Deferred or Waitlisted? It's Not Over Yet: Here's How to Craft a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Deferred or Waitlisted? It's Not Over Yet: Here's How to Craft a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Dec 27, 2024

Dec 27, 2024

If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted, don’t lose hope! A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a powerful tool to reinforce your commitment to a college and provide updates on your accomplishments. Here’s a guide to writing a standout LOCI.

What is a LOCI?

A LOCI is a formal yet concise letter you send to the admissions office to:

  • Reaffirm your interest in the college.

  • Share updates since you submitted your application.

  • Highlight why the college is still your top choice.

Admissions committees use LOCIs to gauge your enthusiasm and evaluate any new information that strengthens your application.


When to Send a LOCI

  • Deferred Applicants: Send your LOCI shortly after receiving your deferral notice, ideally in January or early February.

  • Waitlisted Applicants: Send it soon after being placed on the waitlist, typically in March or April.


How to Structure Your LOCI

1️⃣ Reaffirm Your Interest

Start by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to remain in consideration. Then, state your continued interest clearly and sincerely.

Example: “I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in [College Name]. After careful reflection, I remain certain that [College Name] is the best fit for my academic and personal growth.”


2️⃣ Share Meaningful Updates

Highlight recent accomplishments or experiences that weren’t included in your original application. These could include:

  • Improved grades or test scores.

  • Awards or recognitions.

  • Leadership roles or community involvement.

  • Personal growth or new insights related to your goals.

Be concise but specific, focusing on achievements that align with the college’s values.


3️⃣ Reconnect Your Goals to the College

Reiterate why the school is an excellent fit for you and how you would contribute to its community. Mention specific programs, professors, or organizations that excite you.

Example: “[College Name]’s [specific program] aligns perfectly with my interest in [field], and I am eager to contribute to [organization or initiative].”


4️⃣ Express Commitment (if applicable)

If the college is your top choice, let them know you would enroll if admitted.

Example: “If offered admission, I would be honored to accept and contribute fully to the [College Name] community.”


Tips for Writing a Strong LOCI

  • Keep it concise: Aim for 300–400 words.

  • Be professional: Use a formal tone and proofread carefully.

  • Follow instructions: If the college provides specific guidelines, adhere to them.

  • Avoid repetition: Don’t rehash your entire application; focus on what’s new.


Sample Opening Paragraph

“Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to remain in consideration for admission to [College Name]. I deeply appreciate the time and effort the admissions committee has dedicated to reviewing my application. I am writing to express my continued enthusiasm for [College Name] and to share some recent updates that reflect my growth and commitment to my academic and extracurricular pursuits.”


Final Thoughts

A LOCI is your chance to reaffirm your enthusiasm and show admissions committees why you’re an excellent fit for their school. Approach it thoughtfully and use it to highlight how you’ve grown since applying. Best of luck! 🍀

If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted, don’t lose hope! A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a powerful tool to reinforce your commitment to a college and provide updates on your accomplishments. Here’s a guide to writing a standout LOCI.

What is a LOCI?

A LOCI is a formal yet concise letter you send to the admissions office to:

  • Reaffirm your interest in the college.

  • Share updates since you submitted your application.

  • Highlight why the college is still your top choice.

Admissions committees use LOCIs to gauge your enthusiasm and evaluate any new information that strengthens your application.


When to Send a LOCI

  • Deferred Applicants: Send your LOCI shortly after receiving your deferral notice, ideally in January or early February.

  • Waitlisted Applicants: Send it soon after being placed on the waitlist, typically in March or April.


How to Structure Your LOCI

1️⃣ Reaffirm Your Interest

Start by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to remain in consideration. Then, state your continued interest clearly and sincerely.

Example: “I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in [College Name]. After careful reflection, I remain certain that [College Name] is the best fit for my academic and personal growth.”


2️⃣ Share Meaningful Updates

Highlight recent accomplishments or experiences that weren’t included in your original application. These could include:

  • Improved grades or test scores.

  • Awards or recognitions.

  • Leadership roles or community involvement.

  • Personal growth or new insights related to your goals.

Be concise but specific, focusing on achievements that align with the college’s values.


3️⃣ Reconnect Your Goals to the College

Reiterate why the school is an excellent fit for you and how you would contribute to its community. Mention specific programs, professors, or organizations that excite you.

Example: “[College Name]’s [specific program] aligns perfectly with my interest in [field], and I am eager to contribute to [organization or initiative].”


4️⃣ Express Commitment (if applicable)

If the college is your top choice, let them know you would enroll if admitted.

Example: “If offered admission, I would be honored to accept and contribute fully to the [College Name] community.”


Tips for Writing a Strong LOCI

  • Keep it concise: Aim for 300–400 words.

  • Be professional: Use a formal tone and proofread carefully.

  • Follow instructions: If the college provides specific guidelines, adhere to them.

  • Avoid repetition: Don’t rehash your entire application; focus on what’s new.


Sample Opening Paragraph

“Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to remain in consideration for admission to [College Name]. I deeply appreciate the time and effort the admissions committee has dedicated to reviewing my application. I am writing to express my continued enthusiasm for [College Name] and to share some recent updates that reflect my growth and commitment to my academic and extracurricular pursuits.”


Final Thoughts

A LOCI is your chance to reaffirm your enthusiasm and show admissions committees why you’re an excellent fit for their school. Approach it thoughtfully and use it to highlight how you’ve grown since applying. Best of luck! 🍀

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