MBA waitlist update letter Sample
Writing an Amazing Letter of Continued Interest (Samples Included)by Ashley Cullins May 1, 2020 Need help with your letter of continued interest or future college applications? Check out our College Application Boot Camp. Getting deferred or waitlisted from your dream school is a disappointing experience. And waiting even longer for a final decision can be frustrating. Show
However, you dont have to just sit around twiddling your thumbs. You can take action in the form of a letter of continued interest (LOCI). In this article, well explain how and when to write a letter of continued interest, and well answer all your LOCI-related questions. Lets get started! What is a letter of continued interest?A letter of continued interest is a letter expressing that youre still interested in attending the school, despite being deferred or waitlisted. You can also use it to inform the college of anything youve achieved since submitting your application. When would I need to write a LOCI?As mentioned above, you can write a LOCI if you have been waitlisted or deferred by a school. This means that the school hasnt given you a seat in the freshman class yet, but its possible that youll receive an acceptance later.
If the school expressly says that they dont want more information, then you should not write a letter of continued interest.
Still, other schools say that they welcome additional communication after a certain date. Honor this request as you decide when to send your LOCI. If the college or university of your choice hasnt given specific instructions, its fine to send the letter. In most cases, you should send the letter as soon as possible after receiving notification of your deferred/waitlisted status. However, there is one exception:
Will writing a LOCI increase my chances?Theres no guarantee that writing a letter of continued interest will increase your chances, but it certainly wont hurt. A LOCI indicates that you have a strong desire to attend the school, which some schools factor into admission decisions. Adding new information to your application can also increases your chances of making it off the waitlist. If you send a letter of continued interest and other similarly qualified applicants do not, your LOCI may give you the edge. Any action that can tip the scales in your favor is worth pursuing. Need college application help? Check out our College Application Boot Camp. Your first session is free. Learn more How to Write a Letter of Continued InterestYour letter of continued interest should accomplish two main goals:
Below, well provide more in-depth instruction, plus a sample letter of continued interest. How do I format a LOCI?The format of your letter of continued interest should be professional, like a cover letter for a job application. At the top of the letter, you should include:
You should then have a salutation (Dear _________ is fine), followed by the body of your letter. Typically, three or four paragraphs will suffice. These paragraphs should be left-aligned and should not be indented. Leave a space between each paragraph. End the letter with a closing like, Sincerely, [Your Name]. Sincerely, should be one line, with your name just below it. For more information, view our sample letter of continued interest below. What should I include in a letter of continued interest?Your letter of continued interest should be no longer than one page. It should include:
What should I not include in a letter of continued interest?Your LOCI should not include any grumbling, complaining, or sadness about being deferred or waitlisted. It should not imply that the admissions committee has made the wrong decision.
You should also avoid including information that was already stated in your application.
Additionally, ensure that you dont sound presumptuous in your letter. Writing a LOCI doesnt guarantee your acceptance, and your letter should make it clear that you dont assume otherwise. Finally, avoid coming across as desperate. For instance, dont mention being rejected by other schools or only being accepted by schools that youre less interested in. The admissions committee may be pleased to hear that their school is your first choice, but not that its your last resort. To whom should I address my LOCI?Its best to address your letter to a specific person, rather than using the generic To Whom It May Concern. When possible, use the name of the person who sent you the withdrawal/deferral letter. You may also choose to address your LOCI to the schools director of admissions. Make absolutely sure that you spell the persons name correctly. Where do I send the letter of continued interest?In many cases, your waitlist or deferral letter will include information about where/to whom to send additional materials or information. Follow these instructions.
Otherwise, you can send the letter to the admissions office via email, mail, or fax. If youre feeling uncertain or nervous about how to send the letter, call the admissions office and ask. Some experts argue that a physical letter has a greater chance of being opened, thoroughly reviewed, and added to your file than an email. If delivering your letter via email, it can look more professional to attach your LOCI as a PDF. However, this is not a requirement. Sample 1: Letter of Continued Interest
Sample 2: Letter of Continued Interest
Analysis of Sample LOCIsThese letters are an excellent example for several reasons. The applicants maintain a positive and upbeat tone throughout the letter.
In the middle paragraphs, the applicants each detail a new honor. For applicant 1, we can assume that the university is already aware of her service projects related to English/Literature (since she does not further explain them) and mental health, but these awards and certificates indicate a new level of prestige. Additionally, Applicant 1 explains what this award signifies about her (shes passionate and committed to English and service).
The end paragraphs highlight additional accomplishments that could impact each students admission status.
Specificity is important because it shows a genuine interest in/knowledge of this school, rather than a general interest in attending college. What if I dont have new accomplishments?If you dont receive a new award or achieve a higher SAT/ACT/GPA, the letter of continued interest is still worth writing. In this case, youll need to focus more on the specific reasons youre interested in this college or university.
However, you should note that a LOCI with no additional information will have significantly less impact. Rack your brains for something to include:
These accomplishments may seem relatively minor, but follow this process:
Unless the school specifies that they do not want additional communication from waitlisted/deferred applicants, we recommend writing a LOCI regardless of recent developments. Final Thoughts: How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued InterestTo summarize, your letter of continued interest should:
Writing a letter of continued interest is not a surefire way to propel yourself into the accepted category, but it can certainly help your chances. Get the best college counseling help.Find and apply to the college of your dreams with our help.Learn more Featured SolutionCollege Application Boot CampStay on track and ease your anxiety with our second-to-none college application assistance. APPLY Must-Reads
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