How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Short Answer:
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a concise, targeted update you send to a college after being waitlisted or deferred to reaffirm your interest, highlight meaningful new achievements, and demonstrate why you are a strong fit for that specific school.

Key Takeaways

  • Send your LOCI within 1–2 weeks of being waitlisted or deferred
  • Keep it under one page (ideally 1–2 short paragraphs)
  • Include only new, meaningful updates
  • Be specific about why the college is still your top choice
  • Do not repeat your original application
  • Limit follow-up communication to significant updates only

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?

A Letter of Continued Interest is a formal message sent to a college admissions office after you have been waitlisted or deferred. Its purpose is to:

  • Confirm you are still interested in attending
  • Provide updates since your application
  • Reinforce your fit with the school

If you have not yet reviewed broader waitlist strategy, start with this guide on IvyCollegeEssay.com, which explains how a LOCI fits into the overall process.

When Should You Send a LOCI?

You should send your LOCI:

  • Within 1–2 weeks of being waitlisted or deferred
  • After any major new achievement (if sending an update)

Submitting promptly signals seriousness and avoids appearing disengaged. Many students make the mistake of waiting too long or not sending one at all—both of which can reduce your chances of admission.

How to Write a Strong LOCI (Step-by-Step)

1. Keep It Concise and Direct

Your LOCI should be:

  • No more than one page
  • Ideally 1–2 short paragraphs

Admissions officers are reviewing thousands of files. A focused, efficient letter is more effective than a long one.

2. Include Only Meaningful Updates

Add new information only, such as:

  • Improved grades
  • Awards or recognitions
  • Leadership roles
  • Major projects (research, publications, initiatives)

If you are unsure what qualifies, review this breakdown of  meaningful updates to send to colleges.

A LOCI is fundamentally an update—not a repetition of your application.

3. Reaffirm Why This Specific College

You must clearly answer:

Why this school—now?

Be specific:

  • Academic programs
  • Faculty or research opportunities
  • Unique institutional strengths

Avoid repeating your original essays. Add new or deeper reasoning that reflects continued engagement.

4. Demonstrate Genuine Enthusiasm (Without Overdoing It)

Admissions officers want to see:

  • Clear interest
  • Professional tone
  • Confidence

Avoid:

  • Desperation
  • Overly emotional language
  • Generic statements

Many applicants weaken their position by taking the wrong approach—see these <a href=”https://ivycollegeessa.wpenginepowered.com/how-do-i-get-off-the-waitlist/”>common waitlist mistakes</a> to avoid undermining your chances.

5. Do Not Over-Communicate

After sending your LOCI:

  • Do not send multiple follow-ups unless you have significant new updates
  • Limit communication to 1–2 total letters maximum

Excessive outreach can negatively impact how you are perceived.

What Should NOT Be in a LOCI

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Repeating your application content
  • Including minor or irrelevant updates
  • Writing more than one page
  • Sending multiple unnecessary emails
  • Sounding desperate or overly aggressive

A weak LOCI can hurt more than help.

Example LOCI Structure

Use this simple format:

Paragraph 1:

  • Thank the admissions committee
  • State continued interest clearly

Paragraph 2:

  • Provide meaningful updates
  • Connect those updates to your academic direction

Closing (1–2 sentences):

  • Reaffirm that you would attend if admitted (if true)
  • End professionally

Does a LOCI Actually Help?

Yes—because it signals yield likelihood and engagement.

Colleges are managing enrollment uncertainty. Students who demonstrate:

  • Continued interest
  • Updated achievements
  • Clear fit

are more likely to be considered when spots open.

For a broader strategy beyond the letter itself, revisit my article,  How To Get Off the Waitlist to ensure you are taking all the right steps.

Final Advice

Being waitlisted is a testament to your qualifications and potential. I know it doesn’t feel like it, but it’s actually a win.

While it introduces a period of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress, proactive steps like submitting a strong LOCI, maintaining academic excellence, and exploring alternative opportunities like transferring and starting to put together that strategy, can positively influence your educational journey.

Remember, the path to your goals may have unexpected turns, but success is still completely possible. Being waitlisted is not a rejection—it means you were a competitive applicant.

A strong LOCI will not guarantee admission, but it is one of the few actions you can take that directly improves your chances.

Can a LOCI get you off the waitlist?

Maybe. It absolutely improve your chances, but admission always depends on available space and the need of the college to intellectually diversify the incoming class (in other words, be unique and interesting!).

About the Author

I’m a former Harvard admissions interviewer + a Harvard graduate.  Expert advice based on over a decade advising students applying to the Ivy League and top-tier universities. Contact me for a free consultation today!

FAQ

How long should a LOCI be?

One page maximum. Ideally 1–2 short paragraphs.

Should I send more than one LOCI?

Only if you have significant new updates. Otherwise, no.

What kind of updates matter most?

Academic improvements, awards, leadership, and major accomplishments.

Want Help Crafting Your LOCI?

Want 1:1 help crafting a strong LOCI, or discussing your options around transferring?  Contact me today for a free consultation and get into the school of your dreams! IvyCollegeEssay.com