Letters of Continued Interest Guide

This guide walks students through how to write an exceptional Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) after being deferred or waitlisted by a reach university. It includes advanced strategies, common mistakes to avoid, a step-by-step template, and multiple sample letters tailored to different scenarios. Students should follow this guide to strengthen their candidacy with professionalism, authenticity, and focus.

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A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a short letter or email that deferred or waitlisted applicants send to admissions offices to reaffirm their desire to attend and to share significant new updates since applying. For students targeting ultra-competitive universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.), a well-crafted LOCI can be a subtle yet powerful tool to strengthen your candidacy. This comprehensive guide covers advanced strategies recommended by admissions experts, common pitfalls to avoid, the ideal tone and style to use, a step-by-step outline, and sample letters for various scenarios. Use this as a blueprint to create an effective, polished LOCI that highlights your continued enthusiasm without sounding desperate or repetitive.

Crafting a LOCI for a top-tier university requires more than the basics. Below are expert-recommended techniques – including some niche tips – to make your letter stand out:

• Follow Each School’s Instructions: First and foremost, check the college’s policy on additional materials. Some elite schools (e.g. Stanford, Carnegie Mellon) explicitly do not accept LOCIs, or they may require you to submit a specific form instead. Always follow the guidance in your deferral or waitlist letter. If they say no additional communications, do not send a letter. If they invite updates, proceed accordingly. Ignoring instructions can hurt your chances.
• Timing and Timing: Send your LOCI at an appropriate time. For early deferrals, many counselors suggest sending your LOCI by mid-January or early February (once you have meaningful updates like new grades or honors). For regular decision waitlists, aim to send your LOCI within a couple of weeks of being waitlisted. An early, thoughtful response signals genuine interest. If you later achieve something significant (e.g. a major award in spring), you might send one additional brief update in April, but avoid over-communicating (more on that below).
• Keep It Concise and Focused: Admissions officers read hundreds of files, so respect their time. A LOCI is typically about 200–400 words (around one page). This is not a full essay but a focused update. Deliver your points clearly and avoid fluff. A concise letter that stays on topic will grab attention without boring the reader.
• Open with Gratitude and Reaffirmation: Begin your letter with a polite greeting and a thank-you. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application again, and express appreciation for remaining under consideration. Then reassert your strong interest in the university. If the school is your absolute first choice and you will attend if admitted, say so unequivocally. Admissions experts agree that a LOCI is the right place to state this commitment clearly (only if it’s true). A sample opening might be: “Thank you for continuing to evaluate my application. [University] remains my top choice, and I would be thrilled to enroll if admitted.” This opening sets a positive, respectful tone and underscores your enthusiasm.
• Provide New and Meaningful Updates: The core of your LOCI should be new information – substantive updates that have occurred since you submitted your application. Admissions officers already know everything from your original application, so avoid rehashing old accomplishments. Instead, highlight recent achievements or developments that strengthen your profile:
  • Academic: Improved grades or GPA (e.g. strong senior fall or mid-year report), higher test scores (if applicable), or an academic honor. For example, if your new grades place you on the High Honor Roll or you earned a valedictorian title, mention it.
  • Awards & Honors: Any new awards, scholarships, or notable recognitions you received. “I was recently awarded the regional Science Olympiad gold medal,” for instance.
  • Extracurriculars: New leadership positions or milestones in your activities. Perhaps you became team captain, started a new project, or reached a significant goal (e.g. “launched a community initiative that now serves 100+ people”).
  • Projects/Research: Completion of a significant project, publication, or competition. For example, finishing a research paper, publishing a short story, or winning a hackathon could all be worth noting.
  • Personal Growth: Any notable personal development or experience that wasn’t in your application. This could include volunteer work, a new perspective gained, or overcoming a challenge – but only if it’s relevant to your candidacy.
• Always emphasize quality over quantity in your updates. It’s better to spotlight 1–3 significant developments with a bit of context than to list every minor activity from the past month. Explain briefly why each update matters. For example, if you assumed a new leadership role, you might add a sentence about what you’ve accomplished in that role and how it’s enhanced your skills. These updates show that you’ve continued to grow and excel, turning that initial “maybe” into a more convincing “yes”.
• Demonstrate Fit with Specifics: Top universities want to admit students who will thrive in their community. Use your LOCI to subtly strengthen the case that you and the school are a great match. One expert suggests including 2–3 brief details of “*Why [College]*” – specific reasons you feel connected to the school. This could be:
  • A particular program, class, or professor that excites you (e.g. a research program where you’d like to contribute).
  • Something unique about the campus culture, values, or opportunities that align with your goals. Maybe the school’s emphasis on undergraduate research, commitment to social justice, or vibrant entrepreneurial scene resonates with you.
  • A recent campus visit or virtual event experience that reaffirmed your desire to attend. For instance, “Visiting campus in February and attending a computer science class gave me a sense of the innovative spirit at [University], and I’m eager to be part of that environment.”
• Incorporate these details briefly, and only add ones that truly complement your original application. Weave them in naturally rather than sounding like you’re copying from the brochure. This shows you’ve done your homework and remain enthusiastic about what the school offers. Be careful not to repeat your entire “Why College” essay or recycle phrases from it, especially if you already wrote in-depth about your fit in the application. Instead, add a fresh tidbit or angle that further illustrates your interest.
• Highlight Continued Interest (Demonstrated Interest): If you’ve engaged in any school-related events since applying (like webinars, local meet-and-greets, or emailed with a faculty/student), you can mention one meaningful takeaway from that interaction. For example, “After speaking with a current student in March about her experience in the honors program, I’m even more convinced that [College] is the ideal environment to pursue my love of collaborative research.” This kind of detail both updates the admissions office and demonstrates that you’ve remained proactive in connecting with the school (a form of demonstrated interest). It reinforces that your enthusiasm hasn’t waned.
• Maintain Consistency with Your Application Narrative: Advanced tip – try to align your LOCI’s content with the broader themes of your application. Admissions consultants note that your updates can reinforce the core story or “angle” of your application. For instance, if your application emphasized your passion for environmental science and community service, and since applying you started a small recycling program in your neighborhood, that update dovetails perfectly with your profile. By choosing updates that fit your narrative, you remind the committee of who you are as an applicant in a cohesive way. It subtly strengthens your case that you will contribute in the areas you’ve always been passionate about, now with even more evidence to back it up.
• Use a Professional but Personal Voice: The LOCI should be written in your authentic voice – polished and respectful, yet still you. While it’s a formal letter, don’t be afraid to let your genuine excitement come through. The tone can be a blend of professional and warm (more on tone below), but the content should certainly be yours. Do not copy templates or let someone else write it for you. Admissions officers can often tell if a letter sounds formulaic or inauthentic. Plagiarizing another student’s LOCI or using overly automated language is a huge risk – if a college detects it, it could result in an automatic rejection. Instead, write from the heart, then polish the language. It’s okay to get help brainstorming or proofreading, but the narrative and words should be your own.
• Address and Format It Properly: Treat the LOCI as a formal correspondence. If possible, address it to the specific admissions officer who oversees your region or who signed your decision letter (e.g. “Dear Ms. Smith,”) – a personal touch – or simply to the Admissions Committee (“Dear [College Name] Admissions Committee,”) if you’re unsure. Use a proper greeting and closing. Typically, you’ll send the letter as an email or via your application portal upload, not as a physical letter, unless instructed otherwise. If emailing, include identifying info (your name and application ID or DOB) in the email or signature to help them locate your file. Maintain a polite letter format throughout.
• End with Gratitude and a Confident Close: In your concluding lines, thank the readers for their time/consideration again and re-emphasize your eagerness to attend. For example: “Thank you very much for considering my update. [University] remains my dream school, and I am as committed as ever to joining the Class of 2029 if given the opportunity.” This final reaffirmation, coupled with gratitude, leaves a positive impression. It signals maturity and appreciation for the chance to be reconsidered. Finally, sign off formally with “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
• One Letter is Usually Enough: Unless the college explicitly allows or encourages multiple communications, plan on sending a single, well-crafted LOCI. Pour your effort into making it great. Some experts note that if you have a significant new achievement later (e.g. a major award in April or an updated honor roll status), you can send a short update note at that time, but limit it to at most one additional update. Overloading the admissions office with letters is counterproductive (as we’ll discuss under pitfalls). In most cases, quality, not quantity, is the rule.
• Keep Exploring Other Options: This may not directly influence your LOCI content, but it’s an important mindset: continue looking at your other college options positively while you wait. Experts advise that after sending your LOCI, focus on choosing among the schools where you have been admitted, because waitlist decisions often come much later. In fact, you will likely need to submit an enrollment deposit to another college by May 1 to secure a spot, even as you hope for good news from the waitlist. Having this perspective can actually improve the tone of your LOCI – you’ll write it from a place of optimism and not desperation. Ironically, showing that you are resilient and have great alternatives can underscore that you’re a strong candidate who isn’t utterly dependent on this one outcome (while still making clear that it’s your top choice).

Even strong students can undermine their LOCI by making certain mistakes. Here are common pitfalls admissions officers and experts warn about – make sure to steer clear of these:

• Begging, Pleading, or Complaining: A LOCI should never devolve into emotional pleas or venting frustration. Avoid statements that sound like you’re begging for admission or bitter about the decision. For example, writing “[College] is my only dream school, I’m devastated to be deferred, please reconsider” will not help – it comes off as thankless or petulant. Admissions readers are looking for maturity and positivity, not guilt-tripping. As one expert advises, do not allow frustration to seep into your letter. Instead of complaining, maintain gratitude and optimism. Show that you respect the competitive process and are resilient. A positive tone conveys that you would be a great community member even in adversity. (We’ll discuss tone in the next section.)
• “Relitigating” Your Application: Don’t use the LOCI to re-argue points from your original application or to repeat your entire resume. The admissions committee has all your essays, transcripts, and recommendations already – they don’t need you to summarize them again. Phrases like “I just want to restate that I had a 4.0 GPA and was student body president” add no value. Remember, the LOCI is about new information. One admissions advisor notes that it’s tempting to enumerate all the reasons you’re an exceptional candidate, but resist that urge. Reiterating what’s already known can make your letter redundant and off-putting. Instead, focus on what’s changed or improved since you applied (new achievements, new insights). Do not re-send essays or additional recommendations unless the college specifically asks for them. Likewise, don’t suggest you can “fix” parts of your application – the LOCI is not the place to rewrite your personal statement or submit a project you forgot. Admissions officers say they have what they need; they are just open to a concise update letter if you have new things to share.
• Sounding Entitled or Arrogant: There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Avoid any language that implies the school made a mistake in deferring/waitlisting you or that you “deserve” admission. Even if you are an extremely strong student, phrasing like “I know I belong at [College] more than other admitted students” or “I trust you will recognize my talent” will backfire. Keep your tone humble and appreciative, rather than presumptuous. Also, don’t overdo praise to the point of flattery – “Your university is the greatest in the world and I can’t imagine life if I don’t get in” is over the top and comes across as insincere or desperate. Be genuine in expressing why you love the school, but keep it measured and respectful.
• Submitting a Generic Form Letter: A common mistake is sending the exact same LOCI to multiple schools, just swapping out the college name. Admissions officers can spot a generic letter that lacks school-specific details. This reads as if you’re not particularly invested in their school. Instead, personalize each letter to the institution. Include at least a couple of unique references that show your familiarity and excitement about that college’s offerings (whether it’s a special program, a shared value, or an experience you had). Failing to customize can make your LOCI forgettable. On the flip side, a well-tailored LOCI signals genuine interest, which can be a deciding factor when spots open up.
• Making It Too Long or Too Short: An overly long LOCI (multiple pages or a rambling essay) is likely to be skimmed or set aside – or worse, it could annoy the reader. Remember, brevity is key. Conversely, a one-sentence email saying “I’m still interested, thanks” is a missed opportunity. Hitting roughly three to four paragraphs and staying within one page is a good target. This shows you can communicate important info concisely, a skill appreciated by admissions. Stick to a tight structure: greeting, a short intro, one or two paragraphs of updates/fit, and a closing. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
• Ignoring Proofreading and Professionalism: Sloppy writing can undercut even the best content. Your LOCI should be error-free – no typos, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors. This letter reflects your writing ability and attention to detail just as much as your application essays do. Show that you care enough to polish it. Have a counselor, teacher, or mentor review it for clarity and correctness (but again, ensure it remains your voice). Also, maintain a polite and professional tone (no slang, texting abbreviations, or overly casual language). For instance, “Hey, just checking in…” would be too informal. Treat it like a formal letter for a job or an academic opportunity – clear, respectful, and well-formatted.
• Overloading the Admissions Office: Another red flag is sending multiple letters or excessive materials. Bombarding the admissions office with weekly emails, extra recommendation letters, project portfolios, or lengthy “updates” will likely irritate rather than impress. Yale’s admissions blog explicitly advises deferred students not to send “piles of updates” or to inundate officers with frequent messages. Similarly, following up too often to “check in” on your status can cross the line. Limit yourself to one well-crafted LOCI (and perhaps one very brief follow-up much later if truly necessary). Sending more than one unsolicited letter is generally viewed as overzealous. Trust that the admissions committee noted your first letter; patience is key from here. Use that energy to focus on other schools or other productive endeavors rather than pestering the admissions office.
• Disobeying Explicit Guidelines: As mentioned, if a school says don’t send additional info, then absolutely do not send a LOCI. Similarly, if they provide a specific mechanism (like an online portal form for updates or a fixed word-limit response), use that. Not following directions can be a kiss of death, as it shows you either didn’t read their instructions or think the rules don’t apply to you. Neither impression will help your case. Always double-check any instructions from your deferral/waitlist notification and stick to them precisely.
• False or Exaggerated Updates: This should go without saying, but ensure everything you report in your LOCI is truthful. Don’t inflate an “A-” to an “A” or claim an award you didn’t actually receive. Colleges can verify updates, and any dishonesty will result in a rejection (or rescinding of admission if they somehow admitted you). Stay honest and humble in describing your achievements.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can avoid the common traps that make LOCIs falter. Next, we’ll discuss the tone you should aim for, which is closely related to avoiding some of these mistakes.

What tone should you strike in a LOCI to a top university? Admissions experts recommend a blend of professionalism, warmth, and confidence – in other words, formally friendly. Here’s how to achieve the right tone:

• Professional and Respectful: Treat the LOCI as you would a business letter or email to a potential employer. Use polite salutations (“Dear…,” “Sincerely,” etc.) and maintain a respectful diction throughout. Your tone should be more professional than personal – avoid overly casual language or emojis, obviously​
• Show respect for the admissions committee’s time and consideration by being courteous (lots of “thank you” and “I appreciate…” rather than demands or presumptions).
• Positive and Grateful: The overall vibe should be hopeful, appreciative, and upbeat. Even if you’re disappointed about being deferred or waitlisted, the LOCI is not the place to express sadness or anger. Instead, emphasize how grateful you are to still be considered and how excited you remain about the school. A positive, gracious tone conveys emotional maturity – a trait admissions officers value. It shows that you can handle setbacks with resilience and optimism.
• Sincere and Warm: While maintaining formality, let your genuine enthusiasm show. The reader should feel that you are truly passionate about their university. Use an active voice and confident statements (“I was thrilled to…”, “I’m excited to continue…”) without going overboard. You can be friendly and authentic – for example, if there’s a particular anecdote (like a campus visit memory) that illustrates your excitement, it’s okay to share it briefly in a sincere tone. Avoid sounding sterile or too generic; the letter should still reflect you. Being warm might mean expressing your continued excitement or what you love about the community, in a respectful manner.
• Confident but Not Pushy: It’s important to project confidence in your abilities and fit, but not to the point of arrogance or entitlement (as noted in pitfalls). Use confident language when describing your updates or interest, e.g., “I’m proud to share that I achieved [XYZ]” or “I am confident that I can contribute to [University]’s [program] through [your skill].” At the same time, do not issue ultimatums or beg. Statements like “I promise I’ll attend if admitted” are fine (if true) as a commitment, but not “You won’t regret it if you admit me” – the latter is presumptive. Let your achievements and interest speak for themselves.
• Avoid Overwrought Emotion: As mentioned, don’t let the letter become too emotional. Expressing some emotion – like excitement for the school – is great, but don’t overshare feelings about the deferral or waitlist (e.g., fear, anxiety, or disappointment). Keep the focus on the positive steps you’ve taken and your forward-looking excitement. For example, instead of “I was heartbroken to be waitlisted,” you can say “While I was of course hoping for an offer of admission, I remain hopeful and more committed than ever to [University].” This way, you acknowledge the situation but pivot to optimism.
• Balanced Formality: Think of the tone as similar to a thank-you note after a job interview: you’re gracious, reinforce your interest in the position, maybe highlight something new, and you’re professional. That’s the balance you want in a LOCI. It should not read like another college essay or a casual text; it’s somewhere in between – a formal letter with a personal touch.
• Examples of Tone: Admissions officers often appreciate when students come across as mature, resilient, and coachable in their LOCI. For instance, saying “I understand this is a competitive process, and I’m thankful for a second review of my application” shows humility and understanding. Follow that with “I have used the past few months to further excel in my studies and projects, and I’m excited to share a few updates with you”, which shows proactivity and optimism. Throughout, the tone is polite (no complaints), enthusiastic (shows love for the school), and respectful (acknowledges their work and the competitive nature of admissions).

In summary, the recommended tone is formal yet upbeat – think polite, thankful, and confident. You want to come across as a passionate applicant who remains hopeful and would be thrilled (not entitled) to join their community. This blend of tone will maximize your LOCI’s impact.

Below is a structured outline you can follow when drafting your Letter of Continued Interest. This template incorporates the best practices discussed and can be adapted to any college. Each part of the outline corresponds to one paragraph (or a couple of short paragraphs) in your letter:

1. Greeting and Introduction – Start with a formal salutation. For example:
   Dear [Name of Admissions Officer] or Dear [University] Admissions Committee,
   In the opening sentence, thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application again (or for offering you a spot on the waitlist). State your continued strong interest in the school. If this college is your unequivocal first choice, explicitly say you will attend if admitted (only if that’s true). Keep this section brief (1-2 sentences).
   Example: “Thank you for considering my application in the Regular Decision round. [University] remains my top-choice school, and I am writing to reaffirm that I am still deeply interested in joining the Class of 2029.”
2. Update on Achievements and Activities – In the next paragraph, provide new information about your accomplishments since you applied. Focus on the most significant one to three updates:
   • Academics: Mention any notable academic improvements or outcomes (e.g., “I earned A’s in all my classes first semester, raising my GPA to X.YZ” or “I was recognized as AP Scholar with Distinction in January”). If mid-year grades are strong, you can note that you’ve asked your counselor to send them along if not already sent.
   • Honors/Awards: State any new awards or honors: “I won the statewide Math Olympiad in February” or “Our school newspaper, which I edit, just earned a national award.”
   • Extracurriculars: Highlight developments like leadership roles or projects: “I was elected captain of the debate team and led our team to win the regional championship,” or “I organized a successful fundraiser for our local food bank, doubling our initial goal.”
   • Personal Projects/Other: Include any relevant personal projects, jobs, or community service updates that strengthen your application: “I completed a college-level online course in computer science, which has prepared me for research opportunities at [University].”
3. Be specific but concise. Provide context in one sentence if needed to show why the achievement is meaningful. This section might be 4-6 sentences long. It’s often okay to use bullet points for multiple achievements in the draft, but in the final letter format, weave them into a cohesive paragraph or a short bulleted list if the college allows. Emphasize how these updates reflect your continued growth or align with your goals.
4. Connection to [University] – (Optional but recommended) In another short paragraph, strengthen the case that you’re a great fit for the school and genuinely excited about it:
   • Mention 1–2 specific features of the university that have drawn you in further. This could be an academic program, a distinctive learning approach, a professor’s work, or a campus culture element. For example: “Attending an online lecture hosted by the {University Center for Entrepreneurship} deepened my enthusiasm for [University]’s innovative spirit – it confirmed how much I want to learn from and contribute to this community.”
   • Briefly tie yourself to these features. Explain how you would take advantage of them or why they resonate with you. For example: “As someone who founded a coding club to mentor younger students, I was excited to see [University]’s emphasis on peer mentorship in its computer science department. I’m eager to both learn from and mentor others through the [specific program], should I join the campus.”
   • If you visited campus or interacted with students/faculty since applying, you can reference a takeaway: “After speaking with a current student in the biology program, I’m even more convinced that [University] is the ideal place for me to pursue research in neuroscience, because… [specific reason].”
5. Keep this section to ~3 sentences. The goal is to show that your interest isn’t generic; it’s informed and specific. This not only demonstrates continued interest but also shows you’ve thought about how you fit into the school’s ecosystem. (If you already covered “why this college” extensively in your original application, only include new or additional points that add value.)
6. Closing and Commitment – In your final lines, express appreciation and wrap up:
   • Thank the committee again for their time and consideration. A simple one-liner like “Thank you very much for reviewing my update and application.”
   • Reiterate your strong desire to attend. If you have not already stated it and it’s true, you can say something like: “If admitted, I will eagerly attend [University]” – a clear statement of commitment can leave a strong positive impression.
   • End on an optimistic, respectful note: e.g., “I remain honored to be on the waitlist and hopeful for the chance to join the [Mascot] family.” (Customize that sentiment to the school’s culture appropriately.)
   • Use a formal sign-off: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name. Below your name, you might include your high school and/or application ID for reference (optional but helpful especially if sending an email).
7. (Optional Attachments or Enclosures) – Generally, you don’t need attachments unless you have something the school explicitly allows (like an updated resume or portfolio piece) or something you mentioned that is better shown than described (for instance, the student in one famous example LOCI wrote that she had authored a children’s book and noted she would send a copy). In most cases, simply mentioning the achievement is enough. If you do include anything extra, keep it minimal and note it briefly in the letter (e.g., “I have included a scanned copy of the award certificate for your reference”). Ensure any extra materials are permitted by the college’s waitlist instructions.

By following this outline, you’ll have a coherent and comprehensive LOCI. Adjust the sections as needed for your situation – for example, if you have no additional “Why School” points to add, you can merge sections 3 and 4 into one concluding paragraph that thanks and reaffirms interest. The key is that the letter should clearly thank the committee, update them on your profile, and show continued enthusiasm for the school.

To illustrate these principles in action, below are five sample Letters of Continued Interest for different scenarios. These examples are for educational purposes – your own LOCI should be personalized to your experiences and voice. Each sample showcases a slightly different situation and tone, but all follow the general guidance from above.

Sample LOCI 1: Deferred After Early Action (EA)

Scenario: A student applied Early Action to an Ivy League university, was deferred to Regular Decision, and wants to reaffirm it is their top choice. The student has maintained strong grades and taken on a new initiative since applying in November.

Dear Admissions Committee,

Thank you for taking the time to review my application again during Regular Decision. I was deferred in the Early Action round, but [University] remains my absolute first-choice college – I am as committed as ever to joining the community, and I will gladly enroll if admitted. Since submitting my application in October, I have continued to challenge myself academically and grow as a student leader. I’m pleased to report that I earned A grades in all my fall term courses, including a 5 on the AP Calculus mid-year exam, which has brought my GPA up to 3.90. In December, I was elected President of the Science Club at my high school. In this role, I initiated a new mentorship program pairing upperclassmen with freshmen science enthusiasts. It’s been rewarding to help younger students design their first science fair projects – an experience that has strengthened my leadership and teaching skills. Additionally, I worked with my chemistry teacher on a small independent study project about green energy over winter break. This project culminated in a research report on solar panel efficiency that I’ve shared with my school’s sustainability committee to potentially inform our campus energy use.

I’m excited about these developments, as they reflect my passion for collaborative learning and scientific inquiry. Over the past few months, I also reaffirmed my desire to attend [University] through continued engagement. I attended two virtual student panels, including one about undergraduate research. Hearing current [University] students describe their research on climate change and how approachable their professors are only reinforced my feeling that I would thrive in [University]’s intellectually curious environment. In particular, I was inspired by the emphasis on student-led research at [University]. This aligns perfectly with my own initiative in high school of leading science projects, and I’m eager for the opportunity to contribute to research as a freshman – for example, I’m very interested in the work of Professor Johnson in renewable energy engineering, which I learned about through the panel. Thank you very much for considering my updates and for reviewing my application once more. I remain profoundly enthusiastic about [University]. If admitted from the deferred pool, I will enthusiastically join the Class of 2029 and bring my passion for science and community leadership to campus.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

ABC High School, Class of 2025

Sample LOCI 2: Waitlisted After Regular Decision (RD)

Scenario: A student was waitlisted in the Regular Decision round at a highly selective university. The student doesn’t have any huge new awards, but has shown consistency and a few improvements (e.g., a better SAT score and continued involvement). They want to convey ongoing interest and that they would attend if admitted, while keeping a positive tone.

Dear [University] Admissions Committee,

Thank you for offering me a place on the waitlist and for considering my application again. [University] is one of my top choices, and I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in attending. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to remain under consideration, and I want to confirm that I would absolutely attend if admitted. I have a few noteworthy updates since I submitted my application. First, I improved my SAT score from 1450 to 1510 on the December exam, reflecting the extra effort I put into mastering the math section. I’ve sent the official score report to be added to my file. Additionally, I successfully completed my IB Diploma coursework – my predicted score was updated to a 40/45, which I hope demonstrates my continued academic commitment through senior year. Outside the classroom, I’ve been able to take on more responsibility at my part-time job. In February, I was promoted to Shift Team Lead at the bookstore where I work, recognizing my dedication and customer service skills. This experience has honed my time management and leadership abilities as I balance work and school.

I also wanted to mention that I’ve continued volunteering weekly at the local food pantry (now over 200 hours of service). Through this, I’ve initiated a new collaboration between the pantry and my school’s community service club, which will sustain the volunteer pipeline after I graduate. I remain especially excited about [University] because of its unique Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program. As I’ve delved deeper into PPE content in my IB courses, I’ve often found myself thinking how perfectly [University]’s interdisciplinary approach suits my intellectual interests. I can envision myself engaging deeply with the PPE capstone research project and contributing a diverse perspective, drawing from my hands-on work experience and community service background. I also recently reached out to a current student ambassador, John Doe ’26, who shared how supportive the [University] community is – our conversation made it clear that [University] is where I want to be. Thank you for kindly considering these updates. I know this is a highly competitive process, and I am grateful for the continued consideration. [University]’s waitlist remains my hope, and if given the chance, I am ready to commit and contribute wholeheartedly to campus life.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

XYZ High School, Class of 2025

Sample LOCI 3: Highlighting a Major New Achievement

Scenario: A student has a significant accomplishment to report (e.g., won a prestigious award or launched a notable project) since submitting their application. The student was deferred or waitlisted at a top university and wants to emphasize this big update while also restating their interest.

Dear Ms. Smith, (Admissions Officer for Your Region)

Thank you for continuing to consider my application for admission. I was excited to remain under consideration on the waitlist, and I’m writing to express my continued strong interest in [University]. It truly remains my dream school – so much so that I will attend if admitted – and I have an important update to share regarding my candidacy. Since submitting my application, I achieved a significant milestone: in March, I was named a $10,000 National YoungArts Foundation Award winner in Classical Violin (Silver Award, top 2% nationally). This is the highest honor I have received for my music to date. As part of this award, I performed a solo piece in the winners’ concert series and participated in a week-long intensive masterclass program with renowned violinists. This experience not only honed my performance skills but also deepened my commitment to pursuing music as part of my college journey. I believe this honor speaks to my dedication and excellence in my craft, qualities I look forward to contributing to [University]’s vibrant music community. In addition to YoungArts, I also led my school orchestra to win first place at the All-State competition in February, as concertmaster. It was a thrilling few months in music for me, and I’ve grown as both a soloist and a leader of an ensemble.

Beyond music, I have stayed academically strong (my mid-year report shows a 4.0 UW GPA for senior fall) and involved in service. But most of all, these recent achievements have reinforced my desire to bring my passion and talents to [University]. I am particularly excited about [University]’s Music and Performing Arts Scholars Program, which I learned more about after my deferral. The program’s blend of conservatory-level instruction with a liberal arts education is exactly the environment in which I want to grow. I can already picture contributing to the campus orchestra and collaborating with fellow musicians and composers in the program. I am sincerely grateful for your consideration and hope this update illustrates how fervently I have continued to pursue my goals. [University] remains my top choice, and it would be my absolute honor to join the incoming class if a spot becomes available. Thank you very much for your time and kind attention to my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Violinist, ABC Youth Symphony

DEF High School, Class of 2025

Sample LOCI 4: Interest Despite Committing Elsewhere (Waitlist After May 1)

Scenario: It’s May, and the student has been waitlisted at their first-choice school but had to commit to another college by May 1 to secure a spot. The student wants to inform their dream school that they are still very interested and would attend if admitted off the waitlist, despite having enrolled elsewhere for now. This needs a respectful tone acknowledging the situation.

Dear Admissions Committee,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to reconfirm my continued enthusiasm for [University] and to provide a brief update on my status. I remain on the waitlist and would be absolutely thrilled to join [University]’s Class of 2029 if admitted. As required by the May 1 national response deadline, I have enrolled at another institution (State University) to ensure I have a college place for the fall. However, I want to emphasize that [University] is still my number one choice. If fortunate enough to receive an offer from the waitlist, I am fully prepared to withdraw from State University and commit to [University] immediately. My family and I understood that I needed to submit a deposit elsewhere due to timing, but my heart is still set on [University]. In the time since April, I have finished strong at high school. I’m proud to share that I graduated as valedictorian, which was announced in early May. Delivering my graduation speech was a highlight of my year and reflected on the growth I experienced throughout high school. Additionally, I was awarded the Science Department Prize at graduation for my independent research project on renewable energy.

These honors capped off a senior year that I believe has prepared me very well for the challenges and opportunities at [University]. I know that waitlist decisions are approaching, and I want to reiterate how committed I am to attending [University] if given the chance. I have kept in touch with a freshman I met during the admitted students’ weekend (which I attended for another school) who ended up choosing [University], and hearing about her first-year experience only affirms my desire to be a part of your community. Thank you for your continued consideration. I fully understand that the waitlist process is competitive and unpredictable, but I remain hopeful. Please know that an offer of admission from [University] will be met with an immediate “Yes!”

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

GHI High School, Class of 2025 (Valedictorian)

Waitlisted Applicant ID: 12345678

Sample LOCI 5: Renewed Commitment with Additional Updates

Scenario: A student sent an initial LOCI earlier (e.g., in February after a deferral) and now has a new update in April (perhaps a new honor or final competition result). The student wants to send a follow-up note to both share the new info and re-emphasize their commitment.

Caution: Not all schools welcome multiple LOCIs, but some allow a short update later in the spring. This example assumes it’s acceptable.

Dear Mr. Gonzalez, (Admissions Officer)

I hope you are doing well. I’m writing with a brief additional update to my application, and to re-express my continued enthusiasm for [University]. Since my last letter in February, I have exciting news to share: I was just awarded First Place in the statewide Young Innovators Engineering Competition for a robotics project I led at my school. This week, I presented my project (an assistive robotic arm prototype) at the state science expo and was honored to be recognized out of 50+ teams. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me because it validates the countless hours my team and I invested, and it underscores my passion for engineering solutions that help others. I’m eager to bring this same passion to [University]’s engineering clubs and research opportunities, should I be admitted. I also wanted to take this opportunity to renew my commitment: [University] remains my absolute top choice. The closer I get to graduation, the more certain I am that [University] is where I belong. I have been imagining myself walking through the Quad and engaging in discussions at [University]’s renowned Institute for Robotics, and I sincerely hope to make that a reality. I know the admissions committee will be making final decisions soon, and I am grateful to still be under consideration. Thank you once again for taking the time to review my updates. I appreciate your continued consideration and would be thrilled beyond measure to accept an offer to join the Class of 2029 at [University].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

XYZ High School, Class of 2025

Conclusion: Writing a LOCI for a top university can feel daunting, but by following expert advice and the structured approach above, you can compose a letter that is professional, enthusiastic, and effective. Remember to stay true to yourself – authenticity resonates. A well-crafted LOCI can reinforce your commitment and keep you on the admissions radar in the best possible light. After sending it, the best course is to hope for the best, but prepare for other great options. No matter the outcome, going through this process is a learning experience that will serve you in future endeavors. Good luck!