Writing a Compelling Law School Letter of Continued Interest: A How-To Guide

If you're applying to law school, you know how competitive the admissions process can be. Even if you have impressive grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, there's no guarantee that you'll be accepted to your chosen school. So what can you do to increase your chances? One strategy is to write a compelling law school letter of continued interest. In this guide, we'll explain what a letter of continued interest is, why you should write one, and how to make your letter stand out.

What is a Law School Letter of Continued Interest?

A law school letter of continued interest, also known as a "LOCi," is a letter you send to a law school after you've already applied. The letter expresses your continued interest in the school and updates the admissions committee on any new or noteworthy accomplishments or experiences you've had since submitting your initial application. Although LOCis are not required, they can be a valuable tool for demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment to the school.

One important thing to keep in mind when writing a LOCi is to avoid repeating information that was already included in your initial application. Instead, focus on providing new and relevant updates that showcase your continued interest in the school. This could include recent academic achievements, relevant work experience, or involvement in extracurricular activities related to the field of law.

It's also important to personalize your LOCi by mentioning specific aspects of the school that appeal to you. This could include particular courses, clinics, or faculty members that align with your interests and career goals. By demonstrating your knowledge of the school and its offerings, you can show the admissions committee that you have done your research and are genuinely excited about the prospect of attending.

Why Write a Letter of Continued Interest?

There are several reasons to write a law school letter of continued interest. First and foremost, it can help you stand out from other applicants by demonstrating your commitment to the school. It also allows you to update the admissions committee on any new developments in your candidacy, such as improved grades or new awards or achievements.

Additionally, writing a LOCi can help you stay on the radar of the admissions committee. If they're on the fence about your application, a strong letter of continued interest could be the deciding factor in your favor. Even if you ultimately decide not to attend the school, it's still worth writing a LOCi to maintain positive relationships with the admissions committee.

Another reason to write a letter of continued interest is to express your enthusiasm for the school and its programs. This can help demonstrate your fit with the school's culture and values, and show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in attending. Additionally, a well-crafted LOCi can showcase your writing skills and attention to detail, which are important qualities for success in law school and the legal profession.

When to Write a Law School Letter of Continued Interest

You should plan to write a law school letter of continued interest if you're still interested in attending the school and haven't yet received a decision. It's generally appropriate to send a LOCi about one month after submitting your initial application and then another one every few weeks thereafter. However, you should avoid sending too many or too frequent LOCis, as this could be seen as annoying or desperate.

It's important to note that a letter of continued interest should only be sent if you have new information to share with the admissions committee. This could include updated grades, new accomplishments, or a recent visit to the school. If you don't have any new information to share, it's best to wait until you do before sending a LOCi.

Additionally, it's important to make sure your letter is well-written and professional. Take the time to proofread and edit your letter, and consider having someone else read it over as well. Your letter should be concise and to the point, while still conveying your enthusiasm for the school and your qualifications as a candidate.

What to Include in Your Law School Letter of Continued Interest

Your law school letter of continued interest should be concise but informative. Here are some elements you might want to include:

• An opening paragraph expressing your continued interest in the school and thanking the admissions committee for their time and consideration
• An update on any new or noteworthy achievements or experiences you've had since submitting your application
• A brief summary of your qualifications and why you believe you'd be a good fit for the school
• A statement indicating that you'd definitely attend the school if accepted, if appropriate
• A closing paragraph reiterating your interest in the school and thanking the admissions committee for their time

Another important element to include in your law school letter of continued interest is a specific mention of why you are interested in attending this particular school. This could be based on the school's reputation, location, faculty, or specific programs offered. Make sure to do your research and tailor this section to the school you are applying to.

Additionally, you may want to include any relevant information about your career goals and how attending this law school will help you achieve them. This could include specific areas of law you are interested in, or any relevant work experience you have had in the legal field. This will show the admissions committee that you have a clear vision for your future and that attending their school is an important step in achieving your goals.

How to Format Your Law School Letter of Continued Interest

When formatting your law school letter of continued interest, it's important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure that it looks professional and polished. Here are some tips:

• Use a standard business letter format with your contact information at the top and the date and the recipient's name and address below that
• Begin with a professional salutation, such as "Dear Admissions Committee,"
• Use a clear and concise writing style with short paragraphs and bullet points to highlight key information
• End with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name and contact information

It's also important to personalize your letter of continued interest by referencing specific aspects of the law school that interest you. This could include mentioning a particular program or clinic that aligns with your career goals, or highlighting a faculty member whose research you admire. By demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the school, you can make a stronger case for why you would be a valuable addition to their community.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Law School Letter of Continued Interest

Writing a law school letter of continued interest can be challenging, especially if you're not used to writing in a professional or persuasive tone. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling letter:

• Be sincere and genuine in your tone
• Highlight unique or noteworthy achievements or experiences if possible
• Use concrete examples to illustrate your qualifications and fit for the school
• Avoid being repetitive or redundant
• Show that you've done your research on the school and explain why it's a good fit for you

Another important tip is to address any concerns or weaknesses in your application. If there were any issues with your grades or test scores, explain how you've worked to improve them. If you have any gaps in your resume or extracurricular activities, use this opportunity to explain what you've been doing during that time.

Finally, make sure to thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration. Let them know that you're still very interested in attending their school and that you would be honored to have the opportunity to do so. End the letter on a positive note and express your enthusiasm for the school and the legal profession.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Law School Letter of Continued Interest

There are some common mistakes that applicants make when writing law school letters of continued interest. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Sending too many or too frequent LOCis
• Being too informal or casual in your tone
• Repeating information from your initial application without adding new value
• Misrepresenting or exaggerating your qualifications or fit for the school
• Failing to proofread for errors or typos

Sample Law School Letters of Continued Interest for Reference

If you're unsure how to structure or write your law school letter of continued interest, it can be helpful to look at samples for reference. However, be sure to avoid copying or plagiarizing any parts of these letters.

How to Follow Up After Submitting Your Law School Letter of Continued Interest

After submitting your law school letter of continued interest, you may be wondering if it's appropriate to follow up with the admissions committee. In most cases, it's fine to send a brief email or call to confirm that they received your letter and to express your continued interest.

However, you should avoid being too pushy or demanding, as this could harm your chances. Instead, be courteous and professional at all times.

How to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance with a Strong Law School Letter of Continued Interest

A strong law school letter of continued interest can help increase your chances of acceptance. By highlighting your enthusiasm and fit for the school, you'll stand out from other applicants and show the admissions committee that you're serious about attending.

However, it's important to remember that a strong LOCi will not overcome serious deficiencies in your application. If your grades, test scores, or other qualifications are below average, you'll need to address these issues directly and honestly in your letter.

The Importance of Customizing Your Law School Letters of Continued Interest

Finally, it's crucial to customize your law school letters of continued interest for each school you're applying to. Avoid sending generic or boilerplate letters that could apply to any law school. Instead, show that you've done your research on the school and explain why it's a good fit for you specifically.

Addressing Weaknesses and Concerns in Your Law School Letter of Continued Interest

If you have weaknesses or concerns in your application, it's important to address them directly in your law school letter of continued interest. For example, you might explain a low undergraduate GPA by citing extenuating circumstances or highlighting your improved grades in subsequent coursework.

However, you should avoid making excuses or blaming external factors for your weaknesses. Instead, show that you've taken responsibility and are actively working to overcome any challenges.

In conclusion, writing a law school letter of continued interest can be a valuable strategy for increasing your chances of acceptance. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you'll be able to write a compelling and effective letter that showcases your fit and enthusiasm for the school.