Why Writing a Letter of Continued Interest is Crucial After an Early Action Deferral

Introduction:

Being deferred after applying Early Action can feel like a roller coaster of emotions—part relief, part uncertainty. You’ve made it through the first round, but now, you’re stuck in limbo. One way to regain some control over the situation is by writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to the admissions office. In this article, we’ll explore why a LOCI is so important, how to craft one, and how it can increase your chances of being admitted in the regular decision round.

What Is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?

A LOCI is a letter sent by a student to an admissions committee after being deferred, informing them of continued interest in attending their institution. While the deferral means the admissions office is still considering your application, a well-crafted LOCI shows your commitment to the school and helps keep you top of mind during the regular admissions process.

Why Is a LOCI Important After Being Deferred?

1. Shows Your Continued Interest: When you're deferred, the admissions office isn’t sure if you're still interested in their school. After all, they only have a snapshot of your application at that point in time. A LOCI signals that, despite the deferral, you are still enthusiastic about attending their institution. This matters because many schools track “demonstrated interest,” and sending a thoughtful letter can help reinforce that you're serious about the school.
2. Updates Your Application with New Information: A deferral typically means your application wasn’t fully convincing to the admissions committee. However, sending a LOCI provides an opportunity to add new achievements, awards, grades, or extracurricular activities that have occurred since your original submission. By updating the committee, you can strengthen your case for admission with the latest and most relevant accomplishments.
3. Reaffirms Your Fit: Your LOCI is an opportunity to reiterate why you’re a great fit for the school. You can reference specific programs, courses, faculty, or campus culture that resonate with you, demonstrating that you’ve thoroughly researched the school and still feel it aligns with your academic and personal goals.
4. Reinforces Your Commitment: While many students apply to multiple schools, a deferral means the school has questions about how much you truly want to attend. In your LOCI, you can indicate that the school is your top choice, or at least one of your top choices, and that you would accept an offer of admission if extended. Schools appreciate knowing they’re not just one option among many.

How to Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest:

1. Be Prompt: Send your LOCI as soon as possible after being deferred—ideally within a week or two. This shows that you’re proactive and serious about continuing to be considered for the school.
2. Keep It Concise: Admissions officers are busy, so aim for a letter that’s clear and to the point. A good length is typically one page, and your tone should be polite, professional, and sincere.
3. Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the admissions committee for considering your application and deferring it for further review. Acknowledge the deferral as part of the process, and express your continued enthusiasm for their school.
4. Highlight New Achievements: Update the admissions committee with any new grades, test scores, extracurriculars, internships, leadership roles, or personal projects. These updates are critical, as they give the committee a more complete picture of your progress since applying.
5. Reaffirm Your Interest: Emphasize why you still want to attend the school and how it aligns with your long-term goals. You can mention specific aspects of the school, such as academic programs, campus culture, or resources, that have particularly influenced your decision to keep them as your top choice.
6. Close with Politeness: Conclude by thanking the committee once again for their time and consideration. Let them know that you remain hopeful for a positive outcome and that you’re excited about the possibility of attending.

Writing a LOCI after being deferred is a powerful way to remind the admissions committee of your enthusiasm, growth, and fit for their institution. Not only does it allow you to update your application with new achievements, but it also helps you maintain a connection with the admissions office. While deferral can feel discouraging, remember that you’re still in the game—use the LOCI to your advantage to demonstrate your continued commitment and improve your chances of a successful outcome.