What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a brief communication sent to a college that has waitlisted you. Its purpose is to (1) confirm you are still interested and would enroll if admitted, (2) share any meaningful new information since your application, and (3) reinforce your specific connection to that school. It is not an appeal in the traditional sense — you are not contesting the decision, but demonstrating you remain engaged.
What to Include
Start by clearly stating the school and confirming your continued interest — including a statement that you will enroll if admitted (this is powerful if true). Then share any genuine updates: a new award, grade improvement, a completed project, a meaningful experience since December. Finally, remind them of one or two specific reasons this school remains your first choice — a program, faculty member, or campus community detail that is particular to them, not generic.
What to Avoid
Don't rehash your original application. Don't be dramatic or emotional. Don't send a LOCI if the college explicitly requests no additional materials — honor their instructions, or your interest will backfire. Don't ask someone to call on your behalf unless you have a genuine new advocate with a relevant relationship to the school.
When to Send It
Send your LOCI within one to two weeks of receiving your waitlist notification — not months later. If you have a meaningful update in late April or May, you can send a brief second note, but don't bombard the admissions office.