Being deferred from your dream college can feel like being stuck in limbo. You're not out, but you're not in either. It's a situation many students face each year, and while it's not an outright rejection, it does mean you'll have to wait a bit longer to find out if you've made it into your top-choice school.
First things first: always apply to backup schools and keep your options open. It's crucial to have a plan B, C, and even D. But if you've been deferred and are still set on your dream school, there's a proactive step you can take: writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Get started on yours with the tips below, or try our affordable, custom AI tool to craft the most effective letter for you and your story.
Understanding the Letter of Continued Interest
A Letter of Continued Interest is a way to reaffirm to the college that you're still very interested in attending and to update them on any new achievements or aspects of your profile that weren't included in your initial application. However, before you send a LOCI, make sure the college is open to receiving such letters. Some colleges explicitly state they do not want additional materials. If that's the case, respect their process.
Crafting an Effective LOCI: Key Components
Your LOCI should be concise, well-written, and to the point. Here are the main components to include:
Gratitude and Reaffirmation: Start by thanking the admissions committee for reconsidering your application and clearly state that the college remains your top choice. If you're committed to attending if admitted, make sure to express that.
Updates and Achievements: Share any new developments since you submitted your application. This could include improved grades, new extracurricular activities, awards, or other recognitions.
Campus Visit Reflections: If you've visited the campus, mention this in your letter. Describe what you loved about the experience and how it reinforced your desire to attend.
Why This College: Include 2-3 specific reasons why you believe this college is the perfect fit for you, linking your goals and interests to what the school offers.
Closing with Thanks: Conclude by thanking the reader for their time and consideration.
Crafting the perfect LOCI can be daunting. That's where ESAI comes in. Our Letter of Continued Interest Tool helps you create a custom letter that's high-quality, personalized, and aligns with the standards of top universities. Developed by real college tutors, ESAI offers you the expertise you need at a fraction of the cost of a coaching session.
Remember, being deferred isn’t the end of your college admissions journey. It's an opportunity to reaffirm your interest and present yourself in the best light possible. With the right approach and tools like ESAI, you can increase your chances of turning that deferral into an acceptance.