How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (Examples and Template Included)
Key Takeaways:
A Letter of Continued Interest is a follow up letter that you send to graduate school programs after getting waitlisted to show that you are still interested in the program.
It’s hard to say whether writing a Letter of Continued Interest will influence their decision, but it definitely doesn’t hurt and is probably worth doing.
When writing a Letter of Continued Interest be sure to provide any relevant updates, reiterate your interest in the program, and keep it concise (see template and examples below)
What Is a Letter of Continued Interest?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a follow-up letter that you send to a graduate school program (or any academic institution) after being waitlisted. It's a way to reiterate your interest in the program, update the admissions committee on any new achievements or developments since you applied, and reinforce why you’re a great fit. Think of it as your chance to say, “I still really want to be part of your program, and here’s why I’m worth reconsidering.” Writing a LOCI about showing continued enthusiasm, offering updates, and reminding the school why you’d be an asset to their program.
When Should I Write a Letter of Continued Interest?
You should write a letter of continued interest after you’ve been waitlisted from a graduate school program, and only after the school has officially informed you of that status. Timing matters here: wait a few days after receiving the notice so you’re not firing off a letter in the heat of the moment, but don’t wait too long either. Aim to send it within one to two weeks of receiving the waitlist notice.
Is It Worth Writing a Letter of Continued Interest?
Yes! writing a Letter of Continued Interest is absolutely worth it if you're genuinely still interested in the program. While it’s difficult to say how admissions committees manage the waitlist, it’s possible that a well-crafted LOCI can keep you on their radar.
Think of it this way: when you’re waitlisted, you’re not out of the running. A LOCI can tip the scales by showing that you're enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to their specific program. It also gives you a chance to share updates or clarify anything that might have changed since you applied. Even if it doesn’t guarantee admission, it helps demonstrate maturity, professionalism, and the kind of follow-through that social work programs value.
In short: While writing a LOCI might not be effective in changing your position on the waitlist, not writing one isn’t effective either. If you care about getting in, it's worth the effort to write one.
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest
To write an effective letter of continued interest be sure to include the following:
1. Start with gratitude.
Open by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing your application and clearly stating that you’re still interested in the program.
Example:
"Thank you for reviewing my application and placing me on the waitlist for your MSW program. I remain deeply interested in attending [School Name], and I’m writing to reaffirm that it is my top choice."
2. Share meaningful updates.
If anything has changed since you submitted your application such as a new job, volunteer experience, course completion, publication, etc., this is the time to mention it. Be sure to keep it focused and relevant.
Example:
"Since submitting my application, I began volunteering at a youth harm reduction organization where I facilitate weekly group sessions. This experience has strengthened my interest in trauma-informed care and expanded my understanding of community-based interventions."
3. Reaffirm your fit for the program.
Briefly explain why the school is still your first choice and how you would contribute to the program and the field of social work.
Example:
"The program’s emphasis on anti-oppressive practice and community engagement aligns closely with my goals of becoming a social worker who advocates for systemic change. I’m especially drawn to [insert unique element of the program], which fits perfectly with my long-term interests in [area of social work]."
4. Be professional and concise.
Keep the tone respectful and the letter under one page. This isn’t the place to rehash your whole personal statement, instead just reinforce your interest and add something new.
5. End with appreciation.
Close by thanking them again and gently expressing your hope for consideration.
Example:
"Thank you again for considering my application. I would be honored to join your community and hope to be considered if a spot becomes available."
How Long Should a Letter of Continued Interest Be?
A Letter of Continued Interest should be short and to the point. Aim for half a page to one full page, max (about 300–500 words).
Admissions committees are busy, and the goal isn’t to retell your whole story. It’s to provide a quick, professional update that reinforces your interest and shows you’re still a strong (and improving!) candidate.
If you’re writing more than a page, it’s probably too much and it’s likely that the reader won’t absorb your message. Quality over quantity, always.
Letter of Continued Interest Example
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province/State, Postal/ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]Admissions Committee
[Name of University]
[School of Social Work]
[Address of School]Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for reviewing my application and placing me on the waitlist for the Master of Social Work program at [University Name]. I am writing to express my continued and enthusiastic interest in your program. [University Name] remains my top choice, and if admitted, I would be thrilled to accept a spot in the incoming cohort.
Since submitting my application, I have started volunteering with a local community center that offers transitional housing support to women experiencing domestic violence. In this role, I assist with case documentation and provide administrative support during intake. This experience has deepened my understanding of trauma-informed practice and further confirmed my desire to pursue graduate-level social work education focused on supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
What continues to draw me to [University Name] is the program’s commitment to anti-oppressive and equity-centered practice. The opportunity to learn from faculty whose work aligns with my goals, and to participate in practicum placements that serve marginalized communities, feels like the perfect fit for the type of social worker I hope to become.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I remain deeply committed to joining the MSW program at [University Name] and contributing meaningfully to your academic community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if additional materials or updates would be helpful.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Does Writing a Letter of Continued Interest Work?
It’s hard to say whether a letter of continued interest will get you accepted to the program, but it definitely won’t hurt to send one in! Even though there is no guarantee it is still worth doing, especially if you are genuinely excited about the program.
Here’s when a LOCI is most likely to help:
You have new information to share (e.g. a new job, volunteer experience, course, award, etc.)
You can clearly articulate why the program is a strong fit for you
Your tone is professional, respectful, and genuine (not demanding or desperate)
Even if it doesn’t move you off the waitlist, it gives you a sense of closure knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to advocate for yourself.
Should I Write a Letter of Continued Interest if I got Rejected?
If you received a rejection (not a deferral or waitlist), then unfortunately, no, a Letter of Continued Interest won’t make a difference for the current application cycle.
Once a program has officially rejected your application, the decision is final for that year. I know how tempting it is to want to advocate for yourself one more time - especially if you feel like you just missed the mark - but at that point, the door for that cycle is closed.
That said- if you're planning to reapply next year (which MANY successful MSW students do!), there are other proactive things you can do:
Request feedback (if the school allows it) to learn how to strengthen your next application.
Reflect and regroup: What parts of your application could be improved? Your personal statement? Experience? GPA explanation?
Start preparing early for the next round so you can submit something even stronger.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, MSW Helper is here for you. We’ve helped many people who were rejected one year get accepted the next - sometimes to the same school. A rejection isn’t the end of your social work journey - it’s just a detour.
Related: Can you apply to grad school again after getting rejected?
Conclusion
In summary, a Letter of Continued Interest is a strategic - and often underused - way to advocate for yourself after being waitlisted or deferred from an MSW program. While it’s not a guaranteed ticket off the waitlist, it can absolutely make a difference - especially when it includes meaningful updates, reaffirms your commitment to the program, and highlights your continued alignment with the school’s values. If you’re still holding out hope for your top-choice school, sending a LOCI is a simple but powerful way to remind the admissions committee who you are, what you’ve accomplished since applying, and why you’d be a valuable addition to their cohort.
