Update Letters and Letters of Intent: What They Are—and How to Write One That Matters

Summary: Once your medical school application is submitted, silence can feel nerve-wracking. Enter the update letter and letter of intent—strategic tools that keep schools engaged and remind them why you’re still a strong fit.

Key takeaways

• Update letters share new achievements or continued commitment; letters of intent declare one program as your top choice.

• Keep both concise (under one page) and professional in tone.

• Use them only when you have something substantive or strategic to say.

Are there substantive updates vs. when you have submitted your application?

Get the timing and substance right; then, the update letter may be of extraordinary benefit to your application.

You’ve hit “submit.” Months pass. You check your portal daily—no change. If you’re wondering whether you can reach out to a school, the answer is yes—if you do it strategically.

Medical schools expect occasional, professional communication from applicants who want to express continued interest. Done right, an update letter or letter of intent can reaffirm your enthusiasm and distinguish you in a crowded pool.

Here’s how to understand—and write—each one.

1. What is an update letter?

An update letter is a brief, professional message that shares new achievements, responsibilities, or reflections since you submitted your primary or secondary applications.

Common examples include:

• New clinical or research roles

• Presentations, publications, or awards

• Leadership or community involvement

• Additional coursework or grades

• Renewed understanding of why the school fits you

Think of it as a friendly checkpoint, not a pitch. You’re saying, “Here’s what I’ve been up to, and here’s how it reinforces my commitment to medicine and your school.”

Example opening:

Dear [Admissions Committee or Dean of Admissions],
I wanted to share recent updates since submitting my secondary application to [School Name]. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to serving diverse patient populations and deepened my interest in [specific program/mission].

Then summarize 2–3 key updates in bullet or short paragraph form. End with a professional closing that reiterates gratitude, not expectation.

2. What is a letter of intent?

A letter of intent (LOI) is more specific—and more powerful. It’s typically sent after interviews, when you’ve decided that one school is your top choice.

Its purpose: to formally state that if offered admission, you will accept.

Admissions committees take these seriously because it signals clear, thoughtful commitment. However, you should only send one true LOI—and only when you mean it.

Example opening:

Dear [Dean or Admissions Committee],
I am writing to express my sincere intent to attend [School Name] if offered admission. After interviewing and reflecting on my conversations with faculty and students, I am confident that [specific program or value] aligns uniquely with my goals in medicine.

Then:

• Reconnect your mission to the school’s (service, innovation, diversity, etc.)

• Highlight one or two meaningful updates since the interview

• Close with gratitude and a clear, respectful statement of intent

Example closing:

Thank you for continuing to consider my application. I remain deeply inspired by [School’s] commitment to [specific theme], and if granted the opportunity, I would be honored to join the Class of [Year].

That’s it—no fluff, no exaggeration.

3. When and how to send each

• Update Letter:
  Send once mid-cycle (around December–January) or when you have significant updates. Avoid sending one every few weeks.

• Letter of Intent:
  Send after your interview, ideally between late January and March, when many schools finalize post-interview decisions. Only send one—schools communicate and may note multiple “intents.”

Always upload through the school’s designated portal if available, or email the admissions office directly. Use a clear subject line:

“Update Letter – [Your Full Name, AMCAS ID]”
“Letter of Intent – [Your Full Name, AMCAS ID]”

Attach as a PDF on letterhead if possible; it looks polished and easy to print.

4. Tone and length

Keep both to one page or less (300–500 words). The tone should be:

• Professional but warm — genuine enthusiasm, no begging

• Focused — 2–3 updates or themes

• Personalized — reference a school’s program, mission, or interaction

Avoid generic lines like “This school is my dream.” Instead, show why through specific alignment.

5. Final thought

Update letters and letters of intent don’t guarantee acceptance—but they keep your voice active in the process. Admissions committees remember the applicants who communicate sincerely and respectfully.

When used wisely, they transform you from a name in a spreadsheet into a candidate who grows, reflects, and stays genuinely engaged.