
If you’ve been deferred by your dream college, you’re not alone. Regardless of the reason, the good news is that you can receive a second chance by sending them a letter of continued interest. However, whether you can be accepted off the waitlist depends on how you craft the letter to impress admissions officers. Keep reading to learn some tips!
In This Article:
What Is A Letter Of Continued Interest?
As the name implies, a letter of continued interest (LOCI) shows the admissions committee that you still want to attend and study at a school or university. It informs them of your unwavering interest even when you’ve been deferred or waitlisted. The formal letter also keeps the school updated on your new achievements since your last admissions application.

Remember that being on the waitlist means that the university still considers you as a competitive candidate. Therefore, a LOCI can be your second ticket to your dream school, entirely convincing the admissions officers that you deserve a slot.
There are some cases you should write this powerful letter to increase the chance of acceptance:
- The college asks for more information: When the review board wants more documents from you, the door to that university is more wide open. They might not be completely convinced by your original application materials. Write a LOCI to showcase other accompaniments and prove to them that you can become a good student.
- You are expecting higher scores: According to our survey at UndocuScholars, many applicants aren’t satisfied with their entrance scores and are considering retaking the exams. If you’re in the same boat, don’t forget to include the result in your letter of continued interest. This is a big plus and might leave a more positive impression on the admissions committee.
- You sent the applications early: If you applied to the school too early, it’s a good idea to send a LOCI to demonstrate your enduring interest. Showing your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
- You have a strong desire for certain programs: It’s a wise move to convey your persistent interest in your favorite programs in the LOCI. However, don’t send the letter to all schools. Only target the top choices on your wishlist.
3 Steps To Write A Letter Of Continued Interest
Review The Program’s Guidelines
When working with candidates at UndocuScholars, we noticed that many neglect to recheck the program’s guidelines and the school’s requirements before crafting a compelling letter. This is a big mistake, as some might overlook important documents or information.
For example, some schools require waitlisted students to wait until a certain date before reaching out. Others might ask for additional information in the letter, such as your standardized test scores or improved grades.
Failing to meet these requirements will take a toll on your reputation. You can easily find this information in the FAQs section or the guidelines regarding the waitlist process on the college’s website. Or contact them directly via the admissions committee’s official emails.
Follow A Letter Of Continued Interest Outline
While it’s advised to write a personalized letter, you should follow a letter of continued interest template to not miss out on any crucial points.
Introduction
Start your letter by addressing a specific person. We received many letters with a “To whom it may concern” opening, and this might hurt your chances of admissions. Instead of generic greetings, address the person who sent you the deferral letter. Otherwise, you can use the name of the director of admissions. Regardless, ensure you spell their names precisely.
Next, you should express your gratitude for being on the waitlist (at least you didn’t get rejected!). Be respective and positive here because there is still a second chance for you. Don’t forget to reconfirm your continued interest in the college and emphasize that this college is your first choice. Be sincere here, as the admissions officers only value genuine enthusiasm.
Example:
Dear Mr. John,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being considered as part of the applicant pool, even though I have been deferred/waitlisted.
I want to reaffirm my strong and continued interest in attending ABC College. After learning more about the unique academic opportunities, supportive campus community, and inspiring environment, I am even more convinced that ABC College is the ideal place for me to grow and pursue my goals.
Your Relevant Updates
This is the key part that makes you stand out from other compelling candidates. You’ll want to mention new accomplishments, such as higher GPA, improved ACT or SAT scores, new honors, awards, skills, or opportunities.
Regardless, only share 2-3 updates that are really related to your applied program. Ranting about your new achievements on pages will do more harm than good. In our experience, the college admissions committee only spends a few minutes on each letter. So, be selective!
Also, we can’t stress enough that you SHOULD NOT repeat any accomplishments in your initial application. Otherwise, the officers might think that you haven’t achieved anything new since. In each update, don’t forget to explain what it is about, what you gain from it, and how it contributes to your value.
Example:
I am writing to share some exciting updates regarding my academic and extracurricular progress since submitting my application.
First, I am pleased to inform you that I have successfully increased my GPA to 3.75. I have worked diligently to enhance my academic performance, and I am confident that this improvement reflects my dedication to my studies and my passion for the Environmental Science field.
Additionally, I have become an active member of the Environmental Volunteer Club, where I participate in weekly beach and river clean-up events every Sunday. This hands-on involvement in environmental conservation has strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and has given me valuable experience in grassroots environmental efforts.
Furthermore, I have been selected to join a research team focused on studying the impact of COVID-19 on air pollution in my region. This project has deepened my understanding of environmental issues in the context of global events and has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in environmental science.
Personal Touches
This is optional, but personal elements give you an edge over other waitlisted students. However, be sure your stories are aligned with the original application theme. For example, you can share that you’ve gone to the university, and this visit even further reinforced your interest.
Or, you can briefly explain why you want to attend this school or the incoming class. Be specific, like mentioning your favorite professors, programs, facilities, or opportunities.
Closing
You don’t need to be fancy here. Just say thank you again and reaffirm your interest in studying at that school.
Recheck The Letter
This powerful letter can be your last chance to get accepted. So, review and check for any typos or grammatical errors. Also, be sure that the document covers all the necessary information and has a positive tone. You can have a teacher, friend, or family member read it again and give feedback.
Letter Of Continued Interest Example
Here is a sample letter to help you craft an impactful LOCI.
Dear Mr. Johnathan,
I hope this message finds you well. I would like to sincerely thank the Admissions Committee for taking the time to review my application and granting me the opportunity to be considered further. XYZ University remains my top choice, and I am still deeply committed to joining the Computer Science program. If admitted, I would be thrilled to contribute to the university’s vibrant academic community.
Since submitting my application, I have made several strides that I am excited to share with you. First, I have improved my GPA to 3.6, reflecting my dedication to academic excellence and my ability to consistently push myself toward higher standards. This accomplishment demonstrates my readiness to take on the rigorous coursework at XYZ University.
Additionally, I have recently completed an online course in Java programming, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of object-oriented programming and gain hands-on experience writing efficient code. This course has solidified my passion for Computer Science and my eagerness to dive into XYZ’s advanced curriculum.
Lastly, I collaborated with peers on a coding project to develop a simple to-do list app. This project gave me practical experience in problem-solving, debugging, and team collaboration, reinforcing my commitment to creating tools that enhance everyday life through technology. I am excited about the possibility of honing these skills further at XYZ University and contributing to the dynamic innovation culture of its Computer Science program.
Once again, thank you for considering my application. XYZ University’s reputation for fostering groundbreaking research and cultivating an inspiring learning environment aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I am eager to contribute to and grow within its community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if any additional materials are needed to assist in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
5+ Tips To Write A Continued Interest Letter
Focus on Your Ideal Program
When writing a LOCI, prioritize your top-choice school or programs. Customizing your strong letter to show specific interest in their offerings can leave a strong impression on the admissions committee. If time allows, you can create tailored letters for other schools as well.
Use Positive and Polite Language
Always keep your tone polite and optimistic. Show gratitude for the opportunity and emphasize your continued interest in the program. Admissions committees appreciate professionalism and positivity, so avoid sounding discouraged about being waitlisted.
Avoid Mentioning Other Opportunities
Focus entirely on the school you’re writing to. Avoid talking about other schools or options you’re considering, as this could make you seem less committed. Highlight your dedication to their program and why it is your top choice.
Tailor Your Letter
Treat the LOCI as an opportunity to persuade the committee. Personalize it for the school by highlighting what excites you about their program. This should feel like a focused “Why Us?” essay, showcasing your unique enthusiasm.
Keep It Short and Easy to Read
Make your letter concise and well-organized. Admissions teams are busy, so a clear and straightforward letter is more likely to grab attention. Edit for clarity and brevity to ensure an enjoyable reading experience.
What If You Don’t Have Any Major Updates?
If you haven’t earned significant new awards or achieved major milestones, don’t worry—you can still write a strong LOCI by showcasing smaller but meaningful updates:
- Volunteer work: If you’ve contributed additional hours to a cause or project, describe what you learned and how it aligns with the program’s values.
- School or community contributions: Share any new roles or responsibilities you’ve taken on, such as leading a school club, organizing an event, or helping with a community project.
- Job shadowing or internships: If you’ve pursued opportunities to explore a career or academic interest, mention how these have reinforced your enthusiasm for the field.
- Extracurricular activities: Highlight any new achievements or increased involvement in clubs, sports, or hobbies.
- Personal projects: If you’ve undertaken independent learning, creative projects, or certifications (e.g., online courses), share how these experiences have prepared you for success in the program.
FAQs
Should I send a letter of continued interest to all schools?
No, only if the school allows it and provides clear instructions.
What is my chance of acceptance from the waitlist?
It varies by school and year, ranging from a handful of students to hundreds.
How long should a LOCI be?
It should be one page or less. Keep it concise and clear.
When should I send the LOCI?
You can send a letter of continued interest within a few days, but avoid holiday periods if notified close to them.
Conclusion
A letter of continued interest is a powerful tool for demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm after being waitlisted or deferred. Remember to follow each school’s specific guidelines, highlight meaningful updates, and express genuine interest in the program. If you need more help, don’t hesitate to contact us!