Law School Waitlist Tips: Writing a Powerful Letter of Continued Interest
Published April 15, 2025
Being placed on a law school waitlist can feel like an uncertain crossroad- your application has shown promise, but the final decision remains just out of reach. At this stage, a thoughtfully crafted letter of continued interest (LOCI) can play a key role in demonstrating your continued enthusiasm for the program and reinforcing your strengths as a candidate. In this blog, we will explore what a LOCI is, why it matters, and how you can make yours stand out to an admissions committee.
What is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?
A letter of continued interest is a formal communication sent to a law school when you have been waitlisted or deferred. Its primary purpose is to express sustained interest in a program, provide updates on recent accomplishments, and reaffirm why you may be a strong fit for the institution. Unlike a personal statement, a LOCI is concise and targeting- think of it as an opportunity to stay on the admissions committee’s radar.
What to include in a Letter of Continued Interest
A strong letter of continued interest should be concise, professional, and tailored to the specific school you are addressing. While each LOCI will vary based on your unique situation and experiences, here are the essential components to consider including:
- Expression of Gratitude: Begin by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing your application and for placing you on the waitlist or in the deferred pool. This acknowledgment shows professionalism, maturity, and respect for the time and effort they have already invested in evaluating your application- while also setting a positive tone for the rest of your letter.
- Reaffirm your Interest: Clearly state your continued enthusiasm for the program and explain why the school remains your top choice. This goes beyond simply stating you are interested; it demonstrates thoughtful consideration of how the program aligns with your goals and future plans. By mentioning unique aspects of the program, faculty, or opportunities, you show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the school.
- Updates on Accomplishments: Be sure to highlight any significant academic, professional, or personal achievements since submitting your application. Keeping the admissions committee informed of new developments not only helps you stand out among other applicants but also demonstrates your ongoing growth and reinforces your unique qualifications.
By understanding the purpose behind each of these components, you can create a thoughtful letter that not only adheres to best practices but also effectively communicates your enthusiasm, distinguishes your application, and leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
What NOT to Include in a Letter of Continued Interest
While a LOCI is an excellent way to demonstrate your continued interest and qualifications, it is just as important to recognize what can detract from its effectiveness. Certain missteps can weaken your message and harm the impression you leave with the admissions committee. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Complaints or Frustration: It’s natural to feel disappointed or even frustrated about being waitlisted or deferred, but expressing these emotions in your LOCI can come across as unprofessional. Admissions committees want to see your resilience and enthusiasm, not negativity. A positive and constructive tone can reflect your maturity and keeps the readers focused on your strengths.
- Lengthy Recaps of Your Application: You may feel the urge to remind the committee of everything you have achieved, especially if you are feeling uncertain about your place in the applicant pool. However, rehashing information they have already reviewed will not add value. Instead, use this opportunity to show what’s new and relevant since you submitted your application.
- Mentions of Other Schools or Pressure Tactics: It may feel natural to mention other offers or options to showcase your competitiveness, especially if you are feeling anxious about the process. However, referencing other schools or pressuring the admissions committee can appear insincere or harm your credibility. Instead, focus on why this program is your top choice and express your commitment respectfully.
Letter of Continued Interest Examples
Understanding the components of a strong LOCI is one thing but seeing how these ideas come together in practice can be immensely helpful. Below, we present examples of effective letters of continued interest from real law school applicants:
This applicant highlights their role on a Chief of Police interview panel and their internships to showcase leadership and practical legal experience.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I greatly appreciate your consideration of my candidacy for your program. The University at Buffalo School of Law has been my top choice of attendance for many years. If I am offered acceptance to the school, I will undoubtedly be one of the students in attendance come this fall. I have witnessed the impressive work of the attorneys this law school has produced, and it is my goal to be one of those attorneys.
Previously, I was selected to a panel that will interview candidates for Chief of Police at SUNY Buffalo State. The official interviews are being held through the end of this week. It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of this panel. I am excited to contribute to the discussion and help make a decision that will leave a legacy on the school and surrounding community.
I am continuing my internship at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office (ECDA), which will end on May 12th. During my twelve weeks with ECDA, I have been able to sit in on court proceedings and participate in numerous CLE trainings, ranging from discussions on trial and witness preparation to a review of CPL 30.30 requirements. The experience has also provided me with the skills to Boolean search on sites such as Westlaw to find the related case materials to assist the attorneys. As a result, I now have the skills to transform my experience into knowledge to advance myself in the classroom.
This summer, I have been offered a summer internship with the law firm of Matthew J. Porter, Attorney at Law. I am hopeful this will hone my skills and allow me to develop a deeper appreciation for both sides of the law.
I know that the University at Buffalo School of Law will give me an unparalleled learning experience and allow me to develop the professional skills I need to succeed as a future attorney. My internship with ECDA has given me a unique perspective on the field of law that I can bring to classroom discussions, in which I am eager to participate. In addition, I know the professional network I have been able to build throughout my internship will further expand my skill set.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. I look forward to hearing from the admissions committee again soon.
This letter highlights academic success and leadership in legal advocacy, demonstrating dedication to vulnerable communities.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I would like to thank you for taking my application into consideration and placing me on the waitlist. I am writing to express continued interest in the University at Buffalo School of Law and update you on my recent achievements. With the University at Buffalo Law continuing to be my #1 choice for law school, if I am accepted, I would be thrilled to matriculate for the fall semester!
Since applying to University at Buffalo Law, I have completed my first semester of the Master of Public Health degree at the University of South Florida. Not only have I maintained a 3.8 GPA, but my concentration in Maternal and Child Health has also given me the privilege of enhancing my skills in managing public programs, advancing the health of vulnerable communities, and public policy analysis. This has further deepened my understanding of the importance of building a strong knowledge base when serving communities in need.
Moreover, I was able to apply these skills at work, as I am currently spearheading an emergency legal advocacy initiative at Selah Freedom. This initiative will allow human trafficking survivors and victims to receive free legal representation to acquire Injunctions for Protections, obtain victim compensation from the Department of Justice, and pursue further legal action against traffickers. I am putting my heart and soul into this initiative, as I understand the dire need to provide legal services to survivors and victims, while simultaneously coupling these amenities with safe housing and mental health counseling. With Selah Freedom being a national trailblazer and a model for anti-human trafficking organizations across the globe, I hope this initiative will set a successful precedent for other agencies to adopt and replicate.
Additionally, I am thrilled to be attending the Virtual Open House event in late January! I am most excited to pick the brains of the advisors to learn about the law school experience at University at Buffalo Law. I am hoping this will give me the opportunity to learn about active student organizations, advice on how to get involved with the Law Review and Legal journals, and on and off-campus housing opportunities.
Again, thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am still very excited about having a window of opportunity to join this one-of-a-kind law school! Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
How a promotion to full-time paralegal allowed this applicant to deepen their expertise in immigration law and excel in legal research.
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
Thank you for taking the time to review my application for UB Law School, Class of 2025. As a waitlisted prospective student, I want to reiterate that UB Law School remains my top choice.
Recently, I have had a great opportunity to expand upon my law experience. The immigration law firm that I work at, Richards and Jurusik, promoted me to a full-time paralegal at their firm and immediately expanded my workload to include more detailed visa applications including L1-A managerial and E-2 investor visas.
The promotion has given me my own specific client load to manage with the attorneys. This opportunity has allowed me to expand my legal research and writing skills while also gaining an expanded knowledge of immigration law and legal proceedings in general. The attorneys I work for have consistently cited my advanced legal research and writing skills as a strength of mine while also praising my strong organizational skills while dealing with multiple clients.
Additionally, I was able to complete another successful semester at Daemen College’s ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate program, increasing my overall GPA to 3.94. The internship course and Law Office Computer Technology course showed me the inner workings and proper ways to be successful in a law office. The success that I have had in the program also allowed for me to be recently invited to join Lambda Epsilon Chi, the National Honor Society for Paralegals.
UB Law School lays out six specific learning outcomes for each graduate. My experience has put me on track to be well ahead in two of those outcomes: exhibiting competency in legal research and effective communication in written form. I know that UB Law School will expand on my experience and give me the tools I need to succeed as an attorney.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. I look forward to hearing from the admissions committee again soon.
While the waitlist process can feel overwhelming, think of it as an opportunity to demonstrate your continued enthusiasm and growth. By following the tips outlined in this blog and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft a LOCI that strengthens your candidacy and helps you stand out to the admissions committee.
