Being placed on a waitlist can feel like limbo, you're not rejected, but you're not accepted either. A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be the difference between languishing in uncertainty and securing your spot. This strategic communication tool allows you to reaffirm your enthusiasm, showcase recent accomplishments, and demonstrate exactly why you belong at your target institution or company.
Key Facts About Letters of Continued Interest
- LOCIs can significantly impact waitlist outcomes, admissions officers at selective colleges report that 30-50% of waitlisted students who send a well-crafted LOCI receive favorable reconsideration, compared to 10-15% who don't follow up (National Association for College Admission Counseling, 2023).
- Timing matters critically, sending a LOCI within 1-2 weeks of waitlist notification yields the best results. Data from multiple admissions consulting firms shows response rates drop by 40% for letters sent more than 4 weeks after notification.
- Brevity is valued, admissions officers reviewing hundreds of waitlist cases prefer LOCIs of 300-500 words (roughly one page). Letters exceeding two pages are frequently skimmed rather than read in full.
- Only 20-30% of waitlisted applicants send a LOCI, according to a 2024 survey of admissions directors at 30 top-50 U.S. universities. Simply sending one already differentiates you from the majority.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Continued Interest
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) serves as a proactive communication tool, enabling you to express your ongoing enthusiasm for an institution or position. This letter plays a crucial role in influencing the decision-making process when you are placed on a waitlist.
Why It's Important in College Admissions
Boosts Your Visibility: Sending a LOCI helps maintain your presence in the admissions office's consciousness. Given that many candidates might be vying for limited spots, distinguishing yourself is essential. A well-crafted letter reiterates your interest and demonstrates that you remain committed to your educational goals at their institution.
Reaffirms Your Intentions: Beyond showing sustained interest, this letter provides an opportunity to update the admissions committee on any new achievements or accolades since your initial application, such as awards, improved test scores, or recent extracurricular successes. These updates can strengthen your profile and increase your chances of moving off the waitlist.
Signals you'll accept: Admissions offices care deeply about yield rates, the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll. A LOCI that clearly states "this is my first choice and I will absolutely accept if admitted" removes uncertainty from their calculations and makes admitting you less risky from an institutional planning perspective.
When to Send This Type of Letter
Timing Is Key: The optimal time to send a LOCI is 1-2 weeks after receiving notification that you have been waitlisted but before the final admission decisions are made. This window demonstrates promptness without appearing desperate.
Follow Up Strategically: If additional rounds of considerations happen (often during spring for college admissions), sending another follow-up message could be beneficial if significant updates or changes in your situation occur. However, limit yourself to a maximum of two LOCIs total. Always ensure each communication adds value and relevance to your candidacy; repetitive messages without substantial content may diminish its impact rather than enhance it.
"The letter of continued interest is the single most impactful thing a waitlisted student can do. It shows maturity, genuine interest, and initiative, exactly the qualities we're looking for in our incoming class."
— Jeff Schiffman, former Director of Admissions at Tulane University
Preparing to Write Your Letter
Before you start drafting your Letter of Continued Interest, a few preparatory steps are crucial. These ensure that the content of your letter is both relevant and compelling.
Gather Necessary Information
To draft an effective Letter of Continued Interest, collect all necessary details about your initial application:
- Identify Key Contacts: Find out who to address the LOCI to by reviewing previous communications. Use the name of the admissions officer who signed your waitlist letter if possible.
- Reference Past Interactions: Recall campus visits, information sessions, interviews, or email exchanges with representatives from the college or company.
- Align With Initial Application: Review your original application essays and supporting materials. Ensure consistency with the themes and strengths of your initial submission while avoiding repetition.
- Research recent developments: Check if the institution has launched new programs, initiatives, or research opportunities since you applied. Referencing these shows you're actively following the institution.
Review Recent Developments or Achievements
Update on recent developments that enhance your candidacy since submitting your original application:
- List New Achievements: Describe new academic successes (improved GPA, AP exam scores), professional awards, or personal milestones.
- Highlight Relevant Experiences: Share additional experiences that directly tie into the desired program, new internships, research projects, leadership roles, or volunteer work.
- Showcase Updated Skills: Point out any new skills acquired that bolster your fit for the position or course, certifications, language proficiency, technical skills.
Structuring Your Letter of Continued Interest
Crafting a strategic structure for your Letter of Continued Interest enhances readability and conveys your points effectively.
Template: Letter of Continued Interest Structure
Paragraph 1. Opening (2-3 sentences):
Express gratitude for continued consideration. State your name, the program, and that you're writing to reaffirm interest. Reference the waitlist notification.
Paragraph 2. Updates (4-6 sentences):
Share 2-3 significant new achievements or experiences since your original application. Connect each to why it makes you a stronger fit for this specific institution.
Paragraph 3. Specific Fit (3-5 sentences):
Explain precisely WHY this institution remains your top choice. Reference specific programs, professors, research opportunities, or campus culture elements, not generic praise anyone could write about any school.
Paragraph 4. Commitment & Close (2-3 sentences):
State clearly that you will accept if admitted. Thank them for their time. Express hope for a positive outcome.
Total length: 300-500 words (one page)
Opening Your Letter
Begin with a polite greeting followed by a concise introductory paragraph. Address the letter to a specific person if possible; use "Dear [Admission Officer's Name]" or "Dear Admissions Committee" when you do not know the name. In this section, mention your full name, the position or program you applied for, and state explicitly that you are writing to express your continued interest. Reference your initial application and briefly cite being placed on the waiting list.
Discussing Your Accomplishments and Updates
In this part of your LOCI, highlight significant achievements or developments since submitting your original application. Include new skills acquired, recent awards, improved grades, or additional work responsibilities undertaken. Ensure these updates align with what is likely valued by the college or employer, this demonstrates active growth and increased suitability for the opportunity.
Be specific and quantifiable where possible. "I improved my SAT score" is weak. "I retook the SAT in March and improved my score from 1380 to 1470, reflecting my continued academic growth in critical reading" is compelling.
Reaffirming Your Interest
Reiterate why you remain passionate about gaining admission or securing this position. Connect past experiences shared during previous interactions or mentioned in your initial application with why they make this opportunity an excellent fit. Be specific about what attracts you to THIS institution, name professors whose research interests align with yours, specific programs or clubs you want to join, or campus values that resonate with your goals.
Concluding Your Letter
End on a positive note by summarizing key points mentioned earlier while expressing gratitude for reconsideration. Explicitly state that if admitted, you will enroll. This definitive commitment is crucial, admissions offices want certainty. Close formally using "Sincerely," followed by your full name and contact information.
Writing Tips for Effective Letters
Tone and Formality
Maintain a professional yet personable tone in your LOCI to reflect both respect and genuine interest. The body should balance formal language with a touch of personal flair that reflects your enthusiasm without becoming too casual. Avoid exclamation points, slang, or overly emotional language. Confidence reads better than desperation.
Length and Clarity
Keep your LOCI concise and focused; aim for one page (300-500 words). A concise letter not only respects the recipient's time but also demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting sentences that reinforce your main point. Ensure every word adds value, avoid filler content.
Emphasizing Fit and Commitment
Highlight your unique fit for the opportunity by directly linking your recent experiences and skills back to what is sought by the college or employer. Explicitly state how these new qualifications make you an even more valuable candidate since being waitlisted. Reaffirming commitment involves clearly expressing continued interest backed by specific reasons, unique programs, faculty expertise, or alignment with career goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When crafting a Letter of Continued Interest, certain pitfalls can undermine your efforts. Here are five specific mistakes to avoid:
- Repeating your original application verbatim: The admissions committee has already read your application. Rehashing the same experiences, stories, and qualifications wastes their time and suggests you haven't grown since applying. Your LOCI should contain entirely new information or new perspectives on why you fit. If you mention something from your application, it should only be to show how it has progressed or deepened.
- Writing a generic letter that could apply to any institution: "I love your school's commitment to academic excellence and diverse community" could describe any college in the country. Admissions officers can spot a template letter immediately. Include details that prove you've researched THIS specific institution, a professor's recent publication, a specific research lab, a unique study abroad program, or a campus event you attended.
- Sounding desperate or entitled: Phrases like "I'll be devastated if not accepted" or "I deserve a spot because..." undermine your credibility. Confidence, not desperation, is persuasive. Express genuine enthusiasm and firm commitment without emotional manipulation. "I will certainly accept if admitted" is strong. "Please, I'm begging you to reconsider" is not.
- Writing too much: A two-page LOCI signals poor communication skills and disrespect for the reader's time. Admissions officers during waitlist season may be reviewing hundreds of these letters. A focused, single-page letter that makes three strong points will always outperform a rambling two-page letter that makes ten weak ones.
- Sending too many follow-ups: One LOCI is expected and welcomed. A second is acceptable if you have significant new information to share (major award, substantial grade improvement). Three or more is excessive and creates a negative impression. Quality over quantity, make your one or two communications count.
Sample Letter of Continued Interest
Subject: Letter of Continued Interest, [Your Name], [Program Name] Waitlist
Dear [Admissions Officer's Name],
Thank you for keeping my application under consideration for the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I am writing to reaffirm that [University Name] remains my unequivocal first choice, and I would like to share several developments since submitting my application in [month].
Since my initial application, I have [specific achievement #1, e.g., "completed an independent research project on machine learning applications in healthcare under Professor [Name] at my current institution, which was accepted for presentation at the [Conference Name]"]. Additionally, [specific achievement #2, e.g., "I was elected president of our school's Computer Science Club, where I organized a hackathon that attracted 120 participants from five local schools"]. My [semester] GPA was [X.XX], bringing my cumulative GPA to [X.XX].
My interest in [University Name] has only deepened since applying. After attending the [specific event, e.g., "virtual admitted students panel in March"], I was particularly inspired by Professor [Name]'s work on [specific research area], which directly aligns with my research interests in [your area]. The [specific program, lab, or initiative] would provide the ideal environment to pursue [specific goal], and I am eager to contribute to [specific aspect of campus community].
Should I be offered admission, I will accept without hesitation. I sincerely appreciate your time in reviewing my updated information and remain hopeful for a positive outcome. Please do not hesitate to contact me if any additional information would be helpful.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Applicant ID, if applicable]
Editing and Proofreading
After drafting your LOCI, meticulous editing and proofreading are essential. A single typo or grammatical error in a 400-word letter stands out far more than it would in a 4,000-word essay.
Reviewing for Grammar and Spelling
Begin by checking each sentence for grammatical accuracy. Tools like Grammarly can help automate this process, but manual review is indispensable. Focus on common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, misuse of apostrophes (its vs. it's), and commonly confused words (affect vs. effect). Capitalize proper nouns correctly, especially the names of people, institutions, and specific programs. Double-check the spelling of the admissions officer's name and the institution's official name.
Getting Feedback from Others
Once you have refined your LOCI, seek feedback from trusted sources, a school counselor, parent, teacher, or mentor. Ask them to evaluate:
- Clarity: Is your purpose immediately clear?
- Tone: Does it strike the right balance between professional and personal?
- Specificity: Do your reasons for wanting this institution feel genuine and specific?
- Conciseness: Is every sentence earning its place?
Writing a Compelling Letter of Continued Interest with ChatGPT
ChatGPT can help you draft, structure, and refine your LOCI. Here are targeted prompts for different stages of the process:
Prompt 1: Drafting Your LOCI
Help me write a Letter of Continued Interest to [specific college/university] for their [specific program]. I was waitlisted on [date]. Since applying, I have achieved: [list 2-3 new achievements with specific details]. I'm specifically interested in this school because of: [list 2-3 specific reasons, professors, programs, opportunities]. My tone should be professional but genuine. Keep it under 400 words. End with a clear statement that I will accept if admitted.
Prompt 2: Strengthening Specificity
Review my LOCI draft and identify any generic statements that could apply to any school. For each one, suggest how to make it specific to [institution name]. Also flag any places where I'm repeating information that was likely in my original application: [paste your draft]
Prompt 3: Tone Check
Analyze the tone of my LOCI. Flag any sentences that sound desperate, entitled, overly casual, or generic. Suggest revisions that convey confident enthusiasm without overstepping: [paste your draft]
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Addressing Delays in Response
If you experience delays in getting a response to your LOCI:
- Follow Up Strategically: Send a brief follow-up email if you do not receive any acknowledgment within three weeks. Keep it to 2-3 sentences simply asking whether your letter was received.
- Check for Email Issues: Verify that your email was sent to the correct address and check your spam folder for any replies.
- Understand the timeline: Many waitlist decisions happen in May-July as admitted students accept or decline offers. No response doesn't necessarily mean rejection, it often means the committee hasn't made waitlist decisions yet.
Handling Multiple Waitlists
When managing letters to multiple institutions:
- Organize Your Communications: Keep a spreadsheet tracking each LOCI sent, including dates, recipient names, and content highlights.
- Customize Each Letter: Never send the same LOCI to multiple schools. Each letter must be specifically tailored with details unique to that institution.
- Be honest about commitment: Only state "you are my first choice" if it's true. Admissions officers at different schools occasionally communicate, and being caught in a contradiction would be damaging.
Conclusion
Crafting a persuasive Letter of Continued Interest is your key to standing out in the crowded field of waitlisted candidates. By timing your letter appropriately, keeping it concise and specific, showcasing genuine new developments, and clearly committing to accept if admitted, you transform yourself from a passive waitlist number into an active, compelling candidate. Remember that most waitlisted students never send a LOCI, simply taking this step already differentiates you. Let your letter reflect the determination, maturity, and genuine enthusiasm that will make an admissions committee confident in pulling you off the waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?
A Letter of Continued Interest is a communication sent after being placed on a waitlist to express ongoing enthusiasm and provide updates on recent achievements. It typically runs 300-500 words and serves to keep your application active in the admissions committee's consideration.
When should I send my LOCI?
Send your LOCI within 1-2 weeks of receiving your waitlist notification. This demonstrates promptness and genuine interest. Avoid waiting more than a month, as response rates and impact decline significantly with delayed correspondence.
How long should a LOCI be?
Keep your LOCI to one page, approximately 300-500 words. Admissions officers during waitlist season are reviewing hundreds of these letters, so conciseness demonstrates respect for their time and strong communication skills.
How can I make my LOCI stand out?
Include specific details that prove you've researched the institution, name professors, programs, or initiatives. Share quantifiable new achievements since applying. State definitively that you will accept if admitted. Avoid generic praise that could apply to any school.
Should I say "you are my first choice" even if you're not sure?
Only state this if it's genuinely true. A strong commitment statement ("I will absolutely accept if admitted") is powerful, but dishonesty can backfire if discovered. If the school isn't your absolute top choice, you can still express strong enthusiasm without making a false claim of exclusivity.
How many LOCIs should I send to the same institution?
One is standard and expected. A second is acceptable only if you have significant new information to share (major award, substantial test score improvement, new leadership role). Never send more than two to the same institution.
What if I don't receive any response after sending my LOCI?
This is normal, many institutions do not acknowledge receipt of LOCIs. If you want confirmation, send a brief 2-3 sentence follow-up after three weeks simply asking whether your letter was received. Understand that waitlist decisions often aren't made until May-July.
