The primary difference between a medical school update letter and a letter of interest lies in their core purpose: an update letter shares new accomplishments, while a letter of interest reconfirms and elaborates on your desire to attend the school. Both are valuable tools in the medical school application process, but they serve distinct functions for communicating with admissions committees.
Understanding the Med School Update Letter
A med school update letter is a communication sent to an admissions committee to inform them of significant new developments or achievements since your initial application was submitted. Its main goal is to strengthen your candidacy by showcasing continued growth and commitment.
- Purpose: To disclose recent achievements, awards, new experiences, or significant endeavors that were not included in your original application.
- When to Send: Typically sent after you've submitted your primary or secondary application, especially if there's been a substantial update that could enhance your profile. It's often sent to schools where you've already interviewed or are hoping to receive an interview invitation.
- What to Include:
- New Achievements: Academic honors, significant research publications or presentations, new certifications.
- Awards and Recognition: Scholarships, grants, leadership awards.
- Updated Experiences: Substantial new clinical hours, volunteering roles, research progress, or work experience that has commenced or significantly progressed since your application.
- Meaningful Endeavors: Completion of significant projects, community service initiatives, or unique personal developments that showcase your suitability for medicine.
- Key takeaway: It’s about providing new information to bolster your existing application.
Understanding the Letter of Interest (LOI)
A letter of interest (LOI), sometimes referred to as a letter of intent, is a communication designed to reaffirm and strengthen your strong desire to be accepted into a particular medical school. Unlike an update letter, which focuses on your accomplishments, an LOI focuses on your commitment to the institution.
- Purpose: To explicitly state your continued and strong interest in attending the medical school, often explaining why you believe it's the right fit for you and why you seek an interview or acceptance.
- When to Send: Usually sent later in the application cycle, particularly if you haven't received an interview invitation from a top-choice school, or if you're on a waitlist. A true "letter of intent" might be sent when a school is your absolute top choice and you would matriculate if accepted.
- What to Include:
- Reaffirmation of Interest: A clear and concise statement reiterating your enthusiasm for the program.
- Specific Reasons: Detail specific aspects of the school's curriculum, research opportunities, faculty, unique programs, or patient population that align with your goals and interests. Avoid generic statements.
- Personal Connection: Explain how your values and aspirations resonate with the school's mission and environment.
- Updates (Optional but Recommended): While the primary focus is interest, you can briefly mention one or two significant updates that highlight your continued suitability for their program, but it should not overshadow the core message of interest.
- Key takeaway: It’s about articulating why you want to be there and reinforcing your commitment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
To further clarify the distinction, here's a comparative overview:
| Feature | Med School Update Letter | Letter of Interest (LOI) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To report new achievements or significant developments. | To reaffirm strong interest in the school and explain why. |
| Focus | Your ongoing accomplishments and growth. | Your commitment to the specific school and its unique offerings. |
| Timing | Anytime a significant update occurs, often pre- or post-interview. | Later in the cycle, especially if on waitlist or awaiting interview. |
| Content | Awards, publications, new experiences, improved grades. | Specific reasons for desiring the school, alignment with mission, brief relevant updates. |
| Impact | Enhances your qualifications. | Demonstrates strong commitment and fit. |
Both types of letters are strategic communications designed to provide the admissions committee with a more complete and compelling picture of you as an applicant. Crafting them carefully can significantly boost your chances in the competitive medical school application process.
