Introduction

Being waitlisted is never easy, especially when the school in question tops your list. But your response—especially your letter of continued interest (LOCI)—can play a pivotal role in tipping the scales in your favor. A strong, personalized LOCI shows that you remain committed and proactive, but a poorly written one can hurt your chances. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes to avoid, and show how tools like PaperGen can help you create a thoughtful and well-structured response aligned with your academic goals.

Why the Letter of Continued Interest Matters

Once you're on the waitlist, you’re in a competitive pool. Admissions officers need to see who is genuinely invested in joining their program. A LOCI is not just another document—it can be the final nudge that gets you an acceptance letter. According to CollegeVine, properly expressing continued interest and recent accomplishments can have a measurable impact.

7 Mistakes That Can Undermine Your LOCI

1. Writing Without a Clear Purpose

Your LOCI should reaffirm your interest, highlight new accomplishments, and express your enthusiasm professionally. Avoid vague language or filler content. Saying “This school is my dream” without offering specifics about your academic goals or how the school helps achieve them does little to move your application forward.

2. Repeating Your Personal Statement

A letter of continued interest example should not echo your personal statement or original application. Instead, use this opportunity to share new developments—like honors, leadership roles, job experiences, or improved grades.

3. Using the Wrong Tone

Desperation, arrogance, or entitlement has no place in a LOCI. Instead of saying “I deserve to be admitted,” express gratitude for remaining under consideration. A tone that is respectful, optimistic, and self-aware will resonate more with admissions teams.

4. Ignoring Updates

One of the key purposes of a LOCI is to provide updates. If you’ve taken on new projects, improved your GPA, or received a scholarship, share it. Highlight how these updates reinforce your readiness for the program.

5. Disregarding the School’s Instructions

Not all schools accept LOCIs, and those that do often have specific instructions. For instance, Georgetown and Cornell clearly outline what they expect from waitlisted applicants. Ignoring these directions can backfire.

6. Making It Too Long

Admissions officers are busy. Keep your letter under one page—ideally three to five concise paragraphs. Each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose and guide the reader toward the conclusion.

7. Submitting Without Proofreading

Typos or awkward phrasing distract from your message. That’s where tools like PaperGen shine. This AI-powered platform helps refine tone, eliminate grammar issues, and improve clarity—ensuring your LOCI sounds polished and professional. If you're unsure how to phrase a statement about your academic goals, PaperGen can suggest alternatives based on your input.

How PaperGen Supports Your LOCI Writing Process

PaperGen is designed for students looking to elevate their writing. It helps you:

• Draft a LOCI from bullet points or brief notes
• Improve structure and readability
• Maintain a human-like tone that feels genuine
• Suggest relevant phrases and transitions to express your intent clearly

Whether you're writing your first draft or fine-tuning your final version, PaperGen ensures your letter aligns with your narrative and goals.

Want to explore other powerful academic tools? Check out NACAC's resources, which offer valuable guidance for applicants, and combine them with PaperGen’s capabilities for optimal results.

Final Tips Before You Hit “Send”

• Be Specific: Reference exact updates—don’t generalize.
• Be Timely: Send your letter within 1-2 weeks of being waitlisted.
• Be Grateful: Show appreciation for continued consideration.
• Be Real: Use your authentic voice—something PaperGen helps you preserve.

If you need a great letter of continued interest example, browse trusted admissions blogs like PrepScholar to see how successful applicants structured their messages.

Conclusion

Sending a thoughtful and clear letter of continued interest can show admissions officers that you’re serious about enrolling and actively invested in your educational journey. Avoid the mistakes listed here, focus on communicating real value, and use a professional tool like PaperGen to enhance your delivery.

By combining your authenticity with a well-polished structure, you make the most of your chance to turn that waitlist into an acceptance letter. Keep your updates honest, your tone respectful, and your message aligned with your academic goals—and you’ll leave a lasting impression.