It’s tough to get deferred or waitlisted, and it’s normal to feel disappointed or uncertain about what to do next. But this isn’t the end. You still have a real chance, and what you do now matters. That’s why it helps to learn how to write a Letter of Continued Interest.

A good letter gives you another opportunity to connect with the admissions team. It reminds them who you are, shows what you’ve done since you applied, and proves you’re still interested. Here’s how to write one effectively.

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?

A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a concise, focused message that you send to a college to show interest after the college reviews your application. That’s a thoughtful follow-up that keeps your presence with admissions officers and provides updated, relevant information.

Colleges closely monitor demonstrated interest because it helps them predict whether you’ll enroll if accepted. Sending LOCIs can create a real difference in their decision, because it shows the school is still one of your top choices.

A powerful Letter of Continued Interest doesn’t repeat any information. It highlights what has changed or improved since you submitted your application, such as stronger grades, new achievements, updates to extracurricular activities, or leadership roles. At the same time, it also gives you a clear, honest chance to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school.

For some students, this is also an opportunity to express that the college is their absolute first choice, if that’s true.

When Should You Send a Letter of Continued Interest?

Sending a strong letter of continued interest at the right moment improves its impact, so you stay visible to the college admission office while the office finalizes decisions.

After a Deferral Decision

If an early application round defers you, you should send a letter relatively soon after you receive the decision. Students in the deferred pool are often reviewed again alongside regular decision applicants, so this is your chance to strengthen your position.

In such cases, sending a letter means you can:

• Reaffirm your interest
• Share meaningful updates to your application
• Strengthen your overall profile

For example, you might include improved grades, a recent achievement, or even a new recommendation if the school allows it. Sending your LOCI within a few weeks indicates initiative without burdening the admissions team. You can also address it directly to your regional admissions representative if that information is available.

After Waitlisting

If you’ve been placed on a waitlist school list, it means the college sees potential in your application but cannot offer admission yet. At this stage, a strong LOCI can support your chances of eventual waitlist acceptance. You should:

• Send your LOCI shortly after accepting your waitlist spot
• Continue sharing important updates if anything significant changes

If you’ve been waitlisted or deferred, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what to do next. Just remember that staying in touch shows commitment, but sending too many messages can have the opposite effect.

How You Should Format a Letter of Continued Interest?

A LOCI should be more focused than your original application materials. While a personal statement shares a more general story, when writing this letter, you must stay direct and brief. Aim for a length of around 300-500 words.

Make sure your structure is easy to follow so admissions officers can quickly see your main points. Using a simple format is most effective:

1. Start with a paragraph that shows gratitude plus states your purpose explicitly.
2. In the middle, share any new information or achievements since you applied.
3. Wrap up with a paragraph that reaffirms your interest and finishes politely.

Use regular formatting, including a professional greeting and brief paragraphs, and clear spacing. Avoid big blocks of text or creative layouts. Your goal is to be clear and professional so the reader can easily stay engaged from beginning to end.

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest for Deferral?

Writing a strong LOCI after a deferral is your chance to strengthen your application and present yourself in the best possible light.

🙏 Start with a Respectful Opening

Begin your letter by thanking the admissions team for considering your application and accepting the decision from the school that deferred you. Keep your tone relaxed and confident from the get-go. This first impression matters because an admissions reader will likely skim your letter quickly before deciding how much attention to give it. A direct opening sets the mood for everything that follows and shows maturity.

💡 Reiterate Your Interest

Early in your letter, make it clear that you are still genuinely interested in attending. If the college remains a top choice, you can say so, but only if it is honest.

Just reinforce your candidacy by showing that you are not just qualified, but also enthusiastic and committed. Colleges want students who are excited to enroll; clarity here can make a difference.

📈 Share Updates and Achievements

The most important part of your LOCI is showing what has improved since you applied. Pay attention to updates that truly add value to your application. This part could include academic progress, leadership roles, awards, or new projects.

And avoid restating information from your original application. Instead, highlight growth and ongoing progress.

🎓 Academic Progress and GPA Improvements

If your grades have improved, mention it here. A stronger GPA can markedly improve your profile, especially if it addresses any earlier weaknesses.

Be specific while concise. For example, you might note improved performance in challenging courses or consistent progress across subjects.

🧑‍🏫 Consider Input from a High School Counselor

In some cases, your High School Counselor can support your efforts by sending an update on your behalf. This support might include new academic information or background that strengthens your application. A counselor’s perspective always valuable, especially if they can highlight your growth, character, or contributions to the school community.

📝 Decide What to Include in a Letter

Knowing what to include in a letter is just as important as knowing what to leave out. Stick to updates that are relevant and meaningful. Strong examples include academic successes, leadership roles, or significant extracurricular progress. But you must avoid filler content or too many personal details that do not support your application.

Some colleges may allow you to submit an additional letter of recommendation, but not all do. It’s important to follow the directions provided by the admissions office. Sending extra materials when they are not requested can reflect poorly on your judgment.

If allowed, choose someone who can offer new insight into your abilities rather than repeating what has already been said.

✅ Close Confidently

End your letter by thanking the admissions team again and briefly restating your interest. Keep your closing simple and professional. A confident ending creates a lasting impression as well as reinforces your seriousness about attending. Do not over-explain or include unnecessary details at this stage.

Waitlist Letter of Continued Interest Tips

Don’t overthink it. The goal is simple: remind the college who you are and show that you still care about attending. If you got waitlisted, this is your chance to speak up again in a thoughtful, straightforward way.

Before you start writing, take a few minutes to carefully read the waitlist letter. Some schools give specific instructions about what they want or don’t want. Following those directions shows that you pay attention and respect their process.

Here are a few simple tips for writing that actually help:

• Keep it short and to the point.
  Admissions officers don’t have time to read long letters, so every sentence must serve a purpose. If something doesn’t add value, cut it.
• Give updates that really matter.
  Focus on substantial progress, such as in improved grades, awards, leadership roles, or new projects.
• Be specific about why you still like the school.
  Mention a program, class, or opportunity that really interests you and explain why it matters to your goals.
• Write in a frank tone.
  Write the way you naturally speak, just more polished. Authenticity stands out more than trying too hard to sound impressive.
• Don’t repeat what’s already in your application.
  Waitlisted applicants definitely should add something new. Avoid summarizing and build on your story by showing growth or new accomplishments.

It also helps to read your letter out loud before sending it. If something sounds awkward or excessively formal, fix it. Your voice should sound like you, just a more polished version.

Strong Law School Letter of Continued Interest Example

LOCI College Admission Sample (Boston University)