How to Create a Stand Out Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Here’s a sobering fact: About one out of three (31%) students will have a deferral email land in their inbox after the early decision rounds this year. And since most colleges will ask for updates to help them make a final decision, it’s important we understand how to compose a standout letter of continued interest.

There are many reasons for a deferral, and the weight of the deferral will be different for different colleges, but let’s focus on how to create a stand out LOCI here.

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest: A Step-by-Step Guide (with Clemson as an Example)

It’s not uncommon for strong applicants to receive a deferral decision, especially from universities with highly competitive applicant pools, but it varies astoundingly between institutions.

For example:

Georgetown (Restricted EA) defers 100% of its non-admitted applicants
Harvard (Single Choice EA) defers 80% of its early round applicants
University of Virginia (ED) defers 27% of its applicants
Northwestern (ED) defers less than 2% of its application

Regardless of the data, if you’ve been deferred, you still have a chance to strengthen your application and demonstrate your continued enthusiasm for the school — through a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Below is a specific guide on how to craft your LOCI, with Clemson University as an example. The strategies below can be applied to nearly any college or university.

Why Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

As I’ve stated before, deferrals can happen for many reasons. Often though, it means the admissions committee wants more information about you or wants to see how you continue to grow academically and personally. By writing a strong LOCI, you can:

Reaffirm Your Enthusiasm: Show that the school remains your top choice.
Update Admissions with New Achievements: Highlight relevant academic, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular, or personal growth that has occurred since you first applied.
Strengthen Your Connection: Personalize your letter to the school’s values, mission, and community. (This is often overlooked!)

Step 1: Adopt a Grateful and Polite Tone

Begin by thanking the admissions committee, the Dean of Admission, or the University itself (choose one but not all) for reviewing your application and considering you in the Regular Decision round. Express appreciation for the opportunity to further present your case.

Example:

“Thank you for taking the time to review my application in the Regular Decision process. I am grateful for the continued opportunity to share more about my experiences, goals, and passion for Clemson University.”

Step 2: Add a Personal Anecdote

Share a brief anecdote about your connection to the school. This can be a memory from a campus visit, a conversation with a student or faculty member, or an event that inspired you to apply.

Tip: Keep it concise! 1–2 sentences are sufficient. You want to show genuine interest without repeating your entire personal statement.

Example:

“Ever since my campus tour last summer, I’ve been captivated by Clemson’s close-knit community and the energy of the student body. From rubbing Howard’s Rock to meeting current students at Tillman Hall, my visit solidified my desire to become a Clemson Tiger.”

Step 3: Highlight Recent Achievements and Updates

This is your chance to stand out. Mention 2–3 notable achievements or developments that have occurred since you submitted your initial application. These can include:

Academic accomplishments (improved grades, new research projects)
Extracurricular involvement (leadership roles, competitions, club activities, awards)
Community service (volunteering, fundraising, or religious activities)

Connect these achievements to how they will benefit the college community. For instance, if you’ve taken a leadership role in a service project, explain how those skills or experiences align with the university’s values or clubs.

Example:

“Since submitting my application, I have accepted a nomination for a new role as Outreach Manager in my school’s Teach Inward volunteer tutoring program, helping younger students at Taft Elementary improve their reading comprehension. I also led a small fundraiser for our local Pittsburgh Food Bank, successfully raising over $2,000 one cupcake at a time that will directly impact families in need this winter. These experiences have deepened my commitment to community service, which I hope to continue at Clemson through Paw Pantry and other student-led service organizations.”

Step 4: Conclude with a Strong Summary

Wrap up your letter by:

Reiterating Your Enthusiasm for the university and how you see yourself contributing to its community.
Clearly Stating You Will Attend if Admitted (if it is indeed your top choice).
Mentioning Any Additional Materials (like updated grades, an extra letter of recommendation, or new writing samples) you’re able to provide.

Example:

“Clemson remains my top choice for furthering my education, and I am more confident than ever that my academic goals and community-oriented values align perfectly with Clemson’s mission to ‘advance knowledge in solving pressing challenges.’ If offered admission, I would be thrilled to join and actively contribute to the Tiger community.”

Step 5: End with an Authentic Thank You and Contact Details

Finish with a genuine thank you and include ways for the admissions team to reach you with any questions. Make sure to keep the tone positive, even if you’re feeling anxious about the deferral.

Example:
“Thank you again for your time and consideration. If there is any additional information I can provide to support my application, please feel free to reach me at [email, phone number]. I look forward to hearing from you and remain hopeful about joining the Clemson family!”

Additional Tips & Next Steps

Align with Your Original Application: Ensure the tone and content match your main essay and overall application theme. Avoid repeating the same stories; instead, focus on fresh achievements or perspectives.
Be Positive and Upbeat: Admissions offices are looking for students who show resilience and genuine excitement. Steer clear of negativity or complaints.
Seek an Additional Letter of Recommendation: Consider asking a faculty member, employer, or mentor who genuinely knows you and supports your goals to write a new letter. If they have connections to the school, even better!
Ask Your Counselor for Support: A quick call or email from your high school counselor to the admissions office can reinforce your commitment. Your counselor can also inquire whether submitting updated grades, additional essays, awards, or another letter of recommendation would be helpful. (Bonus points if your counselor or recommender has ties to the university.)
Check Deadlines: Each school’s timeline for accepting LOCIs or updated materials can vary. For Clemson, the suggested deadline is mid-January, but always confirm via the school’s portal or admissions website.
Upload Materials Promptly: Whether it’s an updated resume, statement, or transcript, uploading to the appropriate portal (like Clemson’s Student Portal) ensures everything reaches the admissions committee in time.
Research the University: Yes, you’ve already conducted extensive research when you first applied, but take the time to review the college website once more, sift through their relevant social media (ex. Clemson Engineering Instagram) and check for any updates that you can be aligned with your LOCI.

A Note on Clemson & Other Highly Competitive Schools

Clemson University, for example, received over 60,000 applications for about 4,500 seats. A deferral is not a rejection — it’s an opportunity for them to see how you handle the waiting period and any new developments in your profile. Other universities, like the University of South Carolina, have seen similarly high volumes of applicants. Your LOCI should be an extension of your application, showcasing growth, gratitude, and genuine excitement.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a deferral isn’t the end of the road. A thoughtfully composed Letter of Continued Interest can significantly boost your chances and help you stand out among thousands of applicants. Remember to stay positive, stay true to your voice, and demonstrate how you will be a valuable addition to the campus community. Good luck with your LOCI, and go get that admission offer!

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