Key Takeaways
- A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you can send to a school that you have been deferred or waitlisted from expressing that you are still interested in attending.
- You should only send one if the school’s policy allows it, providing updates on any new achievements that could strengthen your application.
- Writing a LOCI won’t guarantee acceptance, but it could significantly improve your chances.
What is a letter of continued interest and do you need to write one? If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted from a college, all is not lost! You might get accepted by sending in a letter of continued interest (LOCI).
This is a letter you write to the school explaining that you are still interested in attending and includes additional information that can help you strengthen your case and possibly get an acceptance letter at a later date. Here’s an introduction and guide for how to write a letter of continued interest.
When Should I Send the Letter?
The matter of when you should send your letter of continued interest will depend on the school you are applying to. Many schools will happily accept a letter that states you are still interested in attending. If you are unsure after reading your deferred/waitlisted letter, you can always send an email back that asks, “May I send a letter of continued interest?”
Keep in mind that some schools will specifically state that they do not want additional information sent to them. If they say this, do not send one. This could hurt your chances of getting off the waitlist.
If you plan to send a letter of continued interest, try to send it as soon as possible. If you are waiting to receive test scores, an improved GPA, or an award, you may wait until you get those positive updates to send your letter.
Writing a Letter of Continued Interest
When writing your letter of continued interest (LOCI), you’ll want to do two important things:
- Share your excitement. Let the school know that you really want to go there if they accept you.
- Highlight your strengths. Explain why you would do well at the school and how you would succeed there.
Here’s how to get started:
How Do I Format My Letter?
Your letter should be formatted professionally, similar to a cover letter. Here’s how to set it up:
Header:
- The name of the person to whom the letter is addressed (try to use a specific name rather than “To Whom It May Concern”)
- Their title
- The college or university
- The city/state of the school
Salutation: Begin with a greeting, such as “Dear [Name],”
Body Paragraphs: Write three or four paragraphs that are left-aligned with no indentation. Leave a space between each paragraph.
Conclusion: End with a closing phrase that expresses your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to study at the college. Sign off with “Sincerely, [Your Name].”
Dos and Don’ts
What Should I Touch On In My Letter?
- Do express your continued interest. Let them know that this school is still your top choice and you would attend if given the opportunity. You might even mention that you’ve visited the school, as this can show how interested you are.
- Do provide NEW updates. The key word here is “new.” Share any new achievements, awards, or experiences that have occurred since your initial application. This could include improved grades, extracurricular accomplishments, or leadership roles.
- Do reiterate your fit for the school. Highlight specific reasons why the school is a perfect fit for you. Reference programs, courses, or campus life that aligns with your goals.
- Do express gratitude. Thank the admissions committee for reconsidering your application and for their time and effort.
What Shouldn’t I Touch On In My Letter?
- Don’t use negative language. It’s natural to feel strong emotions over the school’s decision but vent with a friend or family member. You don’t want to criticize the school’s choice or express frustration over your application status.
- Don’t repeat information from your original application. Remember that they’ve already reviewed your application. This is your chance to add new insights or updates that can help you get accepted.
- Don’t overwhelm with multiple letters. Resist any temptation to send multiple letters in a short period. Space out your communication to avoid overwhelming the admissions office.
Sample Letter of Continued Interest
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Admissions Office]
[College or University Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Admissions Committee or Specific Admissions Officer’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my continued interest in attending [College or University Name] and to reaffirm my commitment to becoming a part of the [school mascot/name] community. Thank you for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist. I would like to provide you with an update on my recent achievements and experiences.
Since submitting my application, I have been dedicated to furthering my academic and extracurricular pursuits. Here are some highlights of my recent accomplishments:
- Recent Academic Achievement: I have continued to challenge myself academically by earning a 4.0 GPA in my AP courses this past semester, including AP Calculus and AP Biology. I also completed a research project on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, which was selected for presentation at my school’s science symposium.
- Extracurricular Involvement: I have deepened my involvement in the debate club by taking on the role of vice president. In this capacity, I organized a regional debate tournament that attracted over 200 participants from neighboring schools. I also led our team to the semifinals in the state competition, where we debated pressing issues related to environmental policy.
- Personal or Community Service Accomplishment: I have also dedicated time to my community by volunteering at the local food bank, where I helped organize and distribute over 1,000 meals to families in need during the holiday season. Additionally, I initiated a fundraising campaign within my school to support the food bank’s efforts, raising $2,500 to assist with food and operational costs.
These experiences have only strengthened my desire to attend [College or University Name]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in the Environmental Studies program and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). These programs, I believe, will allow me to continue my research on climate change while also contributing to the school’s sustainability initiatives.
I remain confident that [College or University Name] is the ideal place for me to grow both academically and personally. I believe that my unique experiences and unwavering determination will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your campus community.
Again, thank you for reviewing my application, taking the opportunity to interview me, and reading this letter. If you have any questions, I can be reached at [phone number] or [email]. I look forward to hearing from you. I look forward to being a part of the [school’s] community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Although writing a letter of continued interest won’t guarantee your acceptance into a school, it can certainly help! If you get deferred or waitlisted from one of your dream schools, don’t stress. Your letter of continued interest may help you get that acceptance letter after all. Remember to make sure the school allows additional information to be sent and try to send it in a timely manner to help improve your chances.
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