How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest

Getting waitlisted by your dream college isn't the end of the road. It’s more like a “hang on, we’re not done yet!” moment. This is where a letter of continued interest, or LOCI, comes into play. In this guide, we’ll explore how to craft a compelling LOCI that might just tip the scales in your favor. From what to include to how to keep it genuine, you’ll find all the tips you need right here.

Why Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to write this letter?” Good question! A LOCI shows the admissions committee that you’re serious about attending their institution. It’s a way to remind them of who you are, update them on any new achievements, and express your continued enthusiasm for their program. It’s like sending a friendly nudge, saying, “Hey, I’m still here, and I’m still really interested!”

Think of it like dating. If you’re really into someone and haven’t heard back after a couple of dates, you might send a text to check in and express your interest. Just like in dating, being genuine and respectful is key.

Getting Started: What to Include in Your LOCI

Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of your letter. What exactly should you include? Here’s a breakdown:

• Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the admissions committee for considering your application. This sets a positive tone right from the start.
• Reaffirm Your Interest: Clearly state your continued interest in the school. Be specific about why the school is a great fit for you‚Äîmention programs, professors, or extracurriculars that excite you.
• Update on Achievements: Have you won an award, taken on a new leadership role, or improved your grades since you applied? Share these updates to strengthen your application.
• Reiterate Fit and Contribution: Briefly remind them of how you would contribute to their community and why you‚Äôre a perfect fit.
• Close with Courtesy: Politely close your letter, thanking them again for their time and consideration.

Here’s a simple example of how you might start your LOCI:

Dear [Admissions Officer's Name],

Thank you for reviewing my application and placing me on your waitlist. I’m writing to express my continued interest in [University Name] and to update you on some recent achievements.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Admissions officers are busy folks. They appreciate brevity, so aim to keep your letter to one page. You want to get your point across without overwhelming them with too much information. Think of it like a highlight reel, not a full-length feature film.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your LOCI under 500 words. This forces you to be concise and to the point, focusing only on the most important updates and expressions of interest.

Show Genuine Enthusiasm

Your passion for the school should shine through in your LOCI. This isn’t the time for generic statements. Instead, personalize your letter by mentioning specific programs, faculty, or aspects of the school that excite you.

For instance, rather than saying, “I love your school,” you might say:

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to study under Professor Smith, whose research in environmental science aligns perfectly with my career goals.

That said, enthusiasm should be balanced with professionalism. Avoid going overboard with exclamation points or overly casual language.

Highlight New Achievements and Updates

Your LOCI is the perfect place to share any new achievements or updates since you submitted your application. Did you win a competition? Start a new project? Improve your grades? Let them know!

Here’s an example of how to frame your updates:

Since submitting my application, I have been awarded the Science Fair Excellence Award for my project on renewable energy solutions. This experience has further fueled my passion for environmental science, which I am eager to pursue at [University Name].

Remember, the goal is to provide information that strengthens your application and shows growth or progress.

Maintain a Professional Tone

While it’s important to express enthusiasm, maintaining a professional tone is crucial. Think of your LOCI like a business letter. Use formal salutations and closings, and avoid slang or overly casual language.

Here’s how you might close your letter:

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am hopeful for the opportunity to become a part of the [University Name] community.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Using a respectful and polished tone shows that you’re serious and committed to the process.

Proofread Like a Pro

Before you hit send, make sure your LOCI is free of typos and grammatical errors. A clean, well-written letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Reading your letter out loud can help catch mistakes that your eyes might miss. You might also consider asking a teacher or mentor to review your letter and provide feedback.

If you’re short on time or need an extra pair of eyes, Spell can be a great tool to help you polish your letter. With AI-powered editing, you can get your LOCI in tip-top shape in no time.

Timing Is Everything

When should you send your LOCI? Timing can vary depending on the school, but generally, sooner is better. Aim to send your letter a few weeks after you receive your waitlist notification. This keeps you fresh in the minds of the admissions committee while giving you time to gather any new updates or achievements.

Of course, if you have a significant update later on, it’s perfectly acceptable to send a second LOCI. Just be sure not to overwhelm the committee with too many communications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While writing your LOCI, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Being Too Generic: Personalize your letter to the school. Avoid generic phrases that could apply to any institution.
• Overloading with Information: Remember to keep it short. Focus on the most important updates and expressions of interest.
• Sounding Desperate: While it‚Äôs important to express your interest, avoid sounding too eager or desperate. Aim for a tone that‚Äôs enthusiastic yet professional.
• Neglecting to Proofread: Typos and errors can undermine your message. Take the time to proofread or use tools like Spell to catch mistakes.

When to Follow Up

If you haven’t heard back after sending your LOCI, it’s okay to follow up. However, give the admissions committee some time. A follow-up email a few weeks after sending your LOCI is usually appropriate.

In your follow-up, briefly reiterate your interest and ask if there’s any additional information you can provide. Keep it short and respectful, as you don’t want to come across as pushy.

Final Thoughts

Writing a letter of continued interest can be a valuable step in the waitlist process. By expressing your enthusiasm and providing meaningful updates, you can reinforce your commitment to your dream school. And if you need a little help along the way, Spell is here to assist you in crafting a polished and professional letter that stands out. Remember, persistence and positivity can go a long way!