columbia letter of continued interest

Crafting a Compelling Columbia Letter of Continued Interest

A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) for Columbia University reaffirms your strong desire to attend the institution after being deferred or waitlisted. It’s a strategic way to reiterate your qualifications, provide updates on your achievements, and demonstrate your unwavering commitment to Columbia. Essentially, it tells Columbia, “I still really want to come here, and here’s why.”

What is a Letter of Continued Interest?

A Letter of Continued Interest is a document sent to a college after an applicant has been deferred from early decision or early action, or placed on the waitlist. As Wikipedia explains in its article on College Admission in the United States, this letter is an applicant’s opportunity to reinforce their interest and present any new accomplishments to the admissions committee. It’s your chance to shine a light on your passion for Columbia, emphasizing your fit within its academic and extracurricular environment.

Key Components of a Strong Columbia LOCI

A successful LOCI for Columbia University typically includes these key components:

* **Expressing Continued Interest:** Begin by explicitly stating your continued and strong interest in attending Columbia. Mention the specific program or aspect of Columbia that particularly attracts you.

* **Updates and Achievements:** Provide updates on any significant achievements, awards, or experiences since submitting your initial application. This shows that you’ve been actively engaged and are still growing.

* **Reinforcing Fit:** Reiterate how your skills, values, and aspirations align with Columbia’s academic and extracurricular opportunities. Be specific and demonstrate a deep understanding of Columbia’s offerings.

* **Addressing Weaknesses (If Applicable):** If there were any weaknesses in your application, you can briefly address them and explain how you’ve worked to improve in those areas. Focus on growth and improvement.

* **Concise and Professional Tone:** Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout the letter. Keep it concise and focused, typically around one page in length.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Columbia LOCI

Here’s a quick guide to ensure your letter makes a positive impression:

* **Do:** Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. Have someone else review it as well. Research Columbia thoroughly and demonstrate specific knowledge of its programs and offerings. Be genuine and authentic in expressing your interest.

* **Don’t:** Sound demanding or entitled. Simply restate information already in your application. Exceed the recommended length. Send multiple LOCIs unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Formatting and Submission

Typically, an LOCI should be formatted as a professional letter. Include your full name, contact information, and the date. Address it to the appropriate admissions officer, if known, or use a general salutation like “Dear Columbia University Admissions Committee.” Submit the letter through the admissions portal or as instructed by Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

* **When should I send my LOCI?** Send it as soon as possible after being deferred or waitlisted, ideally within a week or two.
* **How long should my LOCI be?** Aim for one page, keeping it concise and focused.
* **What if I don’t have any new updates?** You can still reiterate your interest and emphasize why Columbia is your top choice, highlighting aspects of your application that align with Columbia’s values.
* **Should I mention other schools I’ve been accepted to?** Generally, it’s best to focus solely on your interest in Columbia and avoid mentioning other acceptances.
* **Whom should I address the letter to?** Address it to your admissions officer. If you don’t know who your admissions officer is, address it to the admissions committee.

In Summary

A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest can significantly enhance your chances of admission to Columbia after being deferred or waitlisted. By expressing your unwavering interest, providing relevant updates, and demonstrating a clear fit with the university, you can make a compelling case for your candidacy. Remember to maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone, and always proofread carefully.