You’re staring at a screen. It’s that "we regret to inform you" email, but with a twist—you aren't rejected. You’re in the admissions purgatory known as the waitlist. Honestly, it feels like being the backup date to prom. You’re good enough to keep around, but not the first choice.
Most students just click the "remain on waitlist" button and pray. That's a mistake. If you actually want to get in, you need to write a LOCI. Seeing an example letter of continued interest can help, but if you just copy-paste a template, you're toast. Admissions officers at places like Michigan or NYU read thousands of these. They can smell a generic "I love your campus" letter from a mile away.
It’s about showing, not just telling. You’ve gotta prove you’re still a catch.
Why Most People Mess Up the Waitlist Process
Let’s be real. Most people think the waitlist is a soft rejection. It isn't. It’s a "maybe." Colleges use waitlists to manage their "yield"—the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll. If fewer people say yes than expected, they turn to the waitlist.
Your job is to be the easiest "yes" they have.
The biggest error? Being annoying. There’s a very thin line between "demonstrating interest" and "harassment." Don't call the admissions office every day. Don't send a 50-page portfolio of your childhood finger paintings. One solid, high-quality letter is usually enough.
What a Real Example Letter of Continued Interest Actually Looks Like
Let's break down an illustrative example of what works. Imagine a student named Alex who got waitlisted at a mid-sized liberal arts college.
Alex shouldn't just say, "I still want to come." Instead, Alex needs to bridge the gap between their application in November and who they are now in April.
Illustrative Example:
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Dear Mr. Henderson,
Thank you for continuing to consider my application for the Class of 2030. While I was disappointed to be waitlisted, [College Name] remains my absolute first choice. If admitted, I will enroll.
Since I submitted my application, I’ve stayed busy. I finally finished my capstone project on urban heat islands, which won "Best in Category" at the regional science fair. More importantly, I've started volunteering with the City Tree Initiative, where I’ve led three planting events. This hands-on work has shifted how I think about the environmental policy courses I hope to take with Professor Miller next fall.
My grades have also stayed strong; I maintained a 4.0 through the mid-year, including an A in AP Physics C. I’m still the person you saw in my essay—just a version with a bit more experience and a lot of excitement for your community.
See what happened there? Alex did three things. First, the "If admitted, I will enroll" line. That is gold. It’s a guarantee of yield for the college. Second, new info. If you don't have new info, don't write. Third, specific connection. Mentioning a professor or a project shows you’ve done your homework.
The "New News" Rule
If you haven't done anything since you applied, you’re in trouble. You need "new news."
This doesn't have to be winning a Nobel Prize. It could be a new leadership role in a club. Maybe you got a promotion at your part-time job at the coffee shop. Perhaps your GPA went up by 0.2 points. Even a new hobby that shows character—like training for a 10k or learning a coding language—counts if you frame it right.
College admissions experts like Rick Clark from Georgia Tech often emphasize that they want to see how you contribute to a community. Use your update to show you're an active participant in life, not just a grade-chaser.
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When Should You Send It?
Timing is everything. Send it too early (like ten minutes after the waitlist email), and it looks desperate and impulsive. Send it too late (June), and the spots are already gone.
The sweet spot is usually mid-to-late April. This is right when colleges are starting to see their "May 1" deposit numbers come in. They’re looking at the holes in their class. They see they need more biology majors or more kids from the Midwest. That’s when your letter should land in their inbox.
Breaking Down the Anatomy of the Letter
Don't use a standard business letter format that looks like you're suing them. Keep it professional but personal.
- The Hook: Reiterate that they are your #1 choice. Don't say this if it isn't true, but if it is, say it clearly.
- The Updates: Bullet points are fine, but prose is better. Explain the impact of what you did. "I joined the debate team" is boring. "I reached the state quarterfinals in my first year of debate" is an update.
- The "Why Us" Part 2: Don't repeat your original "Why School" essay. Find something new. Maybe you saw a recent webinar they hosted. Maybe a current student told you about a specific tradition. Show you’re still paying attention.
- The Closer: Short and sweet. Thank them for their time.
Navigating the "Waitlist Form" vs. The Email
In 2026, many schools are moving away from email letters. They have a "waitlist update form" in your portal. If they give you a form with a 250-word limit, follow the rules. Don't try to bypass it by emailing the Dean.
If there is a form and you have a personal relationship with a regional admissions counselor, you might send a very brief, polite note to them personally. But generally, follow the instructions provided by the school. Breaking instructions is a great way to stay on the waitlist forever.
The Mental Game: Managing Expectations
Here is the cold, hard truth. Waitlist movement is unpredictable. Some years, a school might take 100 people. The next year? Zero.
According to data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the average "success rate" for getting off a waitlist is often under 10% at selective schools. At some Ivy League schools, it's effectively 0% most years.
You need to fall in love with your "Plan B." Deposit at a school that did accept you. Get excited about their colors, their dorms, and their mascot. If the waitlist school calls, great. If not, you’re already on a path you’re happy with.
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Specific Scenarios: Transfer Waitlists
Waitlisting isn't just for freshmen. Transfers get it too.
An example letter of continued interest for a transfer student looks a bit different. It’s much more academic. You’re likely deeper into your major. You should talk about specific research or upper-level coursework you’re doing at your current institution that prepares you for the jump.
If you're transferring, you're expected to be more mature. Avoid the "I really want to go to football games" stuff. Focus on why your current school isn't the right academic fit and why the new one is the only place you can finish your degree properly.
The Financial Aid Factor
Does your financial need affect the waitlist? Honestly, sometimes.
For schools that are "need-aware," they might look for students who can pay full freight when they are filling those last few spots. It sucks, but it's a reality of the business of higher education. If your financial situation has changed for the better—say, a parent got a new job—it’s worth mentioning in a separate note to the financial aid office.
Final Checklist for Your Letter
Before you hit send, check these things.
- Check the name. Did you call it "The University of Pennsylvania" when you're actually writing to Penn State? This happens more than you’d think. It’s an instant rejection.
- Cut the fluff. If a sentence doesn't add new info or show your personality, delete it.
- Proofread. Use a tool, then have a human read it. Then read it out loud to yourself.
- Confirm the link. If you mention a portfolio or an article you wrote, make sure the link actually works.
Writing this letter is your final "at bat." Give it some heat. Even if the result doesn't change, you'll know you did everything you could. That peace of mind is worth the hour it takes to write a great note.
Actionable Next Steps
- Review your portal. Check if the school specifically asks for a letter or provides a form.
- Identify three "new" achievements. These could be academic, extracurricular, or personal.
- Find a "fresh" reason for the school. Look at their recent news or social media for a specific program or event that caught your eye.
- Draft your letter. Use the illustrative example above as a vibe check, but use your own voice.
- Submit by mid-April. Don't wait until the May 1st deadline is breathing down your neck.
- Commit to your backup. Put your deposit down at another school so you're protected no matter what happens.