--- title: "How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest | Elite Prep" description: "Waitlisted? A Letter of Continued Interest can help. What admissions officers want to learn from a LOCI, what to include, and when to send one." url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-to-write-a-strong-letter-of-continued-interest-loci-for-college-waitlists/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-638656670-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" datePublished: "2026-04-02T18:28:14.000Z" source: "eliteprep build" --- [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) [College Application](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-application/) # How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for College Waitlists April 2, 2026 [Julian Chou](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-to-write-a-strong-letter-of-continued-interest-loci-for-college-waitlists/#about-the-author) 4 min read [Explore Elite College Consulting](https://eliteprep.com/consulting/) ![A student in a blue top writing in a notebook at a desk beside an open laptop](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-638656670-webp-w800.webp) 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**](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-waitlisted-what-high-school-seniors-should-do-next/). While a letter cannot guarantee admission, [understanding **how many students are admitted from waitlists each year** can help set realistic expectations](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-many-students-actually-get-off-the-college-waitlist-real-admissions-data-explained/). *Elite Prep provides comprehensive college consulting and test preparation.* *[**Contact us**](https://eliteprep.com/locations/) to discuss your student's goals and timeline.* [Back to top](https://eliteprep.com/blog/how-to-write-a-strong-letter-of-continued-interest-loci-for-college-waitlists/#top) About the author ## Julian Chou Elite Prep Branch Director since 2003; JD, Loyola Law School; BA, UC Berkeley [All articles by Julian Chou](https://eliteprep.com/blog/author/julian-chou/) ## Free Tools for This Topic - [College list builder](https://eliteprep.com/college-list-builder/) - [Early decision vs. early action](https://eliteprep.com/early-decision-vs-early-action/) - [College roadmap by grade](https://eliteprep.com/college-roadmap/) ## More on This Topic [All posts in College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ![A high school student in a beanie and plaid shirt looks up thoughtfully from a laptop in a classroom.](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-2227835968-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [College Waitlisted? What High School Seniors Should Do Next](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-waitlisted-what-high-school-seniors-should-do-next/) While it can feel frustrating or confusing, a waitlist decision does not mean the admissions process is over. April 2, 2026 Julian Chou ![Gothic brick college buildings and evergreens behind a green lawn with geese at sunset](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1414256132%2B%281%29-webp-w400.webp) [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) ### [College Admission Notifications for the Class of 2025 are Coming – What to do after Decisions Come Out](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-admission-notifications-for-the-class-of-2025-are-coming/) While some colleges and universities have already started to release admission decisions for this year's high school seniors… March 5, 2025 ![Before Submitting College Applications: A Quick Checklist](https://media.eliteprep.com/Elite%2BBlog%2BImage%2BCHECKLIST-webp-w400.webp) [College Application](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-application/) ### [Before Submitting College Applications: A Quick Checklist](https://eliteprep.com/blog/college-application-checklist/) With college application deadlines rapidly approaching, many high school seniors are scrambling to finalize their college essays and add any finishing touches… October 31, 2018 Jon G. ![How to Prepare for College Interviews](https://media.eliteprep.com/Elite%2BBlog%2BImage%2BCollege%2BInterviews-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [How to Prepare for College Interviews](https://eliteprep.com/blog/2018/1/25/how-to-prepare-for-college-interviews/) Participating in a college interview is a fantastic way to demonstrate interest and has the potential to add another dimension to your college application. January 25, 2018 Jon G. ## Ready to Talk to a Counselor? Review what the program covers, or find the center nearest you and ask its staff about current class schedules. [Explore Elite College Consulting](https://eliteprep.com/consulting/) [Browse programs](https://eliteprep.com/programs/)