How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
LOCI - Letter of Continued Interest
Here are some rules for a LOCI:
The DON’TS
1- Don’t whine or complain about not getting in yet. And especially don’t mention that someone else you know got in already and you’re way more qualified than they are.
2-
Don’t just re-emphasize why you love the school
and how you’ve grown up going to their football games and how sad your parents will be if you don’t get in. And never talk about how you “bleed blue” or “bleed orange”. There will be no bloodshed in letters to a college!
The DO’S
1-
Do open with an upbeat greeting and that you’re excited you still have the potential to get a “yes” in the next round.
2-
Update them on your news since you applied.
How did the first semester go? Did you get any new awards or accomplishments they should know about? Do you have a new/different job? Fill them in.
3-
Remind them of why you
specifically
hope to attend that school.
What about their specific program, majors, etc. fit you uniquely in ways that other colleges don’t? Feel free to refer to particular courses, professors, or opportunities that appeal to you.
4-
Remind them of how you’ll contribute to the campus. Even if you want to be a physics major, mention your intention for trying out for the marching band or orchestra. Or, note a particular club or outreach that specifically aligns with your goals. Paint a picture of where they’ll find you on campus outside of the classroom.
5-
Wrap it up with something positive, empathizing with the difficulty of their decisions.
Example:
I know you get far more qualified students than you can accept and I can only imagine how stressful it is to decide who to admit. With that in mind, I’ll leave you with one final thought.
In addition to what you see on my application and transcript, I’d just like to add that if you’re seeking to admit students who genuinely love learning, who want to be part of an active and engaged community, who build friendships easily, and who consistently treat others with respect and kindness, then I think I could be a great candidate!
Sincerely, (your name)
I hope this guide helps you keep the door open to getting the response you want next time! And if you do, that’s great! If you don’t, move on to the other options that are before you. Trust the process.
