How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest for College Admissions: Tips and Templates

Did you get waitlisted or deferred from your dream college and are now wondering how to get off the waitlist? Or maybe you're looking to write a letter of continued interest but don't know where to start. In this video, we'll provide you with some tips and templates for writing a letter of continued interest to help you stand out to admissions officers and increase your chances of getting admitted.

The Importance of a Letter of Continued Interest

A letter of continued interest is a way for you to keep yourself on the radar of admissions officers and show them that you are still interested in attending their college or university. While it may not guarantee admission, it can help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants and increase your chances of getting accepted off the waitlist.

Tactics for Writing a Letter of Continued Interest

When writing a letter of continued interest, it's important to try to leverage yourself in whatever way possible. This is a negotiation between you and the admissions office, and you want to show them that you really want to attend their university and that they might get some yield out of accepting you. Yield is the idea that if they offer you a spot, you will take it, which is helpful for them and their rankings.

One way to leverage yourself is to add more information that might not have been in your original application or make up for information that might have hurt you in some way. This can be a chance to update admissions officers on any recent accomplishments or activities, such as awards or leadership roles in clubs, or to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your grades or test scores.

How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest

When writing a letter of continued interest, the first step is to address the person you are sending it to and figure out who that person is. It's recommended to send the letter to the regional admissions person for the college or university that you've applied to, as they are likely the one who will be reviewing your file.

To find out who your regional admissions person is, you can look it up on the school's website, or email the overall admissions office and ask for the information. Once you have the person's name, you can begin your letter with "Dear [Name],"

In the body of the letter, you should briefly introduce yourself and remind the admissions officer of your interest in the college or university. Then, you can provide any updates or additional information that you want them to consider, such as recent accomplishments or extenuating circumstances.

It's important to be concise and to the point in your letter, while still conveying your enthusiasm and interest in attending their school. End the letter by thanking the admissions officer for their time and consideration, and expressing your hope for a positive outcome.

Sample Templates for a Letter of Continued Interest

Here are some sample templates for a letter of continued interest that you can use as a starting point:

Template 1:

Dear [Name],

I am writing to express my continued interest in attending [College/University Name]. Since submitting my application, I have had the opportunity to achieve [insert recent accomplishments or activities], which have further solidified my desire to attend [College/University Name]. I am confident that I would thrive in the academic and social environment at your institution and would be a valuable asset to the student body.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2:

Dear [Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application to [College/University Name] and to express my continued interest in attending. While I understand that admissions decisions are competitive and based on a variety of factors,