Introduction
Getting waitlisted by a dream school can be emotionally tough—but it’s not the end of your admissions journey. Many colleges and graduate programs value continued engagement, and one of the best ways to express that is through a letter of continued interest. This is your chance to restate your enthusiasm, update the committee on new achievements, and reiterate how the program aligns with your academic goals.
In this guide, we’ll share how to write a strong letter, provide effective templates, and show you how PaperGen, an AI writing tool, can help you polish a clear, professional message that could improve your chances of receiving an acceptance letter.
What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a formal letter sent to an admissions office to reaffirm your commitment to attending the school if admitted from the waitlist. It’s not a second personal statement or a new application—it’s a respectful update with relevant information.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, waitlist decisions are often influenced by demonstrated interest and updated achievements. That makes your LOCI more than a formality—it’s an opportunity.
When to Send a Letter of Continued Interest
The best time to send your letter is shortly after receiving your waitlist notification—ideally within two weeks. If significant achievements or updates occur later (e.g., awards, research, improved grades), a second letter may be appropriate.
Check the school’s specific waitlist instructions. Some institutions like Cornell, UCLA, and Georgetown provide guidance on whether or how to submit updates.
Key Elements to Include
Your letter should be well-structured, concise (1 page), and tailored. Here’s what to include:
Polite Expression of Gratitude
- Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application.
Clear Statement of Continued Interest
- Affirm that you would attend if accepted. Be specific.
Updated Achievements
- Share new academic, professional, or extracurricular accomplishments since applying.
Reinforce Fit with the Program
- Reiterate your alignment with the school’s values, programs, or faculty.
Close Professionally
- Sign off respectfully and express appreciation again.
Sample Letter of Continued Interest Example
Here’s a letter of continued interest example that follows the structure above:
Dear [Admissions Officer Name],
Thank you for reviewing my application and placing me on the waitlist. I remain deeply interested in [University Name] and am writing to express that, if admitted, I would enthusiastically accept an offer to enroll.
Since submitting my application, I have earned the Dean’s List recognition for the Fall 2024 semester and completed a machine learning capstone project that won first place at our departmental showcase. These experiences have reinforced my goal of advancing data-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
I continue to believe that [University Name]'s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and its commitment to ethical innovation make it an ideal place to pursue my academic goals. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to learn from [Professor Name] and contribute to [Relevant Lab/Program].
Thank you again for your consideration. Please let me know if there are any additional materials I can provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
How PaperGen Can Help Craft Your Letter
A letter of continued interest may seem straightforward, but tone, clarity, and structure are critical. PaperGen makes it easier by:
- Generating clear, professional LOCI drafts from bullet points
- Ensuring the message sounds polished and human-like
- Helping you express your enthusiasm without sounding repetitive
- Highlighting new achievements and aligning them with your academic path
If you’re not sure how to phrase your intent to attend or summarize your recent work, just input your updates into PaperGen and get a cohesive, tailored draft instantly.
Templates to Customize
Template 1: Academic Update Emphasis
Dear [Admissions Committee],
Thank you for considering my application. I write to express my continued interest in [University Name], and if offered admission, I would gladly accept.
Since applying, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, published an article in our school journal on predictive modeling, and begun a new mentorship role in our math tutoring program.
These experiences continue to reinforce my dedication to [Field or Program Name] and align with [University Name]’s mission of excellence in education and research.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Professional Growth Emphasis
Dear [Admissions Team],
I am grateful for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist for [University Name]. I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in joining your incoming class.
Since my initial application, I’ve taken on a new leadership role at my internship, where I helped design a data dashboard that’s now used by over 300 internal users.
These achievements reflect my growth and continued alignment with the goals of [Program Name], and I am more committed than ever to contributing to its community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Final Tips for a Strong LOCI
- Be sincere and specific—avoid generic enthusiasm.
- Proofread carefully and stick to one page.
- Tailor each letter to the school and program.
- Use resources like CollegeVine or PrepScholar for writing insights.
- Use PaperGen to polish drafts and manage tone.
Conclusion
A well-written letter of continued interest can serve as your final impression on an admissions committee. Use it to reinforce your fit, update them on your recent achievements, and show genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. While no letter guarantees an acceptance letter, thoughtful communication can significantly improve your chances.
With tools like PaperGen, you can generate a polished draft, refine your message, and present yourself with professionalism and purpose. Don’t let a waitlist status hold you back—show them you’re still all in.
