making It Effective
To make your update letter count, lead with your most significant new accomplishment, and be specific and quantifiable where you can. Tie an update to the school when natural, showing how a new experience deepened your interest or fit. Proofread carefully, since a sloppy letter undermines the professionalism you are trying to convey. And do not pad it with minor items; a concise letter with one or two genuine achievements is far more effective than a long list of small ones.
Why Updates Help
Update letters work because admissions is a long process, and a lot can change between when you apply and when decisions are made. A thoughtful update keeps you visible, especially on a waitlist where committees are choosing among many strong candidates, and it demonstrates continued growth and commitment. Even a single meaningful development, like a new publication, a strong semester, or substantial new clinical hours, can tip a close decision. The key is restraint: send updates only when you have genuine news and the school welcomes them, so each letter carries real weight rather than appearing as filler.
Update Letter FAQs
What is a medical school update letter?
A brief letter sharing new accomplishments since you applied, often sent while waitlisted or under review.
When should I send one?
Promptly after being waitlisted, or in the fall if still under review, and only when you have genuinely new news.
Do all schools accept update letters?
No. Some do not accept them or limit them, so always check each school policy first.
What should I include?
Your name and application ID, a note of continued interest, and only new, specific accomplishments, kept under one page.
How is it different from a letter of intent?
An update letter shares information and can go to several schools; a letter of intent commits to attending one school.
How long should it be?
Under one page, concise and professional, focused on your most meaningful updates.
