The college admissions process can be filled with uncertainty, and receiving a deferral decision can leave students feeling both hopeful and frustrated. However, being deferred is not the end of the road—it is an opportunity to continue demonstrating enthusiasm and qualifications for the institution. One of the most effective ways to do this is by submitting a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). At this stage in the admissions cycle, many students are experiencing deferrals, while waitlist decisions typically occur in April. Understanding this distinction can help students navigate their next steps effectively.
A well-crafted LOCI not only reaffirms a student’s commitment to the college but also highlights new achievements and developments since the initial application. This letter serves as a formal update to the admissions committee and can be a decisive factor in securing admission when spots become available. Understanding how to write a strong LOCI is essential for students who want to maximize their chances of being accepted.
What is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a professional communication sent to the admissions office of a college where a student has been deferred. The primary purpose of this letter is to:
- Reaffirm the student’s strong desire to attend and explain why the institution remains their top choice. Being deferred does not mean rejection—it is an opportunity to strengthen the application.
- Provide relevant updates on academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements since the original application.
While submitting a LOCI does not guarantee admission, it serves as an important tool to demonstrate continued enthusiasm and growth. Students placed on a waitlist—which typically happens in April—can also use a LOCI to express their interest and provide updates to increase their chances of admission.
How to Structure a Strong Letter of Continued Interest
1. Open with Gratitude and Enthusiasm
A LOCI should begin by thanking the admissions committee for their time and for placing the student on the waitlist. Expressing genuine appreciation for the opportunity to remain under consideration sets a positive tone for the letter.
It is also crucial to clearly state continued interest in attending the school. If the college is the student’s first choice and they are committed to enrolling if admitted, they should explicitly mention this. Admissions officers prioritize applicants who are highly likely to accept an offer of admission.
Example Opening Paragraph:
“Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the admissions committee for reviewing my application and for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist at [College Name]. I deeply appreciate the time and effort dedicated to evaluating my candidacy, and I remain incredibly enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the incoming class. [College Name] continues to be my top choice, and if offered admission, I would be honored to accept immediately.”
2. Provide Meaningful Updates
The most important section of a LOCI is the update on new accomplishments since the initial application. Admissions officers want to see that students have remained engaged, ambitious, and committed to their academic and personal growth.
Relevant updates can include:
- Academic Achievements: Improved grades, new coursework, academic awards, or impressive exam scores.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Leadership roles, successful projects, or community service efforts.
- Professional Experience: Internships, research opportunities, or other career-related advancements.
- Personal Growth: Independent initiatives, creative projects, or unique experiences that enhance the student’s profile.
The updates should be concise and relevant, focusing on accomplishments that reinforce the student’s strengths and interests.
Example Update Paragraph:
“Since submitting my application, I have remained dedicated to both my academic and extracurricular pursuits. I am pleased to share that I was recently promoted to Editor-in-Chief of my school newspaper, where I have led a team of 30 writers and introduced a new investigative journalism section. Additionally, I won first place in the regional science fair for my research on renewable energy solutions. These experiences have deepened my passion for environmental science, which I hope to explore further at [College Name].”
3. Reinforce Why the College is the Best Fit
A strong LOCI should not only express interest in the college but also demonstrate a clear understanding of what makes the institution the ideal place for the student. This section should go beyond generic praise and reference specific programs, professors, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities that align with the student’s goals.
Example Personalization Paragraph:
“What continues to draw me to [College Name] is its exceptional [specific program], which perfectly aligns with my academic aspirations. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work with Professor [Name] on [specific research], as their work in [specific topic] closely relates to my interests. Additionally, the collaborative learning environment and emphasis on experiential education at [College Name] make it the ideal place for me to grow academically and personally.”
This level of specificity reinforces that the student is not just interested in any school but in this particular institution, making their application more compelling.
4. Conclude with a Polite and Professional Closing
The closing of the LOCI should reiterate enthusiasm for the school, express gratitude once more, and offer to provide any additional materials if needed. Keeping the tone professional and confident is essential.
Example Closing Paragraph:
“Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I remain deeply committed to attending [College Name] and would be honored to contribute to its vibrant academic community. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information. I appreciate your continued consideration and look forward to any updates regarding my application status.”
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Final Tips for a Successful LOCI
- Keep it concise: A LOCI should be no longer than one page and should be direct and to the point.
- Proofread carefully: Spelling and grammatical errors can weaken credibility. A polished letter reflects strong communication skills.
- Avoid desperation: The tone should be enthusiastic and professional, rather than pleading or overly emotional.
- Submit it promptly: Ideally, the LOCI should be sent within two to three weeks of receiving the waitlist notification.
A well-written Letter of Continued Interest can make a meaningful impact on a student’s chances of admission. By reaffirming enthusiasm, providing meaningful updates, and demonstrating why the school is the right fit, applicants can strengthen their position and improve their likelihood of being accepted.
For students who need guidance in crafting a compelling LOCI or navigating the college admissions process, JumpStart Your Future offers expert support.
Visit www.jumpstartyourfuture.org to access valuable resources and personalized assistance.
Jessica Azout
JumpStart Your Future
