Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI): What They Are & How to Write One That Actually Counts

February 10, 2025 :: Admissionado

Introduction: You’re Not Out Yet!

You open your decision letter, heart pounding, expecting a clear yes or no. Instead, you see it—waitlisted or deferred.

Now what? Are you supposed to just sit and wait?

Enter: The Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI).

A well-crafted LOCI can actually improve your chances of getting off the waitlist or turning a deferral into an acceptance. But only if you do it right. Let’s break down what a LOCI is, why it matters, and how to write one that actually works.

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?

A Letter of Continued Interest is a short, strategic letter that serves one key purpose: showing the admissions committee that you’re still all in—and that admitting you would be a great decision.

A strong LOCI communicates three things:

• You’re still interested. Schools don’t want to waste a spot on someone who’s lost interest. Make it clear that this school is still your top choice.
• You’ve been busy achieving great things. Whether it’s awards, leadership roles, or major projects, update them on new accomplishments since you submitted your application.
• You’d say YES immediately if offered a spot. If this is your top choice, tell them outright—you’ll accept their offer without hesitation.

A LOCI is not just a casual “Hey, don’t forget about me!” note. It’s a tactical move that, in some circumstances, can push your application over the edge.

Deferred vs. Waitlisted: When Should You Send a LOCI?

Not all LOCIs are sent at the same time—it depends on whether you were deferred or waitlisted.

• Deferred → Your application was pushed from Early Decision/Early Action to Regular Decision. This means the school is still considering you, but wants to compare you against the RD pool.
• When to send your LOCI: ASAP—ideally in early January before final RD reviews begin. The sooner they see your continued interest and updates, the better.
• Waitlisted → The school likes you, but the class is currently full. If spots open up (after admitted students decline offers), they’ll pull from the waitlist.
• When to send your LOCI: After initial RD decisions are released, typically by mid-April. Some schools accept LOCIs even later, but it’s best to get yours in early.

Timing matters. A well-timed LOCI can remind admissions officers why you’re a strong candidate exactly when they’re making decisions.

How to Write a Killer LOCI

A strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) isn’t just about reminding the admissions office that you exist—it’s about proving why you deserve a spot. Here’s how to craft one that makes an impact:

1. Start Strong

• Subject line: “Letter of Continued Interest – [Your Name]”
• Open with gratitude. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application and for keeping you under consideration.
• Reaffirm your strong interest. Be direct—let them know their school is still your top choice (if that’s true).

2. Provide Meaningful Updates

Admissions officers want to see progress, not repetition. Use this space to share new developments since your original application:

• Academic achievements (higher grades, AP/IB exam scores, major projects).
• Extracurricular updates (new leadership roles, competition results, community impact).
• Higher test scores (if applicable and if the school still considers them).
• Notable experiences (internships, research, independent projects that strengthen your profile).
• Demonstrated interest (recent campus visits, meaningful conversations with professors or admissions reps).

3. Show Them You’re a Perfect Fit

• Mention a specific program, class, professor, or opportunity that excites you—something that proves you’ve done your homework.
• Explain why their school is still your #1 choice. Be personal and authentic, not generic.
• Keep it concise—one page MAX. Admissions officers are busy; respect their time.

4. End with Confidence

• Politely express your enthusiasm and hope for reconsideration without sounding desperate.
• Thank them again for their time and consideration.
• Sign off professionally with your full name and application details.

A LOCI isn’t just a formality—it’s a strategic move. Write with confidence, clarity, and purpose, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at turning that waitlist or deferral into an acceptance.

Example of a Strong LOCI (Short & Sweet)

Subject: Letter of Continued Interest – [Your Name]

Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to take a moment to express my continued enthusiasm for [School Name]. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to still be considered for admission, and I’d love to reaffirm that, if accepted, I would attend without hesitation.

Since submitting my application, I have [mention new achievements—e.g., won a science competition, taken on a leadership role, improved test scores, completed a research project, etc.]. Additionally, my [visit to campus or conversation with a professor/admissions officer/alumni] reinforced my excitement about [specific program, class, or extracurricular opportunity] and how it aligns with my academic and career goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate all the effort your team puts into this process, and I hope to have the opportunity to join the [Mascot or school nickname] family!

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Application ID (if applicable)]

Common LOCI Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Chances

Avoid these pitfalls if you want your Letter of Continued Interest to actually help your case:

• Begging or sounding desperate. Admissions officers respond to confidence, not desperation. Focus on why you’re a great fit, not why you need a spot.
• Restating your original application. They already know your GPA and activities—only share new achievements that strengthen your candidacy.
• Making it too long. Admissions officers are busy. Keep it to 250-400 words, max. Short, impactful, and to the point.
• Forgetting to proofread. A letter full of typos or grammar mistakes hurts your credibility. Proofread carefully, or better yet, have someone else review it before you hit send.

Final Takeaways: Does a LOCI Really Help?

• A strong LOCI won’t hurt you—and can increase your chances at schools that track demonstrated interest. Some colleges consider these letters when making final decisions.
• If done right, it reminds the admissions committee why you belong there. A well-crafted LOCI reinforces your enthusiasm, highlights your recent accomplishments, and keeps your application fresh in their minds.
• But don’t rely on it alone. Even with a strong LOCI, waitlist and deferral acceptance rates are unpredictable. Make sure you secure backup options so you’re prepared for any outcome.

While a LOCI isn’t a guarantee, it’s a smart, strategic move that can work in your favor—so make it count.