For students navigating the college admissions process, being deferred or waitlisted can be both disheartening and confusing. However, this isn’t the end of the road—it’s an opportunity to express your ongoing enthusiasm for the institution. This is where a Continued Letter of Interest (LOI) comes in.

What is a Continued Letter of Interest?

A Continued Letter of Interest is a formal communication sent to a college or university to express your sustained interest in attending after being deferred or waitlisted. It’s your chance to reaffirm your commitment to the school, provide updates on any recent achievements, and explain why you’re an excellent fit for their community.

Colleges use these letters to gauge how serious you are about attending, which can play a role in their final decision-making process. A thoughtful, well-crafted LOI can help distinguish you from other candidates.

How to Write a Continued Letter of Interest

A strong LOI should be concise, professional, and impactful. Follow these steps to ensure your letter stands out:

1. Start with Gratitude

• Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application and for providing the opportunity to stay in consideration.

2. Reaffirm Your Interest

• Reiterate why the college is your top choice and how its programs, values, or opportunities align with your goals.

3. Share Updates

• Highlight any new accomplishments since you submitted your application. This could include:
  • Academic achievements (e.g., improved grades, awards)
  • Extracurricular activities (e.g., leadership roles, new projects)
  • Personal growth (e.g., learning new skills, overcoming challenges)

4. Address Fit

• Provide specific examples of how you’d contribute to the campus community or how the school aligns with your ambitions.

5. Close Professionally

• End with a polite, positive note. Restate your eagerness to attend and offer to provide any additional materials.

Example Continued Letter of Interest 

Here’s a guided example to help you craft your letter, but please do not use the exact same verbiage for plagiarism reasons ;-):

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
[College Name]
[College Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Admissions Committee,

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I wanted to share how excited I am about the possibility of joining [College Name], as it remains my top choice.

Since submitting my application, I’ve [specific update #1, e.g., “earned the award for Best Research Project at my regional science fair for my work on renewable energy solutions”]. I’ve also [specific update #2, e.g., “been selected as captain of my robotics team and helped lead us to the finals of a national competition”]. These experiences have strengthened my passion for [intended major or program] and reinforced my desire to pursue these interests at [College Name].

What excites me most about [College Name] is [specific program, resource, or opportunity, e.g., “the opportunity to work in the [specific lab or center] and the collaborative learning environment it fosters”]. I’m eager to get involved in [specific initiative, club, or activity, e.g., “the student-led [club/organization] and contribute to innovative projects with peers who share my drive for discovery”].

I’m confident that [College Name] is the right place for me to grow academically and personally. I look forward to bringing [specific qualities or skills, e.g., “my curiosity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to problem-solving”] to the community.

Thank you again for considering my application. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s any additional information I can provide.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Key Tips for Writing an Effective LOI

1. Be genuine: Admissions officers can tell when a letter feels generic or insincere. Personalize your letter with specific details.
2. Stay concise: Aim for no more than one page.
3. Proofread: Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
4. Follow the school’s instructions: Some colleges provide specific guidelines for submitting additional materials.

Writing a Continued Letter of Interest is an excellent way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and perseverance. A thoughtful, tailored letter can make a lasting impression and increase your chances of admission.