How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for College Waitlists
For high school seniors who receive a waitlist decision, one of the most common questions is:
Should I send a Letter of Continued Interest?
In many cases, the answer is yes—if the college allows it. A thoughtful Letter of Continued Interest (often called a LOCI) gives students an opportunity to reaffirm their interest in a college and provide meaningful updates since submitting their application.
However, not all letters are equally effective. Admissions officers read thousands of applications each year, so a successful LOCI is clear, concise, and purposeful. Understanding what admissions committees actually want to see can help students write a letter that strengthens their application.
Keep in mind that an LOCI will not guarantee admission from a waitlist. Colleges ultimately make decisions based on enrollment needs and institutional priorities. However, a well-written letter allows students to communicate continued enthusiasm, share meaningful updates, and reaffirm their fit with the college.
What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest is a short message sent to the admissions office after a student has been placed on a waitlist or deferred from early admission.
Its purpose is to:
Confirm that the student is still interested in the college
Provide relevant updates since the original application
Reinforce why the college is a strong fit
This letter is not a second personal essay and should not repeat the same information from the original application.
Instead, it should focus on new developments and genuine enthusiasm for the school.
What Admissions Officers Actually Want to Learn
When reviewing a Letter of Continued Interest, admissions officers are usually asking themselves three questions.
1. Is This Student Still Truly Interested?
Admissions offices want to know whether a waitlisted student would realistically enroll if admitted.
Colleges are very aware that many students join multiple waitlists but may not be serious about attending every school. A clear and sincere statement of interest helps the admissions office understand whether an offer of admission would likely be accepted.
However, students should only state that a college is their top choice if that is genuinely true.
Authenticity matters more than exaggeration.
2. Has Anything Meaningful Changed Since the Application?
Admissions officers are also interested in new information that strengthens the application.
Examples of meaningful updates might include:
Academic awards or honors
Leadership roles in clubs or organizations
Competition results
Research projects or internships
Artistic or athletic accomplishments
Improved grades or strong semester performance
These updates help demonstrate that the student continues to grow and contribute in meaningful ways.
Minor updates or long lists of small activities are usually less impactful than a few substantive developments.
3. Does the Student Still Seem Like a Good Fit?
Admissions officers also want reassurance that the student’s goals and interests remain aligned with the college.
A strong letter often references specific aspects of the institution, such as:
Academic programs or departments
Research opportunities
Campus culture or learning environment
Interdisciplinary programs
Faculty work related to the student’s interests
These details demonstrate that the student has thought carefully about how they would engage with the college community.
What Makes a Letter of Continued Interest Effective
Strong LOCIs tend to share several characteristics.
1. Keep It Concise
Admissions officers are extremely busy during the spring admissions cycle. A Letter of Continued Interest should typically be one page or shorter.
Clear writing and focused updates are far more effective than long messages.
2. Focus on Meaningful Updates
The most valuable letters highlight new achievements or developments that were not included in the original application.
Examples might include:
Winning a regional science competition
Publishing a research paper or article
Taking on a leadership role in a school organization
Completing a significant service project
Achieving improved academic performance
These updates help admissions committees see how the student continues to grow.
3. Show Genuine Enthusiasm
Admissions officers appreciate students who demonstrate sincere interest in the college.
This does not mean writing exaggerated praise or lengthy descriptions of the campus. Instead, students should highlight specific academic or intellectual opportunities that genuinely appeal to them.
Thoughtful details are far more persuasive than generic statements.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
While many students send letters of continued interest, some unintentionally weaken their message.
Common mistakes include:
Repeating the original application essay – Admissions officers have already read the application. The LOCI should provide new information.
Sending multiple follow-up messages – One thoughtful update is usually sufficient. Repeated emails rarely improve a student’s chances.
Submitting materials the college did not request – Some colleges specifically instruct students not to send additional updates. Always follow the institution’s guidelines.
Overstating interest – Students should only promise to enroll if admitted if they truly intend to do so.
Professional, honest communication is always the best approach.
When Should Students Send a LOCI?
In most cases, students should send their Letter of Continued Interest within a few weeks of receiving a waitlist or deferral decision.
If a significant achievement occurs later—such as winning a major award or completing an important project—an additional brief update may be appropriate.
However, students should avoid sending frequent updates unless there is substantial new information.
If you're currently navigating a waitlist decision, start with our guide explaining what to do after being waitlisted by a college.
While a letter cannot guarantee admission, understanding how many students are admitted from waitlists each year can help set realistic expectations.
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Contact us to discuss your student's goals and timeline.