What to Do if You Are Waitlisted – Ivy League College Admissions
Letter of Continued Interest: The College Waitlist
What to do if you are waitlisted? College waitlists can be a frustrating experience for students. After putting in countless hours of hard work on their college applications, being put on a waitlist can feel like rejection. However, being waitlisted is not necessarily the end of the road. In fact, there are steps students (i.e. YOU) can take right now to increase your chances of getting off the waitlist and accepted — one of which is to write a letter of continued interest.
A letter of continued interest is exactly what it sounds like – a letter that expresses continued interest in attending a particular college or university.
It is a way for students to update the admissions committee on any new (read: impressive) developments since they submitted their application the first time, as well as reiterate their desire and commitment to attend the school if allowed to attend.
Here are some tips on how to write a good or effective letter of continued interest, and yes, it is something you should absolutely do. ++ I help with these letters for a flat rate of $150, if you want to contact me directly via the contact info at the top of my website: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com
Now, here is how to write your letter of continued interest:
1. Keep it concise and to the point
Admissions committees are busy and have a lot of applications to review, so it’s important to keep your letter brief and to the point. Start with a short introduction and then get straight to the updates you want to share. Make sure you express your continued interest in attending the school, but avoid repeating information that was already included in your original application. Your letter should not be more than 1 page, and ideally, not more than 1-2 paragraphs tops.
2. Highlight any new accomplishments or achievements
This is important! Since submitting your application, have you won any awards, received any special recognition, or taken on any new leadership roles? Use your letter of continued interest to highlight these accomplishments and explain how they demonstrate your continued commitment to your education and personal growth.
3. Be specific about why you want to attend the school
Use your letter of continued interest as an opportunity to reaffirm why you want to attend the school in question. Be specific about what draws you to the school and what you hope to gain from your education there. Do some research on the school’s programs, faculty, and resources, and use this information to tailor your letter to the specific school.
4. Show enthusiasm and passion
Admissions committees want to see that you are truly excited about the prospect of attending their school. Use your letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for your field of study and your desire to learn and grow as a student. Be genuine in your tone and avoid sounding too rehearsed or formulaic.
5. Follow up appropriately. Appropriately being the key word!
After you’ve sent your letter of continued interest, it’s important to follow up ONLY if you have additional, significant updates since your last letter. Be mindful of the admissions committee’s time however as more than 2 letters post-waitlist, unless you’ve published a book, or won the Noble Prize is really being too aggressive. The adcom is BUSY. We all know you want to go to your targeted school more than anything, but don’t be too desperate — as in dating, it will get you rejected.
In conclusion, being waitlisted can be a disappointing experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the road.
By writing a well-crafted letter of continued interest, you can increase your chances of getting accepted off the waitlist and ultimately achieving your goal of attending your desired school. Keep these tips in mind when crafting your letter, and remember to be genuine, passionate, and specific in your communication. Good luck!
[Want more help with your letter or your college application essays in general? Contact me for a free consultation today at www.IvyCollegeEssay.com and get into the school of your dreams!]
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