How To Write a College Letter of Continued Interest: Your Guide to Reaffirmation
Getting waitlisted at your dream college can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You’re thrilled to still be in the running, but the uncertainty can be tough. One powerful tool you have at your disposal during this waiting period is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). This isn’t just any letter; it’s your chance to reiterate your genuine interest, highlight new accomplishments, and convince the admissions committee why you belong on their campus. Let’s break down how to craft a compelling LOCI that gives you the best possible shot.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Continued Interest
Before you start writing, it’s crucial to understand why this letter matters. The primary goal of your LOCI is to reiterate your strong desire to attend the college. You want to remind them why you were a good fit in the first place and to showcase any positive developments since you submitted your initial application. Think of it as a final, persuasive push. It’s your opportunity to influence their final decision and show the admissions committee that you are still very interested in attending their school.
Step 1: Research and Personalization – The Key to Standing Out
Generic letters are easily spotted and often dismissed. Personalization is paramount. Your LOCI should be tailored specifically to the college you’re addressing. This means doing your homework. Revisit the college’s website, read recent news articles, and if possible, connect with current students or alumni. This research will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and provide specific examples of why this college is the right fit for you.
Step 2: Crafting a Compelling Opening: Hooking the Reader
Your opening paragraph is crucial. It needs to immediately grab the reader’s attention and clearly state your purpose. Don’t beat around the bush. Clearly state your continued interest and reiterate your strong desire to attend the college if admitted. You can also briefly mention any significant updates since your initial application.
Step 3: Reaffirming Your Interest: Show, Don’t Just Tell
Don’t just say you’re interested; show them. Reference specific programs, professors, or aspects of campus life that resonate with you. This demonstrates that you’ve given serious thought to attending this particular institution. Mention specific reasons why this college aligns with your academic and personal goals. For example, “I was particularly excited to see Professor X’s recent research on Y, which directly aligns with my interest in Z.”
Step 4: Highlighting New Achievements and Developments
This is where you shine. Since your application, have you received any new awards, improved your grades, taken on leadership roles, or participated in significant extracurricular activities? Detail these accomplishments concisely and focus on how they strengthen your candidacy. Don’t just list them; explain the impact of these achievements and how they demonstrate your growth and commitment. Focus on the impact of these achievements.
Subheading: Quantifying Your Successes
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers add credibility and show the tangible results of your efforts. For example, instead of saying, “I volunteered at a local food bank,” say, “I volunteered at the local food bank, contributing over 50 hours and assisting in providing meals to over 200 families.”
Step 5: Connecting Your Goals to the College’s Offerings
This is where you bridge the gap between your aspirations and what the college offers. Explain how the college’s specific programs, resources, and community will help you achieve your goals. Demonstrate that you’ve thought about how you’ll thrive on their campus. For example, “I am particularly drawn to your [specific program or department] because it will provide me with the specialized knowledge and resources I need to pursue my career in [field].”
Step 6: Addressing Any Concerns or Gaps (If Necessary)
If there were any weaknesses in your initial application (e.g., lower grades in a particular subject), this is your opportunity to address them. Briefly and positively explain what you’ve done to improve in those areas. For example, “Since my application, I have dedicated myself to improving my performance in [subject] by [specific actions, e.g., attending tutoring, forming a study group]. My grade in this area has since improved significantly.” Avoid dwelling on the negative; focus on the positive steps you’ve taken to overcome any challenges.
Step 7: Expressing Gratitude and Reiteration of Desire
Always express your gratitude for their time and consideration. Thank the admissions committee for the opportunity to be considered and reiterate your unwavering interest in attending the college. Make it clear that it is still your top choice. A sincere expression of gratitude can leave a lasting positive impression.
Step 8: Proofreading and Editing: The Final Polish
Before you submit your LOCI, meticulously proofread and edit it for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos. Ask a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor to review it as well. A polished letter reflects your attention to detail and seriousness about attending the college.
Step 9: Formatting and Submission Guidelines
Adhere to the college’s specific submission guidelines. Some colleges may prefer a letter, while others might have an online form or portal. Pay attention to the word count limits, formatting requirements, and submission deadlines. Following these guidelines demonstrates your respect for their process.
Step 10: Timing is Everything: When to Send Your LOCI
Generally, it’s best to send your LOCI shortly after receiving the waitlist notification. Waiting too long could suggest a lack of interest. However, be mindful of the college’s deadlines. Check their website for specific instructions or guidelines regarding LOCIs. If no guidelines are provided, sending it within a week or two is usually a good timeframe.
Subheading: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Sending a generic letter.
- Focusing solely on past achievements without highlighting new ones.
- Being overly aggressive or demanding.
- Failing to proofread and edit thoroughly.
- Ignoring the college’s specific guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I haven’t had any major new accomplishments?
If you haven’t had any significant new accomplishments, focus on highlighting your continued enthusiasm for the college and reiterating why it is your top choice. You can also elaborate on existing interests and how they align with the college’s offerings.
Should I include information about other colleges I’ve been accepted to?
Generally, it’s best to avoid mentioning other acceptances unless there’s a compelling reason to do so. The focus should remain solely on your interest in this particular college. If you absolutely must mention another acceptance, frame it in a way that emphasizes your unwavering preference for the waitlisted school.
How long should my Letter of Continued Interest be?
Aim for a letter that is concise and impactful, usually between one page and one and a half pages. The length should be dictated by the content, not by arbitrary word counts. Focus on quality over quantity.
What if I’ve already visited the campus?
If you’ve already visited the campus, you can mention specific aspects of your visit that further solidified your interest. This could include interactions with students, faculty, or unique campus experiences. Mentioning something specific from your visit shows that you are genuinely interested.
Can I submit multiple Letters of Continued Interest?
It is generally recommended to submit only one LOCI. Submitting multiple letters can be seen as excessive and may not be viewed favorably. Focus on creating one, well-crafted letter that fully expresses your interest and demonstrates your commitment.
Conclusion: Your Path Forward
Writing a compelling Letter of Continued Interest is a strategic step in the college admissions process. By understanding its purpose, personalizing your message, highlighting new developments, and expressing genuine enthusiasm, you can significantly increase your chances of being admitted. Remember to focus on specific details, express your continued desire to attend, and adhere to the college’s guidelines. Through careful planning, thorough research, and a well-crafted letter, you can effectively reassert your interest and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!