How To Write a Good Letter of Continued Interest: Mastering the Art of Reaffirmation
Landing on a college or university’s waitlist can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ve put in the hard work, submitted your application, and now you’re in limbo. While waiting is often the hardest part, there’s a powerful tool you can use to tip the scales in your favor: the Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). This article will guide you through writing a compelling LOCI that showcases your unwavering commitment and increases your chances of acceptance.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Continued Interest
Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify the “why.” A Letter of Continued Interest is your opportunity to re-engage with the admissions committee and reiterate your genuine enthusiasm for the institution. It’s not just a formality; it’s a chance to demonstrate that you’re not giving up and that this school remains your top choice. Think of it as a second chance to make a first impression, especially after the initial application process.
Why a LOCI Matters: Reaffirming Your Commitment
Universities want students who are genuinely interested in attending. The LOCI allows you to explicitly state this, highlighting your continued desire to be a part of their community. It also provides an opportunity to address any new developments or accomplishments since your initial application, further solidifying your candidacy.
Crafting a Compelling Letter of Continued Interest: The Essential Elements
Now, let’s get into the meat of writing a strong LOCI. There are several key elements that should be included to maximize its impact.
1. Expressing Gratitude and Re-stating Your Interest
Start by expressing your sincere gratitude for the admissions committee’s time and consideration. Acknowledge that you understand the waitlist decision and reiterate your unwavering interest in attending the university. This sets a positive tone and immediately communicates your respect for the process.
2. Highlighting Significant Updates: What’s Changed Since Your Application?
This is arguably the most crucial part. What have you been doing since you submitted your application? This could include:
- Academic achievements: Did you improve your grades? Did you receive any awards or recognition?
- Extracurricular involvement: Have you taken on new leadership roles, participated in competitions, or achieved significant milestones in your extracurricular activities?
- Personal growth: Have you undertaken any volunteer work, developed new skills, or overcome any challenges that have shaped your perspective?
- Life events: Have there been any significant changes in your personal or family circumstances that have affected your life?
Be specific and provide concrete examples. Don’t just say you’ve been “busy.” Instead, describe your accomplishments in detail, quantifying them whenever possible.
3. Demonstrating Your Knowledge of the University
Show that you’ve continued to research and learn about the university. This demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment. Mention specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, or campus initiatives that have further solidified your desire to attend. This can be a great way to connect with the institution and show you have a good understanding of what they offer.
4. Tailoring Your Letter: Avoiding Generic Statements
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university. Your LOCI should be unique and personalized to the specific institution. Research the university thoroughly and use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge and interest. Generic LOCIs are easily recognizable and often ineffective.
5. The Importance of a Strong Closing
Conclude your letter with a strong closing statement that reiterates your enthusiasm and expresses your hope for a positive outcome. Reiterate your commitment to the university and thank the admissions committee for their continued consideration.
Formatting and Tone: Presenting Your Best Self
The way you present your LOCI is just as important as its content.
Maintaining a Professional and Enthusiastic Tone
Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout your letter. While you want to express your excitement, avoid being overly effusive or informal. Proofread carefully for any grammatical errors or typos, as these can detract from your credibility.
Formatting Guidelines: Keeping it Clean and Concise
- Keep it concise: Aim for a single page. Admissions officers are busy, so respect their time.
- Use a clear and readable font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are generally safe choices.
- Properly address the letter: Use the correct name of the admissions officer if possible. If you don’t know the name, address the letter to the Admissions Committee.
- Proofread meticulously: Errors can damage the impact of your letter.
Timing and Submission: When and How to Send Your LOCI
Timing is essential; you want to send your LOCI at the right moment.
Optimal Timing: When to Submit Your Letter
Submit your LOCI as soon as possible after receiving your waitlist notification. This demonstrates your immediate commitment. If you have significant updates, you can consider sending a second LOCI later in the admissions process, but generally, one well-crafted letter is sufficient.
Submission Methods: Following University Guidelines
Always follow the university’s specific instructions for submitting the LOCI. Some institutions may prefer email, while others may have a dedicated online portal. Adhering to their guidelines shows your attention to detail and respect for their procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your LOCI
Avoiding these pitfalls will significantly improve your chances of success.
1. Repeating Information From Your Initial Application
Do not simply rehash information from your original application. The LOCI is an opportunity to provide new information and demonstrate your continued growth and engagement.
2. Complaining or Being Negative
Avoid complaining about being waitlisted or expressing negativity about the process. Maintain a positive and optimistic tone throughout your letter.
3. Using Generic Templates
Do not use generic templates found online. Your LOCI should be tailored to the specific university and reflect your unique experiences and interests.
4. Being Overly Aggressive or Demanding
Avoid being overly aggressive or demanding. Be polite, respectful, and appreciative of the admissions committee’s time and consideration.
Beyond the Basics: Making Your LOCI Stand Out
While the essential elements are crucial, here are some extra touches that can elevate your LOCI.
Showcasing Your Fit: Connecting Your Goals to the University’s Offerings
Go beyond simply listing your accomplishments; connect them to the university’s specific offerings. How will your skills and experiences benefit the university community? How will the university’s programs help you achieve your goals?
Adding a Touch of Personality: Letting Your Authentic Self Shine
While maintaining a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a touch of your personality. This will make your letter more memorable and help the admissions committee get to know you better.
FAQs About Letters of Continued Interest
Here are some frequently asked questions about letters of continued interest.
Why is it so important to highlight new accomplishments in my LOCI?
New accomplishments demonstrate your continued growth, showing the admissions committee that you’re actively pursuing your goals and staying engaged. It also shows you’re still working to improve your application.
How do I find out who to address my LOCI to?
Check the university’s website or your application portal for contact information. If you can’t find a specific name, addressing the letter to the Admissions Committee is perfectly acceptable.
If I haven’t had any major updates, should I still send a LOCI?
Yes, even if you don’t have major updates, you can still express your continued interest and reiterate your reasons for wanting to attend the university. However, be mindful of not repeating information from your original application. Focus on what aspects of the university you still find appealing.
Can I mention other schools I’ve been accepted to?
While you can briefly mention that you have other offers, the primary focus should remain on why you want to attend this specific university. Expressing genuine enthusiasm is key.
How many LOCIs can I send?
One well-crafted LOCI is usually sufficient. Sending multiple letters can be seen as excessive. Focus on making your initial letter as strong as possible.
Conclusion: Securing Your Place
Writing a compelling Letter of Continued Interest is a strategic move that can significantly improve your chances of being accepted off the waitlist. By expressing gratitude, highlighting significant updates, demonstrating your knowledge of the university, and maintaining a professional and enthusiastic tone, you can create a letter that resonates with the admissions committee and solidifies your position as a highly desirable candidate. Remember to be authentic, personalize your letter, and follow the university’s specific guidelines. With careful planning and execution, your LOCI can be the deciding factor in securing your place at your dream school.