How to Write a Great Letter of Continued Interest That Gets You Off the Waitlist

You’ve put your heart and soul into your application, only to receive that dreaded waitlist notification. Now you’re in limbo. Not rejected, but not accepted either. This uncertainty can be crushing, especially when you’ve set your sights on your dream school.

But here’s what most applicants don’t realize: a thoughtfully crafted letter of continued interest (LOCI) can significantly improve your chances of admission.

I still remember working with a client who was waitlisted at her dream policy school. She was devastated and ready to give up, but we crafted a compelling LOCI that highlighted her recent promotion and community leadership role. Three weeks later, she called me in tears of joy! Not only was she admitted, but she also received a partial scholarship. These transformations aren’t rare exceptions. They happen regularly when applicants understand how to effectively communicate their continued interest and value to admissions committees.

I’ve seen countless clients transform their waitlist status into an acceptance letter by learning how to write a compelling letter of continued interest with examples that resonate with admissions committees.

When I founded The Art of Applying in 2010 with a $10,000 grant from Harvard Business School while completing my dual degrees at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, I made it my mission to demystify the admissions process. Since then, we’ve helped thousands of applicants gain admission to top graduate programs and secure over $30 million in merit scholarships.

One of the most powerful tools in our Application Accelerator program? Teaching clients how to write a LOCI that actually works. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about crafting a strong letter of continued interest that moves you from the waitlist to the accepted pile.

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?

A letter of continued interest is a formal communication sent to an admissions committee after you’ve been waitlisted or deferred. This letter serves as both a strategic update and a reaffirmation of your desire to attend if admitted to their institution.

Many applicants mistakenly believe that once they’re waitlisted, their fate is sealed. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Admissions committees create waitlists precisely because they anticipate changes in their incoming class. Some accepted students will choose other schools, creating openings that need to be filled.

Your LOCI lets the college know that you remain on the waitlist by choice and would accept an offer if extended.

Let me be real with you for a moment. Being waitlisted can feel like emotional whiplash. One day you’re planning your future at your dream school, and the next, you’re in this strange limbo. It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, anxious, or even a little angry. But here’s what I tell all my clients: a waitlist is not a rejection. It’s an invitation to continue the conversation. Schools don’t waitlist candidates they aren’t interested in. They see your potential, and now you have a chance to remind them why they were right to consider you in the first place.

Without this letter, the school might assume you’re no longer interested in attending.

When to Send a Letter of Continued Interest

Timing matters significantly when sending your LOCI. Here’s when you should consider sending one:

After Being Waitlisted or Deferred: Send your first letter within 1-2 weeks of receiving your waitlist letter. This demonstrates your prompt and continued interest.

When You Have Meaningful Updates: If you’ve achieved something significant since you submitted your initial application (a promotion, completed project, improved GPA, new standardized test scores, etc.), a new LOCI highlighting these recent accomplishments is warranted.

Before Key Decision Dates: Consider sending a letter of continued interest 2-3 weeks before the school makes final decisions about their waitlist. This puts you back on their radar at a critical moment.

In my experience working with successful applicants, I’ve noticed that timing can be as strategic as content. One of my clients who was waitlisted at a top-5 MBA program sent her initial LOCI promptly, then strategically timed a follow-up right before the deposit deadline for admitted students. Her reasoning? She knew this was when some admitted students would decline their offers, creating openings. Her timing paid off. She received an acceptance call just three days after the deposit deadline passed.

Remember that every school has different policies regarding communication from waitlisted applicants. Some welcome multiple LOCIs, while others prefer minimal contact. Always follow the specific guidance provided by each program.

Essential Elements to Include in a Letter of Continued Interest1. Clear Expression of Continued Interest:

Your letter should explicitly state that the program is your top choice (if true) and that you would attend if admitted. Admissions committees prioritize candidates who are still interested in the school, as this improves their yield rate. A metric many schools track closely.

Example: “I am writing to reaffirm that Harvard Kennedy School remains my absolute first choice, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if given the opportunity.”

This is where authenticity matters tremendously. Admissions committees have finely-tuned “sincerity detectors” after reading thousands of applications. Don’t just say a school is your top choice because you think that’s what they want to hear. Be genuine about why this particular program resonates with you. As one of my mentor colleagues at a top law school once told me, “Of course applicants cannot appear strategic with a ‘take me because I will attend’ approach, but rather they must be sincere.” Your authentic enthusiasm for a program shines through when it’s real, and falls flat when it’s manufactured.

2. Updates on Achievements and Activities:

Highlight any relevant accomplishments, experiences, or improvements since submitting your original application. This might include:

New professional responsibilities or promotionsAcademic achievements or improved GPARelevant volunteer work or extracurricular activitiesNew projects or initiatives you’ve ledAdditional coursework or certifications

These updates demonstrate your continued growth and readiness for the program.

3. Specific Reasons for Your Interest:

Reiterate your interest in the specific school you are addressing. Reference particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or unique program features that attract you. This shows you’ve done your homework and have a genuine connection to the school.

Be specific about how these program elements connect to your career aspirations. This reinforces that your interest is well-informed and authentic.

4. How You’ll Contribute to the Community:

Admissions committees seek students who will actively contribute to their campus community. Describe the unique perspectives, experiences, or skills you would bring to class discussions, student organizations, or collaborative projects.

Format and Structure of an Effective LOCI

A strong letter of continued interest follows a professional format while maintaining a personal touch:

Heading: Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s details.

Salutation: Address the letter to the specific admissions officer who signed your waitlist notification if possible. If not, “Dear Admissions Committee” is appropriate.

Opening Paragraph: Clearly state your purpose for writing and express gratitude to the admissions committee for reviewing your application and placing you on the waitlist rather than rejecting you outright.

Body Paragraphs: Share your updates, want to reiterate your interest, and highlight program-specific details that attract you.

Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm that this remains your top choice, thank the committee for taking the time to reevaluate my application, and express your hope for a positive outcome.

Signature: Close professionally with “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name.

Keep your letter concise. Typically, no more than one page or 500 words. Admissions officers review hundreds of applications and appreciate brevity.

Sample Letter of Continued Interest Example

Here’s a basic template you can adapt to write a letter of continued interest:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s Name]
[Title]
[School/Program Name]
[Address]

Dear [Specific Admissions Officer/Admissions Committee],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing regarding my application to [Program Name] at [X School] following my waitlist notification. I want to express that I am still interested in attending your program and would like to provide some updates since submitting my application.

Since applying, I have [describe 2-3 significant updates, achievements, or experiences relevant to your application]. These experiences have further strengthened my conviction that [Program Name] is the ideal environment for my academic and professional growth.

I want to reiterate that [Program Name] remains my number one choice because [provide 2-3 specific, well-researched reasons why this program aligns with your goals]. I am particularly drawn to [mention specific courses, professors, or opportunities unique to this program].

If admitted, I would contribute to the [School Name] community by [describe how your unique background, perspectives, or experiences would enhance the program]. My experience in [relevant experience] has prepared me to engage meaningfully with peers and faculty on topics such as [relevant topics].

Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain committed to [School Name] and would attend if admitted without hesitation. Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to support my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your LOCI1. Being Generic:

Avoid sending a template letter that could apply to any school. Personalization is key. Mention specific professors, courses, and program features that genuinely excite you about this specific school.

I often work with clients who are juggling multiple waitlists and worry about creating unique letters for each school. Here’s my insider tip: think of your LOCI like a custom suit. The basic structure might be similar, but the details make all the difference. Focus on customizing the first and last paragraphs to reflect your specific connection to each school. As one client put it, “They’re all the same except the names, right?” Not quite! While the middle sections highlighting your updates might be similar, the parts that express your specific interest in each program should be thoroughly personalized. This approach lets you be efficient without sacrificing authenticity.

2. Expressing Frustration:

Never express disappointment or frustration about being waitlisted or deferred. Maintain a positive, professional tone throughout your letter.

3. Providing Irrelevant Updates:

Focus on updates that strengthen your candidacy for this specific program. A new hobby might be interesting, but unless it relates to your field of study or demonstrates valuable skills, it’s probably not worth including in a letter of continued interest.

4. Being Too Brief or Too Lengthy:

A letter that’s too short may seem hasty and disinterested, while one that’s too long risks losing the reader’s attention. Aim for a concise, focused letter of about one page.

5. Failing to Proofread:

Spelling and grammatical errors suggest carelessness. Proofread carefully and consider having someone else review your letter before sending a letter of continued interest to the person who will be making decisions about your future.

Tips for Writing a Strong Letter of Continued Interest for Different ProgramsFor Law School Programs:

Law school applicants particularly value demonstrated interest and commitment. Your law school letter of continued interest should highlight your continued dedication to legal studies and any relevant legal experience gained since applying. Reference specific legal clinics, journals, or faculty members that attract you to their strong law school program.

For Business School Programs:

Business schools look for leadership potential and career progression. Focus on professional achievements, leadership experiences, and how the specific MBA program aligns with your career goals. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “increased department efficiency by 15%”).

What business schools are really looking for goes beyond just impressive numbers. Through my years of working with successful MBA applicants, I’ve learned that admissions committees are seeking evidence of your leadership philosophy and how you’ve influenced others. Don’t just tell them about your promotion. Share how you’ve mentored team members, navigated difficult decisions, or created positive change in your organization. One of my clients who got off the waitlist at Wharton focused less on her title change and more on how she’d transformed her team’s approach to problem-solving, complete with measurable results and lessons learned. This demonstrated not just achievement, but the kind of reflective leadership business schools value.

For Graduate Academic Programs:

Academic programs value research potential and scholarly interests. Highlight any research projects, publications, or academic achievements since your application. Mention specific faculty members whose research aligns with your interests and how you hope to contribute to their work.

For Medical School Programs:

Medical schools seek evidence of continued clinical exposure and commitment to medicine. Share updates about volunteer experiences, shadowing opportunities, or healthcare-related work. Emphasize your understanding of the school letter of continued interest and how it aligns with your vision of becoming a physician.

Success Stories: When LOCIs Made the Difference

In my years of admissions consulting, I’ve seen numerous clients get off the waitlist through compelling letters of continued interest. Here are a few examples:

Case 1: A client applying to top MBA programs was waitlisted at her dream school. In her LOCI, she highlighted a recent promotion and leadership of a major company initiative. She specifically connected these experiences to the school’s emphasis on transformational leadership. Three weeks later, she received her waitlist acceptance.

Case 2: A law school applicant used his LOCI to share his experience volunteering with a legal aid clinic since submitting his application. He connected this work directly to the school’s public interest law program. His demonstrated commitment to the field and clear connection to the school’s values helped him move from the waitlist to acceptance during regular decision.

I’ll never forget working with Marcus, a first-generation college graduate who was waitlisted at his top-choice policy school. Marcus came from a rural community and had dedicated himself to economic development in underserved areas. When he was waitlisted, he felt like an impostor, like he didn’t truly belong at an elite institution.

We worked together on a LOCI that didn’t just highlight his professional achievements, but authentically conveyed his unique perspective and the lived experience he would bring to classroom discussions. He also reached out to a former advisor who graciously connected him with faculty members at the school. This combination of a powerful LOCI and thoughtful networking made all the difference. Not only was Marcus admitted, but a faculty member specifically mentioned his letter as a factor in their decision to advocate for his admission. His story reminds me that sometimes the very things that make us feel different are actually our greatest strengths in the admissions process.

These stories share a common thread: specific updates relevant to the program, clear ways to express continued interest, and strategic timing.

When to Follow Up After Sending Your LOCI

After sending your initial letter of continued interest, you may wonder about appropriate follow-up. Here’s a balanced approach:

Wait at least 2-3 weeks before considering any additional letter or communication.Check the school’s waitlist process first. Some explicitly state their preferences regarding contact from waitlisted applicants.If you have significant new developments, a brief follow-up email may be appropriate. This might include a major award, publication, or professional achievement.Near decision deadlines, a short, polite email to reaffirm your interest can sometimes be effective.

Remember that quality always trumps quantity. One thoughtful, well-timed letter is far more effective than multiple generic communications.

Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from trusted advisors during this waiting period. One strategy that has worked well for several of my clients is reaching out to former professors or mentors who might have connections at your target school. As one successful applicant shared, “I reached out to my former advisor and asked if he had any feedback on how to get off the waitlist. He kindly reached out on my behalf to some of his colleagues at the law school and forwarded me their responses.” This kind of guidance can be invaluable, providing insider perspectives on what might strengthen your candidacy beyond just your letter.

How to Go About Writing LOCIs for Multiple Schools

If you’ve been waitlisted or deferred by multiple colleges, you’ll need to send a LOCI to each institution where you’re still interested in attending. Here are some tips:

Customize each letter: While you can use the same basic format, make sure to tailor each letter to the specific school you are addressing.

I advise my clients to create a “core” letter with their updates and achievements, then customize the beginning and end of each letter to reflect their specific connection to each school. For example, when one of my clients was waitlisted at Northwestern Law, she emphasized her Chicago ties in her introduction: “I talk about my Chicago ties because I went there as an undergrad and try to reiterate that Chicago is my home and I want to stay in this area.” These personal connections can make a significant difference, showing admissions committees that your interest is genuine and rooted in specific aspects of their program or location.

Track your communications: Keep a spreadsheet of which schools have received your LOCIs and when you sent them.

Prioritize your efforts: Focus your most detailed updates on your top choice schools.

Follow school-specific instructions: Some schools may invite you to update your application through a portal rather than sending a letter.

Your high school counselor can often provide guidance on how to manage communications with multiple schools effectively.

Conclusion: Your LOCI as a Strategic Tool

A powerful letter of continued interest is more than a formality. It’s a strategic opportunity to strengthen your candidacy and demonstrate your commitment to a program. When crafted thoughtfully, it can significantly improve your chances of admission from the waitlist.

The most successful applicants approach their LOCI with authenticity, specificity, and professionalism. They understand that admissions committees are looking not just for qualified candidates, but for students who genuinely want to be part of their community and will contribute meaningfully to it.

As you craft your own letter of continued interest, remember that this is your chance to advocate for yourself and provide the committee with compelling reasons to offer you admission. Be authentic, be specific, and be strategic.

I know being waitlisted can feel like you’re stuck in admissions purgatory, not quite rejected, but not yet accepted. It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in or to feel like you’ve somehow failed. But I want you to reframe this moment: being waitlisted means you’re qualified. The admissions committee sees your potential. Now it’s simply about reinforcing your fit and commitment to the program.

I’ve seen countless applicants transform their waitlist status into an acceptance letter with a thoughtful, strategic approach. You’ve come this far in your journey. Don’t give up now. Your dream school is still within reach, and a well-crafted LOCI might be the final piece that completes your admissions puzzle. Trust the process, trust your preparation, and most importantly, trust yourself.

If you’re struggling with how to write a LOCI or want expert guidance on navigating the waitlist process, our team at The Art of Applying has helped thousands of applicants successfully transition from waitlisted to admitted. Our Application Accelerator program provides personalized support throughout every stage of the application process, including crafting powerful letters of continued interest that get results.

Don’t leave your admissions outcome to chance. Book a Quick Call with our team to discuss how we can help you craft a compelling letter of continued interest that makes a real difference in your admissions journey.

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