How to Write Letters of Continued Interest (LOCIs)
If last year’s admission season was any indication, students are about to see plenty of deferrals (possibly followed by waitlist offers). After hearing that they’ve been deferred or waitlisted, students often ask me what’s next. Understandably, they’re not always thrilled to hear that the answer is essentially another essay. However, letters of continued interest (LOCIs) are the best way to show a college that you truly want to be part of their community.
While LOCIs can be intimidating, the good news is that they’re actually not too difficult! Let’s break down how to tackle them:
How should I send a college my LOCI?
First, you want to read your decision letters and make sure that you follow all of the directions. There are some schools that have their own LOCI forms or simply ask students to not write LOCIs at all.
If you aren’t given any instructions regarding LOCIs, check the college’s website to see if the college has an admissions counselor assigned to your geographic territory. If they do, you would address the LOCI to the admissions counselor and email it to them directly. If they don’t, you’re likely able to upload the letter directly to your applicant portal. In that case, you would write the letter in Word and address it to the general admissions committee.
What should I include?
Start off by thanking the admissions committee for their consideration. While it’s completely understandable to be frustrated by an admission decision, you want to keep the LOCI very positive.
Next, reinforce why you feel the college is the right fit for you. This is essentially a mini “Why Us” essay. However, you should be careful not to repeat any information if you already wrote an actual “Why Us” essay. If the college is your absolute first choice and you are positive you would enroll immediately if admitted, this is an appropriate place to say so.
Follow that up with any personal updates that have occurred since you initially applied. When thinking about updates, consider:
Academics - did your GPA increase? If you’re a future math major, did you get an A in your multi-variable calculus class?
Test scores - do you have higher ACT/SAT scores to report?
Extracurriculars - did you start a new job? Were you named captain of your spring sport?
Career-related activities - are you a future interior designer that just started an internship? Did you have an opportunity to speak with a marketing professor at the college you’re writing the LOCI for?
Awards - did you receive any new academic or extracurricular-related awards? Are there any updates related to the awards you already reported? For example, being named a National Merit Finalist is a great update to include!
Finish up by thanking the admissions committee again and reiterating that you’re a hopeful future [insert mascot here].
What should I do after sending my LOCI?
Part of what makes being deferred or waitlisted so stressful is that you don’t have any control. After sending in your LOCI, focus on what you do have control over. Visit the colleges you’ve already been admitted to, work to maintain your GPA, or simply have fun with your friends!