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

What is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?

A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a formal letter sent to a university admissions committee to express your sustained enthusiasm and commitment to attending after being deferred or waitlisted by the college . This letter serves as an opportunity to:

Reaffirm your interest in the institution.
Share updates on new achievements or experiences.
Highlight why you remain a strong candidate.

Although a LOCI does not guarantee college admission, it allows you to demonstrate persistence and enthusiasm, which can positively influence the admissions committee.

Key Elements to Include in Your LOCI

Gratitude
Begin by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing your application and for giving you the chance to remain on the waitlist or deferred list.

Reaffirmed Interest
Clearly state that the school is still your top choice (if true) and explain why. Be specific—mention particular programs, professors, campus culture, or other aspects that resonate with you. Be clear. If you are writing the letter of continued interest to Harvard Admissions and Harvard is your absolute first choice, it is OK to say something like…I would immediately enroll if offered a spot at Harvard!

Full Tuition

Further, if you are planning on paying full tuition, it’s a good idea to mention that in your letter too. It’s fine to be direct with the college admissions team. You can tell them…I plan to enroll as a full pay student.

Updates on Achievements
Share any significant accomplishments since submitting your application, such as:
- Improved grades or academic milestones.
- Awards, leadership roles, or extracurricular involvement. If you’ve made it to ISEF, International Math Olympiad, or Davidson Fellows, it’s helpful to share that!
- Personal growth experiences relevant to your academic goals.
Connection to the School
Highlight how your recent achievements align with the institution’s values, mission, or programs. This demonstrates that you are an excellent fit for their community.
Professional Closing
Conclude with another note of gratitude and reiterate your excitement about potentially joining the school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Demanding Language: Avoid sounding entitled or pushy.
Negativity: Never criticize the admissions process or other schools.
Excessive Updates: Focus on meaningful accomplishments; prioritize quality over quantity.
Generic Statements: Avoid vague phrases like “I love your school.” Be specific about what draws you to the institution.

Sample LOCI Template

text

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Admissions Office’s Address]

[College/University Name]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Admissions Committee/Specific Admissions Officer],

Thank you for reviewing my application for [specific program/college name] and for offering me the opportunity to remain on the [deferred/waitlisted] list. [College/University Name] remains my top choice, and I am writing to express my continued interest in joining the [Class of Year].

Since submitting my application, I have [describe specific updates, such as earning an award, improving GPA, or contributing to a meaningful project]. These experiences have deepened my passion for [specific academic/extracurricular interest], which aligns closely with opportunities at [College/University Name].

For example, I am particularly excited about [specific program/research opportunity/faculty member]. The prospect of contributing to [specific aspect of the school] excites me because it reflects my goals of [personal/academic ambition].

Thank you again for considering my application. I am truly enthusiastic about joining the [College/University Name] community and contributing to its vibrant campus life. Please let me know if there are additional materials I can provide to support my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Applicant ID, if applicable]

Tips for Writing an Effective LOCI

Be Concise: Keep your letter within one page. Admissions officers have limited time.
Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
Personalize Your Letter: Tailor it specifically to the school by referencing unique programs or features.
Submit Promptly: Send your LOCI within a few weeks of receiving notice of deferment or waitlisting.
Follow Instructions: Check whether the school has specific guidelines for submitting LOCIs.

By crafting a thoughtful and personalized LOCI, you can strengthen your case for admission while showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm for the institution.