when and how to send application updates

by iris madeira,

team madhavi desai, counselling students since 1986 and helping families navigate international university admissions for over 37 years.

submitting a university application often feels like the final step. yet for many students, the weeks or months that follow raise a new question:

should i send an application update?

the answer depends on whether there is genuinely new information that strengthens your application. over the years, we've seen students worry about whether they should email universities after submitting their applications. some hesitate to share meaningful achievements, while others send multiple updates that don't add value. a well-timed, relevant update can reinforce your application. an unnecessary one rarely helps.

here's how we advise students to approach application updates thoughtfully and professionally.

1. share meaningful achievements

not every change needs to be reported. an application update is appropriate when you've achieved something significant after submitting your application, such as:

• improved academic results

• a new award or competition achievement

• completion of a substantial research or passion project

• a leadership appointment

• publication of academic or creative work

• a significant extracurricular accomplishment

  
  

admissions officers appreciate updates that provide genuinely new information and demonstrate continued growth. before sending anything, ask yourself:

"would this information strengthen my application if the admissions team didn't already know it?"

if the answer is yes, it's worth considering an update.

2. keep your message clear and concise

admissions teams review thousands of applications. an update should be easy to read and focused on the new achievement not a lengthy explanation of everything you've done since submitting your application. a strong update generally includes:

• a brief introduction

• the new achievement or development

• why it's relevant

• appreciation for the admissions team's time

  
  

being concise shows professionalism and respects the reader's time.

3. use the correct submission channel

before sending an update, check how the university prefers to receive additional information. some institutions have dedicated applicant portals where updates can be uploaded, while others request updates via email.

if emailing directly, always include:

• your full name

• application id or reference number

• programme applied for

• a clear subject line

  
  

using the correct channel helps ensure your update becomes part of your application file.

4. consolidate updates whenever possible

students sometimes feel the need to send an email every time something changes.

in most situations, that's unnecessary. if several meaningful achievements occur within a short period, combine them into one well-organised update rather than sending multiple emails.

one thoughtful update is generally more effective than several small messages that each add only a little information. quality matters far more than quantity.

5. end professionally

your closing should remain polite and appreciative. a brief thank-you for the admissions team's time and consideration is sufficient. avoid asking repeatedly about application decisions or requesting confirmation unless the university specifically encourages it.

professional communication reflects maturity and respect throughout the admissions process.

6. send updates with confidence but only when they add value

students sometimes worry that sending an update might inconvenience the admissions office. when the update contains genuinely relevant information, that's exactly what admissions teams expect. universities understand that students continue learning, achieving and growing after applications are submitted.

a meaningful update demonstrates continued engagement and development. however, if nothing significant has changed, it's perfectly acceptable not to send anything. sometimes, no update is the right update.

timing matters

many students ask whether they should wait until several achievements accumulate or send updates immediately. the answer depends on the timing. if an important achievement occurs shortly after submission, it can usually be shared promptly.

if decisions are still several months away and multiple significant developments are likely, waiting to combine them into one comprehensive update often makes more sense. the goal isn't to send frequent emails.

it's to ensure every communication provides genuine value.

a counsellor's observation

one of the biggest misconceptions students have is that submitting an application means the process is completely over. in reality, some students continue growing significantly after submission.

we've seen students complete meaningful research, receive national awards, take on leadership roles and improve their academic performance during the waiting period. when those achievements are communicated appropriately, they can strengthen an already strong application.

equally important, we've also advised students not to send updates when there was nothing meaningful to add.good judgement is part of the admissions process too.

thoughtful communication strengthens your application

university admissions isn't about sending the most emails. it's about sharing the right information at the right time. meaningful updates help admissions officers understand how you've continued developing beyond the original application.

at team madhavi desai, we guide students through every stage of the admissions journey from building a strong profile and selecting universities to reviewing applications and advising on appropriate communication after submission. thoughtful planning doesn't end when you click "submit." it continues until every decision has been made.

frequently asked questions

1. how many updates should students send after submitting an application?
   

   in most cases, one well-organised update is sufficient unless another significant achievement occurs later. sending frequent minor updates generally adds little value and can make communication less effective.
   

2. what kinds of achievements are worth updating universities about?
   

   improved academic results, major awards, leadership positions, research projects, published work, significant extracurricular achievements and other meaningful accomplishments that strengthen your application are typically worth sharing.
   

3. should students send an update if nothing important has changed?
   

   no. if there is no genuinely new information that adds value to your application, there is usually no need to contact the admissions office.
   

4. should application updates be sent through email or the application portal?
   

   always follow the university's preferred process. if an application portal allows updates, use it. otherwise, send a professional email including your name, application id and programme details.
   

5. how does team madhavi desai support students after applications are submitted?
   

   our guidance continues beyond application submission. we help students evaluate whether new achievements should be shared, review application update letters, advise on waitlist communication where appropriate, and support students throughout the admissions process until final decisions are received.