What is a Letter of Continued Interest

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a short message an applicant sends a law school after being waitlisted or deferred, confirming the school is a top choice and sharing meaningful updates since applying. It expresses genuine interest without binding you to attend. A LOCI is typically a half page to one page long.

By Ali Unar, JD candidate at Georgetown Law and founder of Lovare Institut. Last updated August 2026. Every figure on this page was verified in August 2026 against the sources listed below.

What is a letter of continued interest?

A letter of continued interest, or LOCI, is a brief note an applicant sends to a law school after being placed on its waitlist or deferred from an early round. The letter confirms that the school remains a top choice and shares meaningful updates since the original application. It is not a second application, and it does not legally commit you to enroll. Its purpose is to keep you visible and show sustained, genuine interest.

What are the key details of a LOCI?

A LOCI has a few defining features that separate it from other application materials.

• Timing: it is sent after a waitlist or deferral decision, not with the initial application.
• Length: it is short, usually a half page to one page.
• Content: it restates interest and adds concrete updates such as grades, work, or awards.
• Commitment: it expresses interest without the binding promise of a letter of intent.

Why does a letter of continued interest matter for law school?

A LOCI matters because law schools use waitlists to manage both class size and yield, the share of admitted students who enroll. A candidate who signals they would likely accept an offer is easier to admit with confidence. Among applicants with similar credentials, a specific, sincere LOCI can tip a decision. It cannot close a large gap in LSAT or GPA, but it can strengthen an already competitive file.

What do people get wrong about a LOCI?

A frequent misconception is that a LOCI is the same as a letter of intent. In fact a letter of intent is a stronger, near-promise to enroll sent to only one school, while a LOCI simply expresses continued interest. Another mistake is sending a long, generic letter, when committees prefer a short note with real updates. Some applicants also send nothing, missing an easy chance to signal interest.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a LOCI be?

A letter of continued interest should be short, generally a half page to one page, or about three to five focused paragraphs. Admissions committees read many files, so a concise note with one or two real updates lands better than a long one. Substance and sincerity matter more than length.

What do you say in a letter of continued interest?

In a letter of continued interest, state clearly that the school is a top choice, share one or two meaningful updates since you applied, such as new grades, work, or awards, and briefly explain why the school fits your goals. Close with a sincere thank-you. Keep it specific to that school, never generic.

Does a LOCI help off a waitlist?

A letter of continued interest can help off a waitlist by signaling genuine interest and showing recent progress, which reassures a committee that you would likely enroll. It will not overcome a large credentials gap, but among similar candidates it can tip a decision. Waitlist admit rates vary widely by school and year.

Verified August 2026.