How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest in 2024?
Not receiving an immediate acceptance can be upsetting, but for deferred or waitlisted applicants, there’s still a chance to land a spot at their dream school. One component that can help is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). But before you jump in and start writing, it’s important to understand the strategic use of a LOCI.
This blog will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a LOCI is the right move for you. We’ll discuss situations where a LOCI can be most effective, along with some crucial research you should do before crafting your letter. By understanding the right timing and approach, you can maximize the impact of your LOCI and potentially improve your chances of securing that coveted acceptance letter.
What is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is essentially a message sent to the admissions office at a school you applied to, typically after you’ve been deferred or waitlisted. The purpose of the LOCI is to reiterate your strong interest in attending their institution, even though you didn’t receive an acceptance right away.
Think of it as a chance to make a final positive impression. By writing a LOCI, you can show the admissions committee that your enthusiasm for their school hasn’t waned. You can also use this opportunity to update them on any new achievements or developments that might strengthen your application. It is a strategic way to remind the college why you’re a great fit and why you would be an asset to their incoming class. It’s not a guaranteed path to acceptance, but a well-written LOCI can definitely give your application a little boost during the final stages of the admissions process.
When Should You Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
The best time to write a Letter of Continued Interest depends on the specific college’s admissions process and the decision you receive.
- Deferral: If you were deferred, research the school’s guidelines on LOCIs. Some colleges have specific deadlines or request them only under certain circumstances. In general, it’s best to submit your LOCI within a few days to two weeks of receiving the deferral notice. This shows the admissions committee your continued interest while their application pool is still fresh in their minds.
- Waitlist: For waitlisted applicants, the timing can be a bit trickier. Again, check the college’s specific instructions. If there’s no deadline mentioned, aim to send your LOCI a week or two before the anticipated waitlist notification date. This gives the admissions committee a chance to review your updated information before making final decisions.
Note: Not all colleges accept LOCIs. It’s important to research the specific school’s policy before investing time in writing a letter. Their website or admissions office can provide this information. Even if they don’t accept formal LOCIs, some schools might allow updates through an online portal.
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What Do You Include in a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest is your chance to shine after being deferred or waitlisted. Since you’re already a competitive applicant, a LOCI strengthens your case for a spot in the upcoming class. It’s your final opportunity to show your continued growth and unwavering interest in the school.
Focus on new information
Highlight recent achievements that demonstrate your dedication and progress and show the admissions committee you haven’t stagnated. This could include improved grades (e.g., an A+ in AP Physics), awards (e.g., first place at the state DECA competition), or college scholarships you’ve received.
Craft a compelling narrative
If your initial application lacked a strong narrative arc, use the LOCI to address it. However, avoid simply rehashing your personal statement. Focus on specifics relevant to this particular school and how you envision yourself thriving on campus, highlighting your talents and contributions.
Reaffirm your enthusiasm
Express gratitude for the opportunity to be reconsidered and reiterate your strong interest in attending the school. Explain why this college remains your top choice. Share specific details to show your genuine connection to the school.
Show a deep connection
Go beyond generic statements. Add details that show your researched interest in the school. Did a campus visit impress you? Mention something specific you loved. Does the school’s research align with your passion? Express your eagerness to contribute. However, avoid repeating your initial college application essay.
Follow school guidelines
Carefully read your deferral or college waitlist letter for specific instructions about additional materials. Some schools might request specific details, while others might not accept further communication.
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What to Not Include in a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest is a chance to show your continued enthusiasm for a particular school, even after receiving a deferral or waitlist decision. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated or disappointed after receiving such news. You might be questioning yourself or feeling powerless. Talking to loved ones, venting to friends, or channeling your energy into physical activity can be healthy ways to process these emotions.
However, the LOCI is not the place to dwell on those feelings. The admissions committee is looking for students who are genuinely excited about their school, so it’s best to keep the letter positive and focused on your strong interest in their programs and community. While a brief acknowledgment of your initial feelings might be okay, the overall tone should be one of continued enthusiasm.
Another pitfall to avoid is mentioning acceptance at other schools. The admissions committee isn’t interested in a play-by-play of your college application process. Their primary concern is understanding why this particular school remains your top choice. By highlighting your genuine interest and how you see yourself fitting into their programs and community, you can create a more compelling letter that strengthens your application.
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General Outline for a Letter of Continued Interest
Introduction
Start your letter by expressing your gratitude to the admissions committee for considering your application. If you know the name of your admissions officer or recruiter, address them directly.
Show continued interest
Following the thank you, enthusiastically reiterate your strong desire to attend their institution. You can acknowledge any initial disappointment (if applicable) but quickly shift the focus to your continued excitement about their school.
Maintain a respectful tone
Remember to maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout the letter. Avoid negativity or any language that could be construed as demanding or entitled.
Updates on accomplishments
This section is your chance to show your achievements since submitting your application. Focus on 2-3 impactful updates that demonstrate your growth and commitment to your goals.
Highlight developments
Don’t simply repeat information from your original application. Instead, highlight new developments, awards, or experiences that illustrate your progress and dedication.
Connect updates to your application
Ideally, these updates should connect thematically to your overall application. For example, if you expressed interest in politics in your essays, you could mention a recent Model UN win and how it solidified your desire for a diplomatic career.
Expand your scope
Accomplishments can extend beyond academics or extracurricular activities. Perhaps you overcame a personal challenge or embarked on a self-directed project. Sharing such experiences shows your resilience and initiative.
Personal element
Make your letter stand out by incorporating a personal touch. Infuse your personality through humor, a relatable story, or an anecdote that shows your unique qualities like perseverance or intellectual curiosity.
Closing
Conclude by reiterating your strong interest in attending their school. Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration. End on a positive note, expressing your hope to join their student community.
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From the Desk of Yocket
A Letter of Continued Interest shows the admissions committee that your interest in their school remains strong and hasn’t wavered since submitting your application. This can be a positive factor when the committee makes final decisions about filling the remaining spots in the incoming class. It allows you to update the admissions committee on any new achievements or developments that strengthen your application. Perhaps you aced an important exam, received an award you weren’t expecting, or took on a new leadership role in an extracurricular activity.
The LOCI is your chance to highlight these updates and show your continued growth and commitment to your goals. However, it’s important to remember that a LOCI shouldn’t be overused. Not all schools accept them, and some may view them negatively if done poorly.
Before hitting send, make sure to check the admissions guidelines of the specific school you’re interested in. The key is to ensure the letter is concise, professional, and provides genuinely new information. Rephrasing the application essay or boasting about acceptances from other schools won’t impress the admissions committee. Yocket offers valuable insights to tailor your letter of continued effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a message sent to a college admissions office after you’ve been deferred or waitlisted. It emphasizes your continued interest in attending their school and strengthens your application.
When should I write a Letter of Continued Interest?
Write a Letter of Continued Interest only if you’ve been deferred or waitlisted. There’s no point for accepted students or those who received rejection letters.
What shouldn’t be in a Letter of Continued Interest?
Avoid simply listing achievements. Focus on how they connect to your fit at the college. Don’t express disappointment about the deferral/waitlist decision. Don’t mention acceptances elsewhere; it might seem like you’re not genuinely interested.
What should I include in a Letter of Continued Interest?
Try to express why this school remains your top choice. Briefly mention any new awards, improved grades, or relevant activities since your application. Highlight specific programs, activities, or aspects of the school that resonate with your interests and goals. Ensure your letter is professional, concise (ideally one page), and free of typos.