A well-crafted LOCI is one of the few things you can control after being deferred or waitlisted. Here is a complete guide to writing one that works.
The Purpose of a LOCI
A LOCI serves two goals: (1) it confirms your commitment to enrolling if admitted, which matters to the school's yield prediction, and (2) it gives the admissions office updated information to add to your file before committee review. Neither goal is served by a letter that is too long, too emotional, or too generic.
Structure That Works
Opening (1–2 sentences): State directly that this school is your first choice and that you are writing to reaffirm your strong interest and share a few updates. Example: 'I wanted to write to confirm that [University] remains my first choice, and to share a few updates since I submitted my application in November.'
Updates (2–3 sentences): Share significant new achievements or developments — a new award, strong first-semester grades, a leadership development, a publication, a competition result. Be specific about what the achievement is and why it represents meaningful growth. Do not list minor updates.
School-specific connection (1–2 sentences): Reference something specific about this school — a program, professor, community aspect, or opportunity — that continues to make it your clear first choice. This demonstrates your interest is genuine and researched.
Closing (1 sentence): Express that you remain enthusiastic and would enroll if given the opportunity. Thank them for their continued consideration.
Sample Paragraph Structure
'I wanted to write to confirm that [University] remains my first choice, and to share a few updates. Since submitting my application, I was selected as a [specific award or achievement], which reflects the growth in [relevant area] I've been focused on this year. [Professor X's] recent publication on [topic] has deepened my conviction that [University's] approach to [field] is exactly where I want to develop my work. I remain deeply enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the class of [year]. Thank you for your continued consideration.'