If you're planning to write a letter of continued interest, you have been deferred or waitlisted from one of your top-choice university applications. Getting deferred or waitlisted from your dream university can be frustrating, especially after putting so much effort into your application.
But don’t lose hope! Defer and waitlist decision are not a "no!"
Read more to learn How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest After a Deferral or Waitlist Decision.
1. Understand What a Deferral or Waitlist Means
Deferral: If you applied early action (EA) or early decision (ED) and were deferred, your application has been moved to the regular decision pool. The university has not made a final decision yet, and you’re still in the running. Your application will be reviewed again in regular decision reading, and you may still get admitted.
Waitlist: If you were waitlisted during regular decision, it means the university considers you a strong candidate but doesn’t have space for you yet. If spots open up later, you could be offered admission.
2. Follow Instructions Carefully
Some universities provide specific instructions for deferred or waitlisted applicants.
Make sure you read and follow their instructions. It is not uncommon for universities to request that you do NOT submit additional information, letters of recommendation, essays, etc. If the university is expressly asking you to NOT submit something, please respect that request.
What is most common is that you follow up with a letter of continued interest (LOCI), which is not a letter but an email. Click the template link below for an example of how to write a letter of continued interest.
3. What Does a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) Do?
A LOCI does two things:
Reaffirms your interest in the school and
Provides meaningful updates about your achievements since the time of application like:
Receiving academic awards or honors
Improving your grades or test scores
Taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizations
Starting or completing a meaningful project
Importantly, the LOCI is not another essay and the contents should be short and informative.
4. Avoid Overcommunication
It’s tempting to keep checking in with the admissions office, but excessive communication is not a “more is better” situation. Instead, follow the instructions sent to you from the university, and if that includes the submission of an LOCI, focus on submitting one well-crafted communication. Then leave it alone.
Only reach out again to the admission office if new or notable updates become relevant to the review of your application.
5. Reflect on Your College List
If you have been deferred, consider any opportunities that might exist for Early Decision II programs in your application list. Of course, you should only do this if you are truly interested in the EDII options available to you.
If you have been waitlisted, remember that a waitlist doesn’t guarantee admission later. It’s vitally important to stay open to other university admission offers you have received and to not miss the deadline to submit your enrollment deposit where you have a firm offer.
6. Stay Positive and Focused
Focus on finishing your senior year strong, both academically and personally. Colleges want to see applicants who remain motivated and resilient.
While being deferred or waitlisted can be discouraging, you will have other admission offers. It's time to remind yourself that, while you are still hopeful about your defer or waitlist decision turning into an admission, you have other admission opportunities to remain excited about!
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