LOCI = Letter of Continued Interest. What are some reasons you’d want to write one to colleges?
- You were deferred and want to update them to increase your chances of a YES.
- You haven’t heard yet and want them to know you REALLY want to attend and why.
- You have meaningful updates to share that the admissions committee needs to know to evaluate your application.
College applications are a lot like dating. You need to be a good match, and it’s important to communicate WHY in the right way. If the school offers you a way to provide updates, use their form/approach. If they don’t, you can email your specific admissions rep if you know who it is, and you can call admissions to find out the preferred approach to sending a LOCI. From a content perspective, here are some things you can include:
- Meaningful updates since you applied. Started a new activity, had an exciting win in one of your activities, were recognized academically for something special, increased your GPA substantially.
- Share or reiterate in a unique way why you’re a perfect match for each other. Remember, it’s all about the YIELD – colleges want to say YES to students who will say YES.
- A resume if you feel you got cut short in reporting activities in the 10 spots provided.
Here’s what you do NOT want to do:
- Reiterate your application – they have it!
- Send a letter with typos.
- Spam the college with too much (too many emails/letters/rec letters). More isn’t always better. Remember – they have limited time, and it’s up to YOU to curate the information thoughtfully.
These are some basic tips…let me know if I can help you draft a compelling LOCI!
