A letter of continued interest is a short update that a student sends to a college after being deferred or waitlisted. Letters of continued interest (or LOCI) indicate that the student remains interested in attending and requests that the school review my application again.
The letter also highlights new achievements not included in the original application. It does not promise admission, but it can add useful information during the admissions process.
Key Takeaways
- A letter of continued interest is a short update sent after being deferred or waitlisted to confirm interest and share new, measurable achievements.
- Students should send an LOCI only if the college allows updates and they have meaningful new information since their original application.
- A strong letter stays under one page, follows a clear format, and focuses on facts such as improved grades, test scores, or leadership roles.
- A LOCI can support an application during further review, but it does not guarantee admission or override institutional limits.
- Students should avoid repeating past materials, making emotional appeals, or ignoring the admissions office’s official submission guidelines.
What Does a Letter of Continued Interest Mean?
An LOCI is a formal message to the admissions office. Students send it after they are deferred or waitlisted. The letter confirms their continued interest in attending the school.
Colleges may delay a decision during Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision. A deferral means the school will look at the file again later, and understanding what getting deferred means for college can help students decide their next steps.
 A waitlist means the school may offer a place if space opens. In both cases, a letter of continued interest can provide additional information.
When to Send a LOCI for College
Students should only send an LOCI for college if the school allows updates. Each college has its own rules.
After Being Deferred
If a student applies Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, or Early Decision and receives a deferral, the school will review the file again. In this case, a student can write a letter if the admissions office accepts updates.
It is best to wait until there is something new to report. Strong midyear grades, higher test scores, or new awards can strengthen the message.
After Being Waitlisted
Students who are waitlisted or deferred should read the school’s instructions carefully. Some schools ask students to confirm their interest in attending before reviewing waitlist files.
If permitted, students may submit a letter confirming their intent to attend if admitted. This helps the school understand the student’s level of commitment.
When Schools Do Not Accept LOCIs
Some colleges clearly state that they do not want extra materials. Students must follow these rules. Sending additional documents when not required does not improve admission chances.
Do Letters of Continued Interest Actually Work?
An LOCI can help in certain cases, but it does not guarantee a different outcome. Colleges review many strong applicants each year.
How Admissions Committees Review LOCIs
The admissions office uses the letter to monitor progress. The committee may review an application again if there are clear updates. These updates must differ from the initial application and reflect stronger progress than what was included when you submitted your application, especially if students are already following solid college application tips.
Schools may seek higher grades, improved test scores, or stronger leadership roles. They want clear proof of growth.
What an LOCI Can and Cannot Do
An LOCI can show steady progress and real interest. It cannot fix major academic gaps or create space in a full class. Students should see it as a way to share facts, not as a guarantee.
How to Write and Format a Letter of Continued Interest
Learning how to write a letter of continued interest starts with clear goals. The letter should be short, specific, and focused on new information.
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest After Being Deferred
Begin by thanking the admissions office for reviewing your application. State that you remain interested in attending. Keep the tone calm and respectful.
Then explain what has changed since submitting my application. Focus on facts and measurable results.
Key Updates to Include
Useful updates may include:
- Higher senior year grades from high school
- New test scores
- Awards or honors
- Leadership roles
- Research or service work
Each point should be brief and clear. Avoid repeating details from the original application.
Demonstrating Fit
Explain how the college aligns with your goals. Please mention a program, course, or campus activity that aligns with your plans. Keep this section short and specific.
If true, state that you would attend if admitted. This shows serious interest without pressure.
Tone and Professionalism
The letter should sound polite and steady. Do not complain about the decision. Do not compare the school to others.
Stay focused on growth and commitment.
Basic LOCI format and template
A simple LOCI format includes:
- A short greeting to the admissions office
- A statement of continued interest
- Clear updates
- A brief closing
A letter-of-continued-interest template can help with structure, but each letter must feel personal.
To whom should a letter of continued interest be addressed?
Address the letter to the admissions office or to your assigned regional officer. Use the correct name if it is available on the school’s website.
How to submit your LOCI
Follow the school’s instructions. Some colleges accept uploads through the Common Application portal. Others request email submissions. Always check the official page before sending.
Types of LOCI
Reading a sample letter of continued interest can help students understand tone and layout.
For highly selective schools
At highly selective schools, such as Harvard, or other Ivy League universities, many students send updates. These LOCIs should focus on strong academic growth and clear impact. Specific results matter more than general statements.
For law school
Law schools often focus on GPA trends and changes in LSAT scores. They may also review work experience or research. Applicants can share new work achievements or academic honors. The message should remain direct and concise.
What Not to Include in a Letter of Continued Interest
Do not repeat your entire original application. Avoid emotional appeals or frustration. Do not list other colleges that accepted you.
Keep the focus on new facts and steady progress. Avoid claims about your chances of admission.
Advice From Online Forums
Online forums often share personal stories. These can give insight, but they do not replace official rules. Always rely on the admissions office for final guidance.
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FAQs About LOCIs for College
Is a LOCI Required?
Most colleges do not require one. Students should send it only if the school allows updates.
How long should my letter be?
Most letters should be under one page. Around 300-500 words is common. A shorter, well-organized letter is more effective than a long one.
Can you send more than one?
In most cases, one clear letter is enough. Extra letters without new information rarely help.
What If You Have No Updates?
If nothing has changed, it may be better not to send one. A short note of continued interest is acceptable only if the school allows it.
