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When you're on a college waitlist, the uncertainty can be nerve-wracking. You’ve completed the application, but now you find yourself in limbo, waiting to see if a spot opens up. One of the most effective ways to improve your chances of being admitted off the waitlist is by writing a letter of continued interest (LOCI). While a waitlist decision can feel like a waiting game, your letter can be a tool that helps keep you in the running, showing colleges that you're still eager to attend and are actively engaged in your application.

A letter of continued interest not only expresses your enthusiasm for the school but also provides a unique opportunity to update your application and demonstrate your commitment. Here’s why a letter of continued interest is important and how it can impact your chances of admission.

Demonstrates Your Continued Enthusiasm

One of the primary reasons to send a LOCI is to reinforce your enthusiasm for the school. When you’re waitlisted, admissions officers want to know if they offer you a spot, you’ll accept it. A well-crafted letter helps you reaffirm that this college is still your top choice and that you are genuinely excited about the possibility of attending. Colleges appreciate applicants who are not only academically qualified but also show a strong desire to be part of the community.

In your letter, you can reiterate why the college is a perfect fit for you—whether it’s specific academic programs, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities. By demonstrating your continued enthusiasm, you reassure the school that you’re fully committed to becoming part of their campus community should a spot become available.

Offers an Opportunity to Provide Updates

A LOCI allows you to provide new information that may not have been included in your initial application. Since being placed on the waitlist doesn’t mean you’ve been rejected, it’s important to stay proactive and update the admissions office with any new accomplishments or developments. Whether you’ve improved your grades, received an award, taken on new responsibilities, or engaged in meaningful extracurricular activities, these updates can help strengthen your application and show that you continue to grow.

For instance, if you’ve achieved higher grades in recent semesters or participated in an impressive project or internship since submitting your application, sharing these updates can make a difference in how your application is viewed. It shows that you are continuing to challenge yourself and achieve goals, even after submitting your initial materials.

Reinforces Your Fit for the School

In your letter, you have the chance to further demonstrate why you are an excellent match for the college. This is especially important since, at this stage, the admissions committee has already reviewed your application and placed you on the waitlist, likely because they see potential but are uncertain about whether they’ll have room for you. By restating your alignment with the school’s values, programs, or culture, you can remind the committee why you would be a valuable addition to the campus.

You can mention specific professors, academic tracks, or student organizations that appeal to you, making it clear that you’ve done your research and are excited about what the school offers. This reinforces that the college is not just a place you’d like to attend—it’s one that aligns perfectly with your academic and personal aspirations.

Highlights Your Maturity and Proactive Nature

Sending a LOCI can also demonstrate that you are a mature, responsible, and proactive applicant. It shows that you are willing to take the initiative to advocate for yourself while remaining respectful of the admissions process. Rather than waiting passively, you are actively expressing your continued interest and giving the admissions office a clearer sense of who you are as a candidate.

Your ability to write a thoughtful, professional letter shows that you’re organized, communicative, and capable of handling the responsibilities of being a college student. These are qualities that admissions officers look for, as they reflect your readiness for the challenges of college life.

Keeps You Top of Mind for the Admissions Committee

One key factor to remember when writing a letter of continued interest is timing. By submitting the letter promptly, you ensure that you remain in the admissions office’s thoughts as they make decisions about which students to admit off the waitlist. If spots open up and the committee is deciding between several students, your LOCI can help them remember you as a strong, committed candidate who would be an excellent fit for the school.

Though sending a letter won’t guarantee you a spot, it serves as a reminder of your sincere interest and qualifications, which can make a difference when the admissions team makes final decisions. Keeping yourself in the minds of the decision-makers, especially during such a busy time, can increase your chances of receiving an offer.

Creates a Personal Connection

A well-crafted letter of continued interest provides you with an opportunity to establish a personal connection with the admissions committee. By showing that you are still excited about the possibility of attending, you can convey your enthusiasm and demonstrate the qualities that make you unique. Your letter doesn’t have to be overly formal or impersonal—it can reflect your voice and personality, which helps the committee see you as an individual, not just an application on a pile.

Use the letter to express gratitude for being considered and reaffirm your interest in contributing to the school’s community. A personalized and heartfelt letter can leave a lasting impression, helping you stand out as more than just a name on a list.