How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest in 2022

Learning how to write a letter of continued interest can help increase your chances of getting a job or school admission. 

You might have applied to several jobs but haven’t heard from any companies yet. You might have been waitlisted or deferred by your school, which can frustrating and disheartening, especially if you want one of these jobs or schools! 

With a letter of continued interest, you have the opportunity to talk about yourself, your interests, and your desire for your aspiring job or school. 

That’s why it is expedient that you make your letter top-notch and exceptional. Just like cover letters and other types of letters, a letter of continued interest has a format and writing style that must be followed.

This article will cover everything you need to know about a letter of continued interest, including tips and steps on how to write one and when to do it. Let’s get going!

What is a Letter of Continued Interest?

A letter of continued interest is a brief letter that outlines your desire to enroll in a particular institution and any pertinent developments that might impact your candidacy. You could see it as a chance to show your strengths to the admissions panel.

Don’t forget writing and submitting a letter of continued interest won’t guarantee your admission. It can only increase your chances. 

You Should Check Out: How to Write an Appeal Letter for College | Full Guide

What should I include in a continued interest letter?

When writing a letter of continued interest to any institution, there are several things to put down if you want it to be accepted.

Before then, remember that a letter of continued interest must be brief and to the point. Also, work with time. Try to focus on a few key points to show your interest and highlight recent achievements.

Don’t Fail to Read: How to Write a Reference Letter for a Friend | Full Guide

Show your appreciation

It can be challenging to be deferred or placed on a waitlist at one of your top-choice schools. You might feel disappointed or frustrated, but this is not the place to voice those emotions. 

Instead, express gratitude to the admissions panel for giving you another chance. Making the best of the situation can show your professionalism and resiliency.

Reiterate your desire

Even though sending a letter might express ongoing interest, you should be explicit. Colleges prefer to accept applicants who are more likely to enroll there. Therefore, let them know if you would seize the chance to attend the school.

Read Also: How to Write a Letter to Santa Claus in 2022 | Guide

Updating your accomplishments

College applications can take months to process, and a lot can happen during that time. Include any crucial actions you’ve taken since applying in the letter. To keep your letter strong, though, only mention your greatest successes.

The quality of your application might increase, for instance, if you win a national competition or an academic award.

It might not be worthwhile to include if your chemistry grade went from a B to an A. Please include any files or attachments that may help clarify your explanation.

Check Also: How To Address A Letter Envelope Before Sending Email | Sample

What Should I Not Include in a Letter of Continuing Interest?

A letter of continued interest should not contain several things. Keep your letter positive despite your feelings of anger or frustration, which you may experience, and it would be surprising if you didn’t. Demonstrate your maturity by demonstrating a cool head when faced with disappointment.

Presumption: Avoid writing your letter in assumption. The waitlist might remove you if you write in premises.

Desperation: Telling the college that you have no other options or that you’ll die if you don’t get in won’t help your chances. Instead of focusing on your undesirable waitlist position, emphasize your continued interest.

You Should Also See: How to Address a Job Application Letter in UK | Samples

When Should I Draft a Letter of Continuing Interest?

You can submit a letter of continued interest when on a waitlist or after receiving a deferral. Other crucial factors to consider when deciding whether to write a LOCI include:

You retook an Entrance Exam.

If you retook any entrance exams after getting the waitlist notification, you could send one of these letters if you expect higher test scores. 

You submitted an early decision application

If you submitted an early decision application, you could send one to reaffirm your interest to the admissions committee. Verify due dates and send the letter before them.

You’ve discovered the ideal program

Even though you might not write a LOCI for every school, you could send one to your top picks. Admissions officers will learn more about your interests and passions from this extra effort.

Read Also: How to Write a Reference Letter for a Friend | Full Guide

How should I Format a Letter of Continued Interest?

A letter of continued interest must have a formal writing style, like a petition or cover letter for a job application. 

The format should be like this:

  • Include the addressee’s name.
  • What’s your name?
  • The school or institution
  • The school’s town or state

The body of your letter should then come after a salutation (“Dear _________” is acceptable). Three to four paragraphs should usually be enough. These sentences need to be left-aligned and not indented. Each section needs a space between them.

Use a closing like “Sincerely, [Your Name]” to wrap up the letter. Your name should appear below “Sincerely,” one line long. View our sample letter of continued interest below for more details.

Check Also: How To Ask A Professor For Letter Of Recommendation | Full Guide

What Address Should I Include on the Letter of Continued Interest?

Usually, your waitlist or deferral letter will specify where you will send your letter of continued interest. Observe these guidelines.

Some universities have a form for submitting letters of continued interest.

Use the school’s form if this is the situation. Others might have a location within the application portal where they can upload new data.

Otherwise, you can mail, fax, or email the letter to the admissions office. Call the admissions office and ask if you have questions or if you’re unsure or anxious about how to send the letter.

Some experts contend that a physical letter is more likely than an email to be opened, read, and added to your file.

Sending your letter via email with a PDF attachment of your LOCI can make it appear more official. 

Read Also: How Much Does it Cost to Mail a Letter | Country Guide?

Principles to Follow When Writing a Letter of Continued Interest

Verify that the college accepts letters of continued interest. You should respect the college’s request and show your ability to follow instructions of your waitlist or deferral letter requests.

Send the letter as soon as you receive the deferral letter. Since some schools admit students from their waitlists shortly after making them, your promptness helps show your eagerness to enroll.

  • The letter should not exceed one page. Never use more than that to express your continued interest, and be considerate of the admissions staff’s hectic schedules.
  • Not always is a physical letter the best course of action. Check the admissions website to see if the college typically requests physical or electronic materials. A paper letter from the past looks nice and is simple to tuck into a candidate’s physical file. Still, if a college handles all application materials electronically, someone will have the inconvenience of scanning your paper letter to include it in your file.
  • Pay attention to presentation, style, and grammar. You might risk getting admitted if your letter is full of grammar errors. 

See Also: How to Write a Letter of Introduction in 2022 | Samples

How Do I Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

Consider taking the following actions if you want to write a letter of continued interest:

1. Examine the program rules

The first step to writing a letter of continued interest is to examine the program rules. Regarding the waitlist procedure, some programs offer a FAQ section. Some large programs or schools may ask prospective students not to send them a letter or to wait until a specific date before contacting them. In that case, it is best to abide by the rules.

A Letter of continued interest might help you get your application noticed if the school accepts letters or other correspondence. Examine the decision letter you initially received. It might include details about your deferral or the waitlist.

Don’t Fail to Also Read: How To Fold A Letter Into An Envelope | Sample Images

2. Make a Great Introduction

After examining the program guideline, start with writing a great introduction. Make your letter’s recipient the one who received your initial decision letter. The letter’s recipient could be the officer on the admissions committee or the program manager.

You can write a brief introduction paragraph after introducing yourself and thanking the person for their time and consideration. Then you can inform them you are still considering the school.

3. State your interest

Emphasize your enthusiasm for the school. Tell them if they’re your first choice or if you’ll attend if accepted. Try to make this section personal while keeping it concise.

4. Include pertinent updates

You may briefly summarize your most pertinent updates since submitting your initial application materials in one to three paragraphs. Recent academic performance, test results, and extracurricular and volunteer activities fall under this category.

5. Think about telling a personal tale

Consider including a brief personal narrative describing your reasons for choosing the particular school. Also include information about the school’s goal and the courses it offers. A personal record can add interest to the letter and help you connect with the reader.

6. Provide a summary

Write a concise conclusion at the end of your letter reiterating your interest in the program. Don’t forget to extend your gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration of your application. After that, sign with your full name.

You can type your name if you’re emailing the letter. Print out your document and hand-sign it if you’re mailing a physical letter to give it a more official, businesslike appearance.

7. Examine and improve your document.

Another opportunity to impress the admissions committee is through a letter of continued interest. To help you leave an excellent first impression, think about taking the time to review and revise the document carefully. 

To ensure accuracy and proper grammar, you can read the letter out loud or discuss it with a friend or member of your family.

Read Also: How to Write a Condolence Letter | Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Advice on How to Draft a Letter of Continued Interest

Here are some pointers you can use to draft your LOCI:

If you’re on the waitlist at a few schools, consider concentrating on your ideal program or your top two choices when writing your letters. The admissions committee may take notice of your letter if you mention that the program is your top choice.

Use polite language: To show professionalism, keep your language concise and positive as you draft your document.

Examine your essay and personal statement: Consider reviewing any personal opinions or articles you submitted with your initial application to ensure you include new information. The LOCI is an opportunity to add important information for the admissions committee to consider since they typically review your entire application.

Sample of Letter of Continued Interest

Sample 1:

Letter of Continued Interest Sample 2

Sample 3

FAQs

When ought a letter of continued interest to be written?

An example of a letter of continued interest written properly. An email you send to an admissions office after being declined or added to their waitlist is known as a “letter of continued interest.”

How should I proceed if a professor ignores my message?

After a week, if a professor hasn’t responded to your email, you can send a follow-up email acknowledging their busy schedule but expressing your gratitude for any information they could provide. Do not bother that recipient if they still don’t respond. Instead, attempt to contact a different professor.

What distinguishes a letter of intent from a letter of interest?

The main distinction between each letter of continued interest and the letter of intent implies the commitment between them. A letter of continued interest expresses your intention to attend the receiving institution, whereas a letter of intent represents your commitment to enroll if you are accepted.

Where should I send my letter and to whom?

Your waitlist or deferral notice from the school will probably include instructions on where to send your LOCI. If there is a form to complete, use it; if not, send your letter to the person who initially gave you the notice. Ask the admissions office if you have questions via email or phone.

Read Also: How To Ask A Professor For Letter Of Recommendation | Full Guide

Conclusion

Remember the following tips when writing a letter of continued interest: be concise, be polite, do your research, and tailor your letter.

Following these tips will demonstrate your genuine interest in the school and increase your chances of being accepted.

Recommendations

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like