If You Were Deferred or Waitlisted… Your Letter of Continued Interest Can Change Your Outcome

Essential College Coaches
3 days ago
2 min read

If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted, read this carefully:

This is not a love letter. It’s a strategy document.

Handled correctly, a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can advance your application.

Let’s be very clear about what this letter is and what it is not.

What a LOCI Actually Does

A strong LOCI tells admissions two things:

You are still serious about this school
You are a stronger applicant now than when you applied

Admissions officers are not looking to be convinced that you love the school. They are evaluating whether admitting you still makes strategic sense.

How to Open Your LOCI (And Why This Matters)

Start with gratitude and clarity.

Your opening should:

Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration
Clearly state that this is your top-choice college

Admissions teams are managing yield, and clarity works in your favor.

The Body: Updates (Where Most Students Blow It)

This is where weak letters die.

Your updates must be:

New
Specific
Substantial

Use bullet points. Be concise. Include only real developments since you applied, such as:

Improved or finalized grades
New leadership roles
Awards or honors
Research progress
Internships, jobs, or meaningful project milestones

What not to do:

Rehash your original application
Add filler to “make it longer.”
Include activities that haven’t actually changed

If it doesn’t move your profile forward, leave it out.

The Body: Fit (The Strategic Connection)

Next, you connect your updates directly to this school.

This is where specificity separates strong applicants from everyone else.

Reference:

Specific programs or concentrations
Professors or research initiatives
Institutional values
Opportunities unique to the school

Then tie them to your goals.

Not: “I love your campus and community.”

But: “My recent research in X aligns directly with Professor Y’s work in Z, and I’m eager to pursue this through [specific program or lab]

How to Close Professionally

End with confidence and maturity.

Your closing should:

Reiterate genuine excitement
Offer to provide additional information if helpful
Include a formal sign-off with your full name and contact details

Polished. Respectful. Done.

Quick Rules You Cannot Ignore

🚫 No complaining🚫 No desperation🚫 No generic praise

✅ One page maximum

✅ Proofread like your admission depends on it, because it does

✅ Follow the school’s exact instructions and portal rules

The Truth Most Students Don’t Hear

If you’re going to send this letter, do it with intention. Strategy always beats emotion, and admissions officers can discern the difference immediately.

This is your opportunity to show growth, clarity, and fit. Use it wisely.