So you’ve been deferred or waitlisted. First, take a deep breath.

A deferral or waitlist decision can feel confusing. You’ve worked hard, poured your energy into essays and applications, and now you’re told… “wait.” But it’s important to remember: a deferral is not a rejection. It means the admissions office wants to see more before making a final decision. You’re still very much in the running.

If you were deferred Early Decision or Early Action or waitlisted after Regular Decision, a well-written Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is one of the few ways you can actively strengthen your application.

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?

A LOCI is a brief, thoughtful message to the admissions committee reaffirming your enthusiasm for the school and updating them on anything new since you applied.

At highly selective colleges, only a small percentage of deferred or waitlisted students are ultimately admitted in any given year, but students who remain engaged and submit a thoughtful LOCI give themselves the best possible chance.

How to Approach writing a LOCI with Confidence and Purpose

1. Understand What a Deferral or Waitlist Means

When a student is deferred (in Early Decision or Early Action), it simply means the admissions committee isn’t ready to make a final decision yet. Your file will be reconsidered in the Regular Decision round alongside all other applicants.

This can happen for many reasons:

• The school wants to review your midyear grades before finalizing.
• They want to compare your profile against the full applicant pool.
• Sometimes, they’re still building the overall class composition and need more context.

If you’ve been waitlisted, it means you met the college’s standards for admission, but there wasn’t enough space in the class. The school may admit more students from the waitlist later if spots open up.

In either case, your application is still active and your LOCI is a chance to keep your momentum going.

2. Why a LOCI Matters

A LOCI serves two purposes:

1. It reminds the admissions office that you remain deeply interested in their school.
2. It shares meaningful updates that strengthen your candidacy.

Admissions officers appreciate hearing from students who remain engaged and committed. A well-written LOCI shows maturity, gratitude, and genuine enthusiasm — traits that align closely with what selective colleges seek.

If the school still represents your top choice and you would attend if admitted, you should absolutely send a LOCI.

3. What to Include in Your LOCI

A strong LOCI is short (usually about half a page to one page) and focused. Here’s a structure that works well:

Opening: Gratitude + Enthusiasm

Start by thanking the admissions committee for continuing to consider your application. Acknowledge your deferral or waitlist status with grace and reaffirm that the school remains your top choice (if true).

“Thank you for continuing to consider my application to the University of Chicago. Although I was initially disappointed to be deferred, I remain deeply excited about the possibility of joining the UChicago community.”

Body: Updates + Reflections

This is the heart of your letter. Admissions officers want to know what’s changed since you applied. You might include:

• Academic updates: new grades, awards, or test scores.
• Extracurricular updates: leadership roles, community service, internships, research, or creative projects.
• Personal growth: a reflection on how you’ve matured, deepened your interests, or learned something new since submitting your application.

Be specific and selective: choose updates that demonstrate continued achievement and engagement.

“Since submitting my application, I’ve earned first place at the regional debate championship and completed an independent research project on educational equity. Both experiences have strengthened my interest in policy studies — a field I hope to explore further through the courses and research opportunities in the Kennedy School.”

Closing: Fit + Commitment

End by reaffirming your enthusiasm for the college and, if appropriate, your intent to attend if admitted. Keep your tone genuine and humble.

“Harvard remains my first-choice school, and I would be honored to accept an offer of admission. Thank you again for your time and for giving me the opportunity to demonstrate my continued interest.”

4. What Not to Do

• Don’t complain about being deferred or waitlisted. Keep your tone positive.
• Don’t restate your entire application. Focus on new information or meaningful growth.
• Don’t exaggerate or over-promise. Authenticity matters more than grand declarations.
• Don’t forget to proofread. Your LOCI should match the polished tone of your original application.

5. How and When to Send It

Check the school’s communications carefully. Some colleges have a portal form for updates, while others accept emails sent to the admissions office. Send your LOCI within two to three weeks of receiving your deferral or waitlist notification — after you’ve gathered any new information worth sharing.

For most deferred students, submitting a LOCI within two to three weeks is ideal; for waitlisted students, sending it shortly after notification is best unless the college advises otherwise.

6. Should You Send a LOCI to Every School?

You should send a LOCI to any school where you would still seriously consider enrolling if admitted. If you’ve already been accepted to a school you clearly prefer, a LOCI may no longer make sense. When in doubt, prioritize the schools that still feel like a genuine fit.

7. A Final Word of Encouragement

Deferrals and waitlists are common in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape, even among the strongest applicants. What matters now is how you respond. A thoughtful LOCI shows resilience, self-awareness, and ongoing enthusiasm. Even if the final decision doesn’t go your way, writing one helps you reflect on your accomplishments and growth, qualities that will serve you well wherever you enroll.

Remember: admissions decisions aren’t judgments of your worth or potential. You’ve already achieved so much by applying ambitiously and putting yourself out there. Your story isn’t paused. It’s just unfolding a little differently than expected.

Need help writing your LOCI?

AtomicMind advisors are experts at helping students craft authentic, persuasive letters that make an impact. Reach out today, and let’s make sure your continued interest shines through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should a LOCI be?

About half a page to one page; long enough to add substance, short enough to stay focused.

2. ‍Who should I address my LOCI to?

If possible, address it to your regional admissions representative or upload it through the admissions portal.

3. ‍Can a LOCI guarantee admission?

No, but not sending one significantly limits your chances if the school is still a top choice.