How To Write A Continued Interest Letter: Securing Your Dream School Spot

So, you’ve applied to your dream school, and you’re playing the waiting game. Months might have passed, and maybe you’ve received a less-than-ideal decision. Perhaps you’re on the waitlist. Don’t despair! A well-crafted Continued Interest Letter (also known as a Letter of Continued Interest or LOCI) can be your secret weapon. This article will guide you through every step of writing a compelling LOCI that significantly boosts your chances of acceptance. We’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting a letter that resonates with admissions committees and showcases your unwavering dedication.

Why a Continued Interest Letter Matters: Making Your Case After a Decision

The admissions process is complex, and a rejection or waitlist placement doesn’t always mean the end. Sometimes, it’s a signal that you need to do more to stand out. A LOCI allows you to re-emphasize your interest, provide updated information, and demonstrate that you are still a viable and enthusiastic candidate. It’s your final chance to make a positive impression. Ignoring the option to send a LOCI can be a missed opportunity, but writing a weak one can actually harm your chances. We’ll ensure yours is anything but weak.

Understanding the Waitlist vs. Rejection: When to Send a LOCI

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to understand the context. If you are rejected, you should still consider sending a LOCI, but your approach will differ slightly. For waitlist candidates, a LOCI is almost a necessity. If you were rejected, your LOCI needs to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of why you were rejected and that you have taken steps to improve the areas where your application may have been lacking. For waitlist candidates, your LOCI should reiterate your interest, provide updates, and show that the school is still your top choice.

Crafting Your Letter: Key Elements for Impact

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter: writing the letter itself. This is where your effort will pay off.

The Opening: Reiterate Your Enthusiasm and Express Gratitude

Your opening paragraph is your first chance to recapture their attention. Start by clearly stating your continued interest in the school and expressing your gratitude for their time and consideration. Avoid generic openings. Be specific. For example: “I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in attending [School Name] and to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for admission.” This shows respect and immediately establishes your purpose.

Highlighting Significant Updates: Showcasing Your Growth

This is the most crucial section. This is where you prove that you’re a strong candidate. Include any significant updates since you initially applied. Examples include:

  • Academic Achievements: Did you improve your grades in the last semester? Have you received any new honors or awards? Did you get a high score on a standardized test?
  • Extracurricular Activities: Have you taken on new leadership roles? Have you made significant contributions to your existing activities? Did you start a new club?
  • Work Experience: Have you gained new professional experience? Did you receive a promotion or commendation?
  • Personal Growth: Have you overcome any significant challenges? Did you make a positive impact on your community?
  • Relevant Test Scores: If you didn’t submit them previously or if you improved your scores, mention them.

Provide specific examples. Don’t just say you’ve been busy; show them.

Reinforcing Your Fit: Why This School, Still?

Reiterate why this specific school remains your top choice. Refer to specific programs, professors, research opportunities, or campus resources that appeal to you. Show them you’ve done your research and truly envision yourself at their institution. Mentioning these details demonstrates your genuine interest and makes your letter more compelling. This is not a copy-and-paste from your original application.

The Closing: Reiterate Your Commitment and Express Confidence

End your letter with a strong closing statement that reinforces your commitment and expresses confidence in your ability to succeed at the school. Thank them again for their time and consideration, and reiterate your enthusiasm for attending. A simple and effective closing is: “Thank you again for your time and consideration. I remain incredibly eager to join the [School Name] community and am confident that I would thrive within your program. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Formatting and Tone: Polishing Your Presentation

The content is essential, but the presentation also matters.

Formatting Guidelines: A Professional Appearance

  • Keep it concise: Aim for one page. Admissions officers are busy.
  • Use a professional font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are good choices.
  • Use standard margins and spacing: This makes your letter easy to read.
  • Proofread meticulously: Errors are a major red flag.

Tone and Style: Projecting Confidence and Enthusiasm

  • Be positive and optimistic: Avoid sounding desperate or entitled.
  • Be authentic: Let your personality shine through.
  • Be professional: Maintain a formal tone.
  • Avoid clichés: Use original language to express your thoughts.

Timing and Submission: When and How to Send Your Letter

Timing is critical.

When to Send Your Letter: The Ideal Timeline

  • Waitlist: Send your LOCI as soon as possible after receiving the waitlist notification.
  • Rejection: Send your LOCI within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., a few weeks) if you are still strongly interested.
  • Deadlines: Always adhere to any specific deadlines provided by the school.

How to Submit Your Letter: Following Instructions

  • Check the school’s guidelines: Some schools provide specific instructions on how to submit a LOCI.
  • Follow their preferred method: This could be email, an online portal, or even postal mail.
  • If no instructions are provided, email is usually acceptable.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Pitfalls to Steer Clear Of

Many applicants make avoidable mistakes.

Avoid Repeating Your Application: Fresh Information Only

Do not simply reiterate the information from your original application. This is a waste of their time and yours. Focus on new information and updates.

Don’t Sound Desperate: Projecting Confidence

While you want to convey your interest, avoid sounding desperate or overly eager. Maintain a confident and professional tone.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Attention to Detail

Typos and grammatical errors are unacceptable. Proofread your letter multiple times, and consider having a friend or family member review it as well.

Don’t Send Multiple Letters: One Strong Letter is Best

Avoid sending multiple LOCIs unless the school specifically requests it. One well-crafted letter is more effective than several rushed ones.

FAQs About Continued Interest Letters

Here are some frequently asked questions, answered to give you a more in-depth understanding.

What if I haven’t had any significant updates since I applied?

If you have limited updates, focus on the reasons why the school remains your top choice and how you see yourself contributing to the community. Research specific aspects of the school that appeal to you and highlight those. Even small details can demonstrate your genuine interest.

Is it okay to mention other schools I’ve been accepted to?

No, it’s generally not advisable to mention other acceptances in your LOCI. The focus should be solely on your interest in the specific school you’re writing to. Highlighting other acceptances can inadvertently diminish your perceived commitment.

Can I include attachments, like additional recommendation letters?

Generally, you should not include attachments unless specifically requested by the school. Stick to the concise format of a one-page letter.

How long should I wait to follow up after sending my LOCI?

It’s generally best to wait a few weeks after sending your LOCI before following up. You can then contact the admissions office to inquire about the status of your application, but be polite and respectful of their time.

What if I decide to attend a different school? Should I still send a LOCI?

If you’ve decided to attend another school, it’s best not to send a LOCI. It’s important to respect the school’s time and resources. Instead, you can focus on preparing for your new academic journey.

Conclusion: Your Path to Acceptance Starts Here

Writing a compelling Continued Interest Letter is a crucial step in the admissions process, especially if you’ve been waitlisted or rejected. By following the guidelines outlined in this article – from understanding the context to crafting a well-structured letter, paying attention to formatting and tone, and avoiding common mistakes – you significantly increase your chances of acceptance. Remember to focus on significant updates, re-emphasize your fit, and present yourself in a professional and enthusiastic manner. With a well-crafted LOCI, you can turn a setback into an opportunity and secure your place at your dream school. Good luck!