hi all, i got waitlisted from my dream program yesterday. a little devastated but trying to take it in stride. they accept one LOI if waitlisted so i was wondering whether anyone had insight abt writing one?

i’ve heard some ppl include updates but my only update is an another accepted abstract to an upcoming conference. i have a first author manuscript that’s almost fully drafted but even if i hustle to finish it, it would have to go to PIs for feedback which i’m not sure how long that would take and whether to hold off on an LOI until it’s submitted so i can offer that update. i did mention i was working on this manuscript in a previous update too. if i don’t include it and only have the first minor update idk what else to fill my LOI about. i already sort of gushed abt them in the update letter i had sent. idk. any advice or shared depressing feelings abt WLs lol