Deferred or Waitlisted? Boost Your Chances of Getting Accepted: Crafting a Standout Letter of Continued Interest

Are you feeling disappointed after being deferred or waitlisted from your dream college? Don’t lose hope just yet! A letter of continued interest can help you demonstrate your commitment and potentially boost your chances of being accepted. Here’s how to write a great one.

As an expert, I know that getting deferred or waitlisted can be frustrating and disheartening. However, it’s important to remember that colleges use these admissions decisions to manage their yield rates and ensure that they enroll the right number of students. So, if you’re serious about attending a particular school, it’s essential to write a compelling letter of continued interest that shows your enthusiasm and commitment.

But let’s play devil’s advocate for a moment. Some might argue that writing a letter of continued interest is unnecessary or even desperate. They might argue that if a college didn’t accept you the first time around, there’s no point in trying to change their minds. However, as an expert, I know that this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a well-crafted letter can make all the difference and demonstrate your continued interest and fit for the school.

So, let’s dive into how to write a great letter of continued interest and give yourself the best chance of being accepted to your dream school.

Understanding the Purpose

Are you wondering what a letter of continued interest is and why it matters? Simply put, it is a letter you send to the admissions committee of a college or university expressing your continued interest in attending their school, even though you have been deferred or waitlisted.

You might be asking yourself, why is it important to write this letter? The answer is simple: the admissions committee wants to see demonstrated interest and evidence that you’re still passionate about attending their school. With a letter of continued interest, you have the opportunity to show the admissions committee that you are willing to put in the extra effort and that you truly believe their school is the best fit for you.

Remember, the admissions process is competitive, and schools receive many applications from qualified students. By writing a well-crafted letter of continued interest, you have the chance to stand out from the crowd and potentially improve your chances of being accepted. So, take this opportunity to show your dedication and commitment to the school of your dreams.

 

Structuring Your Letter

When it comes to structuring your letter of continued interest, it’s important to keep in mind that the admissions committee is likely reading hundreds or even thousands of these letters. You want to make sure your letter is clear, concise, and easy to read.

A basic structure for your letter could include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, briefly restate your interest in the school and your disappointment at being deferred or waitlisted. You can also mention any recent accomplishments or updates since your original application.

In the body of your letter, use personal anecdotes or experiences to show your fit with the school’s values or mission. This could include mentioning specific programs or initiatives that you’re excited to be a part of, or sharing stories about how you’ve demonstrated leadership or community involvement.

It’s important to strike a balance between being specific and being concise. Don’t overload your letter with too much detail, but also don’t be too vague or general. Try to keep your letter to one page, and make sure to proofread for any errors or typos.

In the conclusion of your letter, reiterate your interest in the school and express your hope that you’ll be given the chance to enroll. Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration, and provide your contact information in case they need to reach you with any follow-up questions or updates.

 

Tips for Writing a Great Letter

When writing your letter of continued interest, there are several tips and tricks you can use to make it stand out. Here are a few:

  1. Do your research: Take the time to learn more about the school and mention specific programs, professors, or initiatives that interest you. This shows the admissions committee that you have a genuine interest in the school and have taken the initiative to learn more about it.
  2. Offer new insights or experiences: Avoid repeating information from your original application and instead offer new insights or experiences that showcase your fit with the school’s values or mission. This could include sharing a recent academic or extracurricular accomplishment, or discussing how you’ve grown since submitting your initial application.
  3. Use a respectful and professional tone: Your letter of continued interest should be written in a respectful and professional tone. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, and make sure to address the admissions committee respectfully.
  4. Proofread and edit carefully: Before submitting your letter, be sure to proofread and edit it carefully for grammar and spelling errors. Consider having a trusted friend, teacher, or family member review your letter as well to provide feedback and catch any errors you may have missed.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling letter of continued interest that showcases your fit with the school and demonstrates your commitment to attending.

 

Conclusion

While writing a letter of continued interest can be an effective way to show your commitment to a school and potentially boost your chances of acceptance, it’s important to remember that it’s just one tool in your admissions arsenal. Admissions decisions are often complex and multifaceted, and there are no guarantees of acceptance even with a strong letter.

That being said, by following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article and using the letter as an opportunity to show your fit with the school and highlight new information, you can give yourself the best possible chance of being admitted off the waitlist or from deferral. Remember to stay positive, be authentic, and use your passion and enthusiasm for the school to shine through in your letter. Good luck!

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