So, you’ve been waitlisted at your dream school—what now? While it’s certainly not the end of the road, it can feel like an uncertain waiting game. But here’s the good news: being on the waitlist doesn’t mean you’re out of the running. In fact, there’s still plenty you can do to boost your chances of turning that waitlist into an acceptance letter. The key is demonstrating your continued interest and making sure the admissions team knows just how passionate you are about joining their campus. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively craft a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) and explore other strategies to make your case even stronger—all while keeping your approach genuine and professional. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Purpose of a LOCI
A Letter of Continued Interest serves multiple functions:
Reaffirming Interest: It communicates to the admissions committee that the institution remains your top choice.
Updating Achievements: It provides a platform to inform the college about any recent accomplishments or developments since your initial application.
Demonstrating Fit: It allows you to articulate how your goals and values align with the college’s mission and offerings.
Key Components of a Strong LOCI
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is your opportunity to remind the admissions committee why you’re still a strong candidate and how you’ve continued to grow. A well-structured LOCI should be concise, focused, and professional. Here’s what to include:
1. Address the Right Person
Start with a formal salutation directed to the Director of Admissions or the specific officer who sent your waitlist notification. Double-check names and titles for accuracy—it adds a professional touch.
2. Open with Gratitude
Begin by thanking the admissions team for reviewing your application and keeping you on the waitlist. Acknowledge the competitiveness of the process and express appreciation for still being in consideration.
3. Reaffirm Your Interest in the School
Make it clear that this institution is still your first choice. If you’re committed to enrolling if admitted, state it directly. Schools value students who genuinely want to be part of their community.
4. Provide Meaningful Updates
Use this section to highlight any notable achievements since you submitted your application. Focus on updates that strengthen your profile, such as:
Academic Progress – Higher grades, new coursework, or research projects.
Extracurricular Growth – Leadership roles, community involvement, or new initiatives.
Awards & Achievements – Any recent recognitions that add weight to your application.
Keep these updates relevant and impactful—show how you’ve continued to develop in ways that align with the school’s values.
5. Show Why You’re a Great Fit
Instead of just saying you’re interested, explain why this school is the perfect place for you. Mention specific programs, professors, campus organizations, or research opportunities that match your goals. This demonstrates that your interest is genuine and well-researched.
6. End with a Strong Conclusion
Close your letter by restating your excitement about the school and your readiness to contribute to its community. Offer to provide any additional materials if needed and thank the committee again for their time.
7. End with a Professional Sign-Off
Wrap up your letter with a courteous and professional closing. Use phrases like “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name and contact details. This ensures clarity and leaves a polished final impression.
Best Practices for Crafting Your LOCI
- Clarity and Conciseness: Keep your letter succinct, ideally within one page. Admissions officers appreciate brevity given the volume of applications they review.
- Professional Tone: Maintain a respectful and formal tone throughout. Avoid casual language or slang.
- Proofreading: Ensure your letter is free from grammatical errors and typos. Consider having a mentor, teacher, or counselor review it before submission.
- Timeliness: Send your LOCI promptly after receiving the waitlist notification. This demonstrates proactive engagement.
Common Mistakes in LOCIs
Crafting a compelling Letter of Continued Interest requires careful attention to detail. However, many applicants make errors that weaken their impact. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Being Too Generic: A vague letter that simply restates enthusiasm without specifics does little to strengthen your case. Instead of broad statements like “I love this school,” mention particular courses, faculty members, or campus initiatives that align with your goals.
- Providing Irrelevant Updates: While it’s important to share new achievements, updates should be meaningful. Admissions committees are looking for academic, extracurricular, or personal growth that directly supports your application. Avoid minor updates that don’t add value.
- Using a Desperate or Apologetic Tone: Your LOCI should be confident and professional. Avoid language that sounds like pleading or regret—focus on how you’ve grown and why you’re still an excellent fit.
- Submitting Multiple Letters: Some applicants think sending multiple follow-ups will improve their chances. However, unless the school explicitly allows additional updates, one strong LOCI is sufficient.
Alternative Ways to Show Interest While on the Waitlist
Submitting a strong LOCI is important, but it’s not the only way to show a school that you’re still eager to join their community. Here are some additional ways to reinforce your enthusiasm:
- Engage with School Events: Many colleges host virtual Q&A sessions, campus tours, or meet-and-greets for waitlisted students. Participating in these events not only gives you more insight into the school but also signals to the admissions team that you’re still very interested.
- Connect with Students or Alumni: Speaking with current students or graduates can give you a better feel for campus life. If these conversations provide valuable insights, you might even reference them in your LOCI to show your active engagement.
- Check If You Can Submit Additional Materials: Some schools allow waitlisted applicants to provide extra materials, like an updated resume or another recommendation letter. Before sending anything, check the school’s policy to ensure it’s allowed.
- Keep Building Your Profile: Even after submitting your LOCI, stay focused on excelling in academics and extracurriculars. If you earn any major achievements, consider sending a brief follow-up to update the admissions team.
These small but meaningful actions help demonstrate that your interest goes beyond simply wanting a spot—you’re excited about becoming part of their community.
Ethical Considerations
Integrity is a key part of the college admissions process. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), applicants should always communicate honestly with schools. It’s perfectly fine to express your commitment to enrolling if admitted, but any statements you make should be truthful. Providing misleading information or exaggerating details can backfire and may even put your admission at risk.
Additional Steps to Enhance Your Chances
Maintain Academic Excellence: Continue to perform well in your current studies. Colleges may reevaluate your application based on your latest grades.
Stay Engaged: Remain active in your extracurricular activities and community involvement. This demonstrates ongoing commitment and personal development.
Seek Counselor Support: Consider asking your school counselor to advocate on your behalf by reaching out to the admissions office. Such endorsements can provide additional context to your application.
How The Princeton Review Can Help Waitlisted Students
The Princeton Review’s admissions counseling services can be a helpful resource for students on the waitlist, even though they don’t specifically focus on Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI).
- Personalized Guidance: Their counselors provide expert advice on how to navigate waitlist situations, helping you refine your approach and make strategic decisions.
- Application & Essay Support: While their services are geared toward personal statements and supplemental essays, their feedback can also help improve your LOCI or other written communications.
- Post-Application Support: They guide students through evaluating their options, ensuring you make the best choices as you wait for a decision from a school.
While not specifically focused on LOCIs, The Princeton Review’s expertise in college admissions can provide valuable insights and support during the waitlist process.
Conclusion
Being on the waitlist can feel like being in limbo, but it’s far from the end of the line. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee how committed you are to being part of their community. By sending a well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest and taking the initiative to keep them updated on your progress, you give yourself the best possible shot at turning a waitlist decision into an acceptance. The most important thing is to remain genuine and clear about your intentions. Patience, combined with a strategic approach, can make all the difference. Keep showing your enthusiasm, stay focused on your goals, and you’ll be one step closer to making your college dreams a reality.