HOW TO WRITE A LETTER OF CONTINUED INTEREST

BY Allison Liebman, College Bound Future

How do I write a letter/statement of continued interest?
If you have been deferred or waitlisted, there is still something you can do: write a Letter of
Continued Interest. Let the school know that you’re still considering them as a top choice.
Colleges are concerned with their yield (percentage of admitted students who actually enroll).
Reassure the admissions committee that if accepted, you will attend.

Share updates on your academic performance, extracurricular or athletic leadership positions,
recent awards, or any other information that might significantly change your applicant profile. Be
brief, polite, and professional.

Be specific and remind them why you are a good fit. Think about your supplemental essays. You
never want to sound generic or make them feel that you have sent the same letter to several
schools.

Address it to your regional admissions officer, NOT the dean.
Explain why you still want to go to this school and why they should still want to accept you. Be
enthusiastic but not desperate. Make it personal and informal.

Avoid repeating information from your original application. You want to show them there is more
to you!

Format:
Introduce yourself, thank the school for reconsidering your application, and reiterate your
interest in the college. If there are any specific interactions you’ve had with the regional
admissions officer that you can mention, certainly do so.

Talk again about the reasons you have for wanting to attend the college, and why you’d be a
good fit. Make sure, as with everything else, to be specific. Find the thing that makes this school
important to you and mention it in the letter.

Briefly update them about any changes to your status and ask if they would like you to provide
any additional information. Remind them why you are a good fit for their college; explain not
only what makes it a good school for you, but why you are a good student for them.

Thank them again and end the letter by wishing them well. Sign your name, along with your
email address and phone number, so that they can reach you. (Unless there is a specific
deferral form on the portal).

Here are some phrases that may help:

Dear (REGIONAL ADMISSIONS REP) and the Admissions Committee;
I want to sincerely thank the admissions committee for the opportunity to update my
application. X University remains my first choice, and I would gladly attend if admitted.
Since submitting my application in the fall, I have continued my commitment to
academics with challenging coursework, maintaining an X GPA throughout this
semester. Additionally, I (share any awards, new extracurricular involvements, leadership
positions, etc).

Throughout my college search, I have felt that X University is (an example of what makes
the school unique), particularly for someone like me who (YOUR INTERESTS AND
SPECIFIC GOALS) plans to study X and pursue a career in X.

As a (INSERT TWO OR THREE ADJECTIVES) student, I am confident that X University is
the best fit for me, and I am eager to bring my (UNIQUE THINGS ABOUT YOU) to the
(COLLEGE MASCOT) community next fall.

Please let me know if you would like me to provide any additional information. I
appreciate you taking the time to revisit my application and consider me for the class of
2029.
Sincerely,

HOW TO ADD AUTHENTICITY AND MAKE YOUR LOCI STAND OUT
- Describe a defining moment or memory from your campus visit
- Remind the regional admissions rep of a specific interaction you shared
- Offer a highlight from your alumni interview
- Share a relevant quote or short anecdote
- Incorporate a subtle theme
- Mention one of the school’s traditions or superstitions
- Reference the mascot

SAMPLE 1
Dear Ms. Blakely and the Admissions Committee:
Thank you very much for considering my application for further review. Although I’m grateful for offers
from other schools, the University of South Carolina remains my first choice, and if accepted, I would
certainly attend.

During my visit last spring, I toured the Darla Moore building, walked the local market on Green Street,
and met up with friends at the Horseshoe. The community had a great vibe, and the campus felt like a
place I could call home. Academically, the School of Business and the College of Education have strong
programs in my two main areas of interest.

The hands-on learning approach of The Darla Moore School of Business mirrors my high school DECA
experience, where I collaborated with peers on simulated marketing projects and real-world business
strategies. I also appreciate that USC encourages Marketing majors to choose a concentration, such as
Sales Leadership, to develop a specialized degree that stands out to potential employers.

Additionally, USC is a great fit for my “Plan B”
-- a career in education. Although I’ve focused on marketing, I sometimes picture myself as a math or 
business teacher. This probably stems from my mom’s side of the family (lots of math teachers) and from 
connecting with my business teachers in high school. I’ve also had a lot of experience working with kids and
coaching hockey, so teaching is always in the back of my mind. USC’s 5-year degree program in the College of 
Education is another great option, and I could also earn a coaching certification as a USC graduate student.

Since applying to USC, I have continued my commitment to academics, maintaining a 94 GPA.
Additionally, I recently earned placement at the DECA States competition, where I will represent New York
for the third consecutive year. Last year, my team placed 1st in the Marketing category, and I plan to finish
my senior year strong with a win at Nationals. Next year, I would be thrilled to join Collegiate DECA as a
student at USC.

With a degree from USC, I can become a future business leader or a teacher, maybe even both! Either
way, it would be an honor to become a proud member of USC’s strong alumni network after what I predict
will be the best 4+ years of my life.

Thank you again for reconsidering my application and giving me an opportunity to join the Gamecock
community this fall.

Sincerely,
David Smith

SAMPLE 2
Dear Mr. O’Brien and the Admissions Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to submit an update to my application. My second visit to campus last week
reinforced my commitment to Boston College.

This time, as I entered Fulton, I recognized the “Faces of Fulton” from a recent CSOM post highlighted on
Instagram. An article in The Heights revealed that the figures represent mythical beings invented by the
architect, and one line truly resonated: “Following the Jesuit tradition, these unknown faces are guiding us
through these four years.” It is this faith that draws me to study business at Boston College.

People like Professor Wesner, a well-known face and guide for many CSOM students, also inspire me. I
was lucky enough to experience his class and observe his genuine interest in each student. Professor
Wesner encouraged his class to engage with one another, placing equal importance on human
connection and the business curriculum.

Walking through campus, I discovered the Campus School, a community unique to BC yet fully aligned
with my personal mission. There, we met Elizabeth, a TA who spoke about the many volunteer
opportunities for BC students. Recently, I led the Special Olympics Floor Hockey Invitational for
Misericordia and would love to create similar programs on campus that build a brighter future for those
with special needs.
 

Since applying to BC, I have successfully navigated a rigorous academic schedule, earning a 94% GPA,
and was nominated by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as a 2022-23 State Scholar. I’m
motivated by the advice Professor Wesner shared with me about becoming part of Boston College’s
Class of 2026: “Pray like it is up to God, but work like it is up to you. ” This I promise to do!

Thank you again for your time and consideration. Boston College remains my #1 choice; if accepted, 
I would enthusiastically attend.

Sincerely, 

John Smith