Receiving a letter of waitlist or deferral is always disappointing. Thousands of students have to deal with the stress and amalgam of emotions accompanying the news they got deferred or waitlisted by their dream schools. However, we are here to tell you that this is not the end of your application process. Not if the choice school allows candidates to send a letter of continued interest!
Take advantage of the letter of continued interest
A letter of continued interest is a way to inform the admissions committees that even though you have been deferred or waitlisted, you continue to show interest in their institution and you want to become a part of their student body. The fact that a selective school has chosen not to send you a letter of acceptance and instead has waitlisted or deferred you doesn’t mean you got rejected. It means they have already accepted their quota of students or may still have reservations about your college application but the admissions office considers you a strong candidate.
We know that not all colleges allow letters of continued interest, mostly due to the large volume of applications they receive during the admissions process. However, if your dream school invites students to show their continued interest and highlight their newest accomplishments through additional letters, don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard…again! Read the waitlist or deferral notice carefully and check the school’s policy on letters of continued interest. Some will indicate the need to fill out a form while others will require an email. If you are a local student, you can mail a physical letter for a personal touch!
Keep it short, straightforward, and positive
Keep in mind that your letter of continued interest is not your admissions essay. You need to keep it short and to the point. Try not to exceed 500 words and address it to the admissions office. If you can address it to a specific admissions officer, even better! Use a formal tone but keep it hopeful. Make sure the letter has a positive approach and never focus on your disappointment or other negative emotions you have regarding your waitlist or deferral notice.
Accept the committee’s admissions decision and do not doubt it! Instead, insist on your dedication to getting accepted into your dream college and why you have chosen to apply there in the first place. Make sure you don’t sound too desperate though because admissions officers are not excited to accept applicants that have no other academic options. You need to present yourself as a strong candidate who has a lot to offer. Make it personal but don’t sound arrogant either. Keep a balance between your personality and a semi-formal tone.
Reiterate why you would be a good fit
While you should not turn your letter of continued interest into an application essay, we recommend you reiterate your interest in the school and explain why you chose a certain major or program. Make sure you keep it original and find different arguments from the ones already expressed in your application process. Personalize your letter of continued interest and avoid any vague or generic statements that add no value to your application and their decision process.
Mention if you have visited their campus since you have sent your application materials and if the experience has made a difference for you. Let them know what you loved about your visit and why you believe you will thrive there. Insist on what you can bring to the campus and why you continue to consider their school your number one choice.
Include meaningful updates
Your letter of continued interest should not repeat any information already included in the application letter. This is your chance to highlight new accomplishments and prove your commitment to working hard to achieve your academic goals. Mention any new extracurricular activities, any awards or honors won, new leadership positions, or any other projects that may be relevant for the admissions committee. Make sure the improvements mentioned are specific and not general. Do not say that your grades have improved considerably without attaching new transcripts.
It is recommended to be specific about each class and mention if, for example, some grades have gone up from a B to an A. The same applies to the standardized test scores. Mention if you have improved your scores and include details, like an improved math score. Is your GPA score better now? Let them know! Remember to always attach official reports that attest to the new accomplishments. However, include new materials only if they are requested or relevant to the school of your choice. If, for example, the SAT score does not influence the admissions decision, do not mention it.
Be humble and thankful
Both the introduction and the conclusion should include a heartfelt thank you. Open your letter of continued interest by thanking the admissions committee for taking the time to review your application. Be polite and let them know their institution continues to be your top choice and you would be happy to get an acceptance letter. Keep in mind that your acceptance chances may vary depending on the school you’re applying to, but they are real, and this is the time to advocate for yourself.
Thank the reader again in the final paragraph for taking the time to reevaluate your materials and familiarize themselves with your updates. Your point has been made and now all you can do is wait…again! Give everything you have in this final interaction with the admissions officer without sounding disappointed with their initial decision. You still have a good chance to get accepted! While a letter of continued interest doesn’t necessarily have the power to sway the balance one way or another, it can surely give you the opportunity to show the committee how dedicated, passionate, and impressive you are!
Note: If you want your letter of continued interest to get the attention it deserves, make sure you submit it in January if you’ve been deferred, and before May 1st if you’ve been waitlisted.
