If you’ve been waitlisted by a foreign university, you may be wondering how to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist and securing a spot. One effective tool in your arsenal is the letter of continued interest (LOCI). This letter is a chance to show the admissions committee that you are still highly interested in their school and are committed to attending if offered admission.
For Indian students, an LOCI can be an important step in navigating the competitive admission process at top universities. If you need personalized guidance on crafting your LOCI, Galvanize offers expert admissions counseling, including profile evaluations and advice on writing a compelling letter. Let’s dive into what a LOCI is, why it’s important, and how to write one that stands out.
What is a LOCI?
A letter of continued interest is a formal letter you send to a university after being placed on their waitlist. It serves as a way to reaffirm your strong interest in the school, provide updates on your achievements, and show why you are still an excellent fit for their program. The LOCI can help demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are committed to attending if given the chance and that you remain enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Importance of Writing a LOCI After Being Waitlisted at Foreign Universities
For Indian students, writing a letter of continued interest is a crucial step after being waitlisted, especially given the highly competitive nature of admissions at foreign universities. These universities typically receive a large number of applications, and the waitlist can be a pool of highly qualified candidates. A well-crafted LOCI can help you stand out from the other applicants vying for a spot and give you a better chance of moving from the waitlist to acceptance.
Foreign universities want to know that students on the waitlist are still serious about attending their institution. A LOCI helps demonstrate your continued interest and commitment to the school. For Indian students, who may be applying to universities in the U.S., the U.K., or other popular destinations, this additional step could make a significant difference when universities decide whether to admit waitlisted candidates. If you’d like to ensure your LOCI is as effective as possible, consider seeking guidance from Galvanize’s admissions experts, who provide personalized help and advice.
Understanding the Waitlist Process
Being waitlisted means that while you weren’t immediately offered admission, the university hasn’t closed the door on you either. Waitlisted students are placed in a holding pattern, awaiting further decisions by the university. If spots open up due to admitted students declining their offer, the university will turn to the waitlist and offer spots to those students.
The key difference between being waitlisted and being rejected is that waitlisted students still have a chance of being admitted, though it’s not guaranteed. The waitlist process can vary by university, but it typically takes place after the regular decision deadline. Universities move students off the waitlist based on availability and the needs of the institution.
Why Should You Write a LOCI?
A letter of continued interest is a powerful tool for reaffirming your interest in the university. It shows the admissions committee that you still want to attend their school, even after being waitlisted. This can be crucial in a competitive admissions cycle, where universities are often deciding between equally qualified candidates.
Additionally, the LOCI allows you to provide updates on any accomplishments or achievements you’ve made since your initial application. This could include improved grades, new test scores, awards, or extracurricular activities. By sharing this new information, you help the admissions committee see you as a stronger candidate than before.
Finally, a letter of continued interest can help you stand out in a pool of waitlisted applicants. If many of the other students are just as qualified as you, a well-written LOCI can be the deciding factor that helps push you over the top. If you’re unsure of what to include or how to structure your LOCI, Galvanize’s admissions counseling services can help you craft a letter that highlights your strengths and unique qualities.
What to Include in Your LOCI
- Gratitude and Positivity
Start your letter by thanking the university for considering your application and placing you on the waitlist. Express appreciation for the opportunity to remain in consideration. - Reaffirm Your Interest
Make it clear that the university remains your top choice. State that you would accept an offer of admission if one is extended. Admissions officers want to know that they are not wasting their time considering you. - Share Any Recent Achievements or Updates
Provide updates on any new accomplishments or developments since you submitted your original application. This could include improved academic performance, new awards, or additional extracurricular involvement. Make sure the information is relevant and adds value to your application. - Explain Why the University is a Perfect Fit
Reiterate why you think the university is the best place for you to thrive academically and personally. This helps reaffirm that the school is just as much a good fit for you as you are for them. - Any New Developments
If there have been any major changes in your academic or personal life, mention them briefly. These could make you an even better fit for the program. - Close with Respect and Gratitude
End the letter by thanking the admissions committee again for their time and consideration. Express hope for a positive outcome and your willingness to remain engaged.
Tips for Writing a Strong LOCI
- Be Concise but Thorough
Admissions officers have limited time, so your letter should be brief yet complete. Get to the point quickly and make sure every sentence adds value. - Be Genuine
Write in a sincere and authentic tone. Avoid sounding like you’re using a template or writing in a formal, impersonal manner. The goal is to convey your passion and interest. - Keep It Positive and Forward-Looking
Even if you’re anxious about the outcome, keep your letter positive. Focus on the possibility of moving forward, rather than any doubts you may have. - Avoid Repeating Information from Your Application
Don’t simply restate information that’s already in your application. Use the LOCI as an opportunity to provide new information or insights that haven’t been covered yet. - Check for Errors
Ensure your letter is free from spelling or grammatical mistakes. A polished letter shows professionalism and attention to detail.
How to Format the LOCI
The letter of continued interest should have a formal yet personal tone. Follow a simple structure to make it easy for the reader to follow:
- Subject Line (if emailing)
“Letter of Continued Interest – [Your Full Name]” - Introduction
Greet the admissions committee and briefly acknowledge that you’ve been placed on the waitlist. - Body
Reaffirm your interest, provide updates, and explain why you’re an excellent fit for the university. - Conclusion
Thank the committee again and express hope for a positive outcome.
When to Send the LOCI
Timing is crucial when sending a LOCI. Most universities will provide a specific timeline for waitlisted students, so be sure to send your letter within that window. Sending it too early may come off as overly eager while sending it too late could reduce your chances of making an impact. Aim to send the letter within the timeframe given to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being Too Pushy
While you want to show enthusiasm, avoid sounding demanding or entitled. The letter should express genuine interest, not desperation. - Overloading with Information
Don’t overwhelm the admissions committee with too many updates or irrelevant details. Keep it focused on the most important new information. - Not Following Instructions
Make sure you follow any specific instructions provided by the university regarding the LOCI. Not adhering to guidelines could hurt your chances.
Final Thoughts
Being waitlisted doesn’t mean the end of the road. It’s still an opportunity for you to secure a spot at your dream university. Stay optimistic, be patient, and make the most of the LOCI as a way to express your continued interest. Universities understand that the admissions process is competitive, and a well-written LOCI can make all the difference.
If you need help crafting the perfect LOCI or want guidance on improving your chances of getting off the waitlist, Galvanize’s admissions counseling services are here to support you. Our team of experts offers personalized profile evaluations and tailored advice to help you navigate the process with confidence. Stay focused, stay hopeful, and keep working hard!
