How to Write a Great Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

If you’ve been waitlisted or deferred, a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can help demonstrate your enthusiasm for attending the school and provide updates to strengthen your application.

What is a LOCI?

A LOCI is a formal email sent to a college’s admissions office, expressing your continued interest and providing updates on your achievements.

Should You Send One?

• Follow Directions: Check the college’s waitlist or deferral instructions. Some schools explicitly request or prohibit LOCIs.
• Ask if Unclear: If the instructions aren’t clear, email the admissions office to confirm if you may send one.

Key Elements of a Strong LOCI

• Gratitude and Interest
• Thank the school for reevaluating your application.

• Reaffirm your enthusiasm for attending the school, and mention if it is your top choice.

• New Achievements

• Include updates on academic, extracurricular, or personal accomplishments since submitting your application.

• Examples: Awards, improved grades, leadership roles, or significant projects.

• Specific Connections

• Mention specific experiences, such as a campus visit or conversations with current students, that deepened your interest.

• Highlight 2–3 details about why the school is a perfect fit for you and how you can contribute to its community.

• Professional Tone and Conciseness

• Be direct and keep your LOCI to 3–4 short paragraphs.

• Closing and Gratitude

• Reiterate your thanks and offer to provide any additional information if needed.

Sample Letter of Continued Interest

Subject: Continued Interest in [School Name]

Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [high school senior] from [Your City/State]. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be considered for admission to [School Name], and I would like to express my continued enthusiasm for joining the [School Mascot] community. [If applicable: If admitted, I would be honored to attend as my top choice.]

Since submitting my application, I have [list specific updates or achievements]. For example:
- Earned the [award name] for my performance in [specific field or activity].
- Improved my GPA to [specific figure] while taking advanced courses such as [AP/IB classes].
- Completed [a notable project or achievement, such as publishing an article, leading a community service event, etc.].

Additionally, my recent visit to [campus or virtual event] reaffirmed my excitement about the [specific program, community, or unique offering]. I was particularly inspired by [specific detail or experience, e.g., a conversation with a professor, a student project, or a facility].

Thank you again for reviewing my application and for considering these updates. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Best Practices for a LOCI

• Stay Positive: Focus on why the school is right for you and avoid criticizing the decision to waitlist or defer.
• Be Specific: Tailor your LOCI to the school by referencing specific programs, values, or experiences.
• Proofread: Ensure your letter is polished and free of grammatical errors.

Does a LOCI Help?

• It depends on the school. A LOCI can demonstrate continued interest and new strengths, which might make a difference in borderline decisions.
• However, some schools rarely accept students from the waitlist, so check school-specific data if available.

Where to Send Your LOCI?

• Follow instructions in your waitlist or deferral letter.
• If unsure, contact the admissions office to confirm where to send your LOCI or if there’s a specific form to use.

Final Advice

• Treat a LOCI as an opportunity to strengthen your application.
• Use it to showcase growth, align yourself with the school’s values, and express genuine excitement about attending.

By writing a thoughtful and focused LOCI, you can leave a positive impression on the admissions committee and boost your chances of admission!

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