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A few years ago, a parent called me in a panic: "Andrew is absolutely devastated after being deferred from Columbia. What do we do now?"
I understood her worry. Getting deferred from your dream school can feel devastating. Your student worked for months on applications and spent nights imagining walking around lush green campuses and hanging out in the student center. You were supposed to be done. Now you have to wait, stuck in limbo, wondering if your student still has a chance.
Andrew felt the same way. But after I showed his family how to write a LOCI and execute a strategic plan, he was eventually admitted to Columbia.
You're not alone in this experience. As early applications have grown, so has the number of students being deferred from college. Every year, colleges defer 70-80% of early decision and early action applicants. Make sure you check out my post Deferred from College? Here's What to Do Next (2025-2026 Guide) for how to respond strategically to increase your chances, including more guidance on how to write a LOCI.
This post gets tactical. We'll walk step-by-step through how to write a LOCI, one of the most powerful tools your student has to tip the scales in their favor. A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest can genuinely add value to your student's application, make them a stronger candidate, and most importantly, ensure they're still in the running. But this is only true if it's strategic, specific, and timely. Keep reading to learn exactly how to write a strong LOCI that works.
How to Write a Strong LOCI (Letter of Continued Interest)
After years of working with students through the college admissions process, I've seen firsthand how understanding how to write a LOCI can transform a deferral into an acceptance. The key is approaching this letter strategically, not emotionally. When families ask me how to write a LOCI, I always start with the fundamentals.
What Is a LOCI?
A Letter of Continued Interest is a brief update sent to a college after your student has been deferred. When learning how to write a LOCI, it's important to understand it serves three specific purposes:
- Reaffirm genuine interest in attending (especially important if your student applied Early Decision or Early Action)
- Share meaningful updates that strengthen the application
- Demonstrate fit by connecting your student's goals to specific programs, resources, or opportunities at the school
Think of it as a focused supplement, not a repeat of the original application, and definitely not a desperate plea. The best approach to how to write a LOCI is staying calm, confident, and strategic.
Do LOCIs Actually Help?
Yes, when done right. This is the first thing parents want to know when asking how to write a LOCI.
Admissions officers have confirmed that strong LOCIs can make a difference, particularly when:
The update genuinely strengthens the academic or extracurricular profile. This means your student shares only new updates since submitting their application, such as improved test scores, new awards, expanded leadership roles, research opportunities, or major-aligned experiences. If nothing significant has changed, that's okay. Focus on demonstrating fit rather than forcing weak updates when figuring out how to write a LOCI.
Your student demonstrates deep knowledge of the school beyond surface-level research. Most students will gather information from the usual sources: Reddit or other online community boards, Google, and the school website. You'll want to encourage your student to consider places where they can get helpful insights that only those closest to the source would know: current students, alumni, or faculty.
That's why when I teach families how to write a LOCI, I recommend students visit LinkedIn and reach out to people affiliated with the university for an informational interview. This insight can be incredibly helpful and, in some cases, has led to someone on campus advocating for the student in an ethically appropriate way.
Your student clarifies why they're a strong fit for the specific community. Is your student studying something different? Are they accomplished in a field? Is there a need on campus, in a club, or in a sport where they could contribute? They'll share this in their LOCI, but of course, your student will have a stronger application if it can be verified by a trusted advocate, such as their school counselor.
The bottom line: A poorly written LOCI can do more harm than good. Generic statements like "I love your campus" or repeating information already in the application won't move the needle. What matters when learning how to write a LOCI is showing, not just telling, why this school is the right match for your student.
When Should You Send a LOCI?
Timing is critical when learning how to write a LOCI after a deferral. Ideally, your student should send their Letter of Continued Interest within 1-2 weeks of receiving their deferral decision. This shows they're proactive and genuinely engaged, not just scrambling at the last minute. Though some schools give a specific deadline that you can follow, schools start reading Regular Decision applications as early as February, so you'll want to get the LOCI in by then.
Check the college's website or deferral letter for specific instructions on how to submit a LOCI. Some schools provide a portal for updates, while others prefer email. Always follow their guidelines exactly. Schools like Yale and MIT publish clear guidance about submitting additional materials after a deferral.
If the school explicitly says not to send additional materials, respect that. In those cases, focus your energy on other parts of the deferral application strategy instead.
Download our College Deferral Defense Guide for a complete timeline and checklist of what to do after a deferral.
What to Include in a LOCI
A strong LOCI is short (200-300 words), specific, and strategic. Here's what to include when figuring out how to write a LOCI to make it effective:
Reaffirm Your Interest
Start by thanking the admissions committee and clearly stating that this school remains your student's top choice. Be genuine but not desperate. When learning how to write a LOCI, remember: do not use this space to complain or express dissatisfaction with not being admitted early.
Share Meaningful Updates
Only include updates that genuinely strengthen the application. When considering how to write a LOCI, focus on:
- Academic achievements: New grades, test scores (especially if your student initially applied test-optional), advanced coursework
- Awards or recognition: Recent honors, competitions, publications
- Leadership roles: Expanded responsibilities in existing activities
- Impact: Measurable outcomes from your student's work
- Major-aligned experiences: Research, projects, or coursework that connect to their intended field
What not to include when learning how to write a LOCI: Vague statements about working hard, minor activities that don't add substance, emotional appeals, or information already shared in the initial application.
Demonstrate Specific Fit
This is where most LOCIs fall short. When figuring out how to write a LOCI, don't just say your student loves the school. Prove they understand what makes it unique and why they belong there.
Reference specific resources:
- Academic programs or centers
- Research labs or faculty members
- Student organizations or initiatives
- Unique aspects of the curriculum
Draw from actual research, conversations with current students, or insights from a campus visit. The more specific you are when learning how to write a LOCI, the more credible your student becomes.
Close with Gratitude
End graciously. Thank them for reconsidering the application and express genuine hope for the opportunity to join their community.
How Long Should a LOCI Be?
Keep it brief: 200-300 words maximum.
Admissions officers are reading thousands of applications. When learning how to write a LOCI, respect their time by being concise and strategic. Every sentence should add value. If it doesn't strengthen your student's case, cut it.
Strong LOCI Example (That Worked)
Here's a strong LOCI example to guide you as you learn how to write a LOCI:
Dear Brown University Admissions Committee,
Thank you for reviewing my application during the Early Decision process. Although I was deferred, I want to reaffirm that Brown remains my top choice, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be reconsidered during Regular Decision. Brown's culture of interdisciplinary exploration and intellectual openness through the Open Curriculum is exactly the environment in which I hope to grow.
Since applying, I have maintained strong academic performance, earning straight A's in all courses. I also completed two new online classes, one on climate and energy systems and another on computational problem-solving, which deepened my interest in the intersection of technology and sustainability. This reinforced my desire to pursue these fields through Brown's flexibility to design my own academic path across engineering, environmental studies, and policy.
Outside the classroom, I expanded our school's Mahjong Club by organizing a Lunar New Year event that introduced dozens of students to the game and its cultural significance. I've also continued cooking, a hobby that helps me reset during stressful periods and stay connected to my heritage.
A Brown initiative that particularly excites me is the Brown Design Workshop. The opportunity to collaborate across disciplines on hands-on, human-centered projects reflects the kind of creative problem-solving I hope to engage in during college. Learning about BDW reaffirmed that Brown is the community where I see myself learning, contributing, and growing.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I remain deeply committed to Brown and hopeful for the chance to join the Class of 2029.
Warmly,
Ryan
Ryan was deferred from Brown and later admitted from the waitlist. His LOCI after deferral worked because it was specific, substantive, and demonstrated genuine fit, not just interest. This example shows exactly how to write a LOCI that stands out.
He sent a thoughtful, strategic LOCI highlighting new coursework, meaningful extracurricular impact, and a deep understanding of specific Brown programs like the Brown Design Workshop. His counselor also reinforced his interest in their mid-year report, and a professor he'd connected with during a summer program a year earlier wrote an additional letter of recommendation.
Ryan's success shows that understanding how to write a LOCI is most effective when it's part of a larger deferral strategy. Learn more about building a comprehensive post-deferral plan or book a Strategy Meeting to create your personalized approach.
Common LOCI Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned students make these mistakes when learning how to write a LOCI:
Being Too Generic
"I love your beautiful campus and school spirit" tells admissions officers nothing about why your student actually belongs there. When learning how to write a LOCI, specificity is everything.
Repeating Your Application
Don't rehash activities or achievements already in the file unless there's a significant new development. Part of understanding how to write a LOCI is knowing what to leave out.
Including Weak Updates
Joining a new club last week or shadowing someone for a day won't strengthen the application. When learning how to write a LOCI, only share updates with real substance.
Writing Too Much
A 500-word essay won't be read carefully. When figuring out how to write a LOCI, keep it tight and focused.
Sounding Desperate
Confidence matters. Express genuine interest without begging or over-explaining. This is crucial when learning how to write a LOCI.
Ignoring School-Specific Guidelines
Always check if the college has specific instructions for submitting updates. Ignoring their process can backfire, regardless of how well you understand how to write a LOCI.
Real Examples: LOCIs That Worked
After helping over 2,500 students through college admissions, I've seen how learning how to write a LOCI can change outcomes. Here are two real examples:
Megan to Tulane
Megan applied test-optional and was deferred. She retook the SAT, earned a 1500, and reported her new score. In her LOCI after deferral, she tied that achievement to Tulane's interdisciplinary academic rigor and explained how her improved score reflected her readiness for that level of challenge. Understanding how to write a LOCI that connected her update to the school's values made the difference. She was admitted during Regular Decision.
Ryan to Brown
Ryan's LOCI (shown above) demonstrates how strategic updates combined with deep school knowledge can make the difference. His success came from coordinating multiple elements: a strong LOCI, counselor advocacy, and an additional recommendation from a professor he'd built a relationship with during a previous summer program. This shows how to write a LOCI as part of a comprehensive strategy.
What Else Should You Do After a Deferral?
Understanding how to write a LOCI is important, but it's just one piece of your post-deferral strategy. You should also:
Update your student's counselor so they can advocate for your student in their mid-year report. Even better, encourage the counselor to call the admissions office directly. A phone call from a trusted counselor expressing genuine surprise that your student wasn't admitted, and confidently stating they're among their strongest Regular Decision candidates, can carry significant weight.
Maintain strong grades in senior year courses. Colleges will see the mid-year report, and a dip in performance can hurt chances, even with a strong LOCI.
Consider retaking standardized tests if the scores don't reflect your student's abilities, especially if they applied test-optional initially. This can be a powerful update when learning how to write a LOCI.
Apply strategically to other schools to ensure your student has strong options. Don't put all your energy into one deferred school at the expense of building a balanced college list. Check out College Deferral Statistics 2025 to understand the landscape.
Read our complete guide: Deferred From College? Here's What to Do Next for a step-by-step action plan.
Need Help Crafting Your LOCI?
Learning how to write a LOCI can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already stressed about the deferral itself. If you want personalized guidance on what updates to include, how to demonstrate fit, and how to position your student for Regular Decision, I'm here to help.
Book a 1-Hour Deferral Strategy Meeting, and we'll create a clear, confident plan together. No pressure, no sales pitch, just strategic support when you need it most.
Your student has worked incredibly hard to get here. A deferral doesn't mean no, it means not yet. With the right strategy and understanding how to write a LOCI effectively, you can turn this setback into an opportunity to strengthen the case and show the admissions committee exactly why your student belongs.
Download the College Deferral Defense Guide to get started today.
