Letter of Continued Interest: Should I send one?

I got waitlisted at my top-choice school, and I'm wondering if I should send a Letter of Continued Interest. Have any of you done this before? Did it help your chances? Any advice would be really appreciated!

Sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a useful strategy when you've been waitlisted at your top-choice college. Although there's no guarantee that it will significantly improve your chances of getting off the waitlist, it does indicate your strong interest in the school and showcases your commitment to attending if offered admission.

In your LOCI, it's essential to express your enthusiasm for the college and explain why it remains your top choice. Additionally, you should include updates on any significant achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, or academic milestones that have occurred since submitting your original application.

Here are some points you might consider mentioning in your LOCI:

1. Affirm your commitment to attend: Clearly state that if offered admission, you would accept it. This demonstrates to the school that you're serious about attending.

2. Highlight any new developments: Share any updates such as awards, improved grades, or new extracurricular activities that showcase your continued growth as a student.

3. Reiterate key aspects about the college: Show your familiarity with the college's programs, culture, clubs, or events that contributed to your initial interest and explain how you would contribute to their community.

Keep your LOCI concise and focused, ideally no more than a page in length, as admissions officers are tasked with reading numerous letters and applications. After crafting your LOCI, have someone proofread it for grammar and clarity, then send it to the appropriate contact at the college, such as your regional admissions counselor or the waitlist coordinator.

While sending a LOCI is a worthwhile effort, remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to waitlist outcomes. It's crucial to accept an offer from another college by the deadline, and should things change with your top-choice school, you can always switch gears. Good luck!