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, Founder, Lovare Institut; JD/MSFS Candidate, Georgetown University. 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.