Sending a LOCI to Harvard?

Does anyone have experience with sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to Harvard? If you have, what did you include in your letter and how did it work out for you?

When sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), it's important to include only new, meaningful information that was not part of your original application materials. For instance, if you've won a prestigious award, achieved a higher test score, or engaged in a significant extracurricular experience since submitting your application, it’s valuable information to share.

What you don't want to do is treat this letter as a second personal statement, or a chance to say things you just forgot to mention in your original application. Remember that admissions officers have already looked at your application once and decided not to admit you, so you want to make a targeted, compelling case, which actively enhances your original candidacy, for why they should reevaluate.

To structure your update, begin by expressing your gratitude for the admissions officers' consideration and your continued interest in attending. Then, provide a brief overview of the new information or accomplishments, and explain how they strengthen your application and demonstrate your potential for success if admitted. Keep your update concise, professional, and to the point. Remember that admissions officers are busy, so you want to make sure your message is clear and only focuses on significant new information.

Bear in mind that providing updates to your application doesn't guarantee a change in the outcome. However, it will demonstrate your commitment to attending the institution and may cause admissions officers to evaluate your application in a slightly different way.

If you want more detailed guidance on how to write this kind of letter, you can find a breakdown on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest. You could also consider submitting your draft to an expert college admission advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace, as they can objectively evaluate whether your letter is working, and provide expert tips on how to make it even stronger.

Good luck!