Overview
If you've been waitlisted at a school that remains your top choice, now is the time to craft and send your Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Waitlist movement happens April-July.
When to Send LOCI
- Within 7-10 days of waitlist notification
- Before making your May 1 enrollment commitment
- Not too early (school needs time to review accepted students first)
- Not too late (decisions made by mid-summer for most schools)
What LOCI Achieves
- Signals genuine continued interest
- Provides updates since application
- Helps admissions committee differentiate waitlist students
- Can tip the scale for admitted vs. denied
LOCI Components (in order)
1. Thank Them
One sentence acknowledging the waitlist offer and expressing gratitude.
2. Explicit Commitment
"If admitted, I will enroll." This is a key sentence. Be unambiguous.
3. New Material Since Application
- Strong semester grades
- New awards
- New research findings
- New leadership roles
- New projects or publications
4. Specific Reasons School Is Best Fit
- 2-3 specific programs, professors, or opportunities
- Connection to your interests and goals
- What you'll contribute
5. Close Strong
Reiterate commitment.
Length
400-500 words maximum. Some say 300. Admissions officers are busy.
Sample LOCI
Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for offering me a place on the waitlist at [School Name]. It remains my first choice, and if admitted, I will enroll without hesitation.
Since submitting my application, I have:
- Maintained a 3.95 GPA in my most challenging courses (AP Calc BC, AP Physics C, AP Literature)
- Completed a research project with Dr. [Name] at [University], presenting findings at the [Conference Name]
- Been elected Senior Class President, with a focus on mental health initiatives
- Published a short story in [Publication Name]
[School Name] is the right fit for me because of:
- The [Specific Program], particularly Professor [Name]'s work on [Topic], which aligns with my interest in [Research Area]
- The [Specific Resource], where I plan to [How You'd Use It]
- The [Specific Student Community], where I can contribute my experience in [Relevant Background]
I remain deeply committed to joining the Class of 2030 at [School Name]. Thank you for your continued consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Application ID]
[Contact info]
Format and Submission
- Email or portal upload (check school's instructions)
- Plain text, no fancy formatting
- No attachments unless explicitly allowed
- Professional tone
What NOT to Include
- Multiple LOCIs to the same school
- Parent or teacher writing on your behalf
- Gimmicks (videos, audio, creative formats)
- Over-promising ("I'll donate to alumni fund")
- Emotional appeals without specifics
- Generic enthusiasm
Timing and Follow-Up
- Don't send additional updates unless major news
- One thoughtful LOCI > three routine ones
- If a major award or publication happens later, one additional brief update is acceptable
Parallel Strategy
While waiting for waitlist:
- Commit to another school by May 1
- Submit enrollment deposit there
- Continue LOCI and updates to waitlist school
- If admitted from waitlist: withdraw deposit from original school (forfeit)
Realistic Expectations
- Top schools admit 0-15% from waitlists
- Smaller colleges sometimes move more students
- Most students remain on waitlists
- Be prepared emotionally
Parents' Role
- Review the LOCI (not write it)
- Support student through waiting process
- Provide perspective that uncertainty is part of process
- Celebrate the school they've committed to
After Sending
- No more communication unless school reaches out
- Commit to your confirmed school by May 1
- Move forward with housing, orientation at confirmed school
- Hope for waitlist but don't obsess
If Pulled From Waitlist
- Excitement, but make deliberate choice
- Confirm you want the waitlist school over commitment
- Withdraw deposit from original school
- Financial aid package may differ
- Housing may be limited
- Act quickly; these are often time-sensitive