How to Write a Strong Medical School Update Letter (With Examples)

Summary: Still waiting to hear back from medical schools? A well-timed update letter can remind committees why you’re a strong fit—without sounding repetitive or pushy. Here’s how to write one that makes an impact.

Key takeaways

• Update letters share new achievements or ongoing growth since applying.

• Keep it short, professional, and specific—quality matters more than length.

• Send only one meaningful update per school, ideally between December and February.

After months of applications, essays, and interviews, waiting for medical school decisions can feel like the hardest part of the process. But the silence doesn’t always mean rejection—it often means the committee is still reviewing, comparing, and finalizing candidates.

This is where an update letter can make a quiet but meaningful difference. When written well, it signals continued engagement, growth, and genuine interest in the program.

Here’s how to craft one that feels natural, polished, and effective.

Step 1: Understand the purpose

An update letter is not a plea for attention—it’s a professional note to inform a school about what you’ve accomplished since submitting your application (or since your interview).

Admissions committees read hundreds of updates each cycle. The best ones add value. They show that you’re still working, learning, and deepening your commitment to medicine—not just waiting by your inbox.

Use it to:

• Highlight new experiences, responsibilities, or skills

• Share ongoing research or volunteer work

• Report new publications, awards, or leadership roles

• Mention additional coursework or improved grades

• Reaffirm your enthusiasm for that specific school

Step 2: Choose the right time

Timing matters. Most applicants send one update letter per school, typically between December and February—after secondaries are submitted but before most final decisions are released.

If you’ve interviewed already, an update letter can also reinforce your continued interest and professionalism.

Avoid sending frequent or unnecessary messages; you want to be memorable for the right reasons, not as the applicant who emailed five times in a month.

Step 3: Keep it concise and structured

Your update letter should fit on one page—three to five short paragraphs. Here’s a simple structure that works every time:

1. Greeting:
Address the Dean or Admissions Committee formally.

“Dear Dr. [Last Name] and Members of the Admissions Committee,”

2. Opening paragraph:
State your purpose clearly and professionally.

“I am writing to provide an update on my recent activities and continued interest in the [School Name] College of Medicine.”

3. Body paragraph(s):
Summarize two or three key updates. Use short, active sentences to highlight impact.

“Since submitting my secondary, I have assumed a new leadership role as Volunteer Coordinator for our campus health outreach program, where I organize weekly visits to local clinics serving uninsured patients. I also co-authored a manuscript on antibiotic stewardship that was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Undergraduate Research.”

4. Closing paragraph:
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school and thank the committee.

“These experiences have strengthened my commitment to community-centered medicine, aligning closely with [School Name]’s mission to serve diverse populations. Thank you for your continued consideration of my application.”

End with a warm, professional sign-off:

“Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[AMCAS ID]”

Step 4: Match your tone to the school

Admissions committees value authenticity. Reference specific programs, missions, or conversations that connect your updates to the school.

Example:

“My time in the mobile clinic reinforced my interest in the community health initiatives I discussed during my interview, especially your school’s Urban Health Scholars Program.”

This shows you’re not sending a generic update—you’re thoughtfully engaging with their values.

Step 5: Avoid common mistakes

• Don’t restate your entire application. Focus on what’s new.

• Don’t apologize for your GPA or scores. Keep your tone positive and forward-looking.

• Don’t exaggerate. Admissions committees value honesty and self-awareness.

• Do proofread carefully. Even small errors can hurt your credibility.

Step 6: Where and how to send it

Most schools accept update letters via their application portal; if not, email it to the admissions office as a PDF attachment with a clear subject line:

“Update Letter – [Your Full Name], | AMCAS ID |

Never send printed letters by mail unless the school specifically requests them.

The bottom line

An update letter won’t single-handedly guarantee acceptance—but it can remind committees that you’re growing, achieving, and genuinely committed to their program.

Write once, write clearly, and focus on substance over style. A short, sincere note can make you the applicant they remember when it’s time to make final decisions.