From Deferred to Accepted: The Key to Crafting a Standout Letter of Continued Interest
Jan 22, 2025How Ally Turned Her UCLA Deferral Into an Acceptance
Ally was an exceptional student with her sights set on UCLA. She had the grades, the extracurriculars, and the resume that seemed tailor-made for an elite institution. On paper, Ally looked like the perfect applicant. But so did 140,000 of the 145,000 other students who applied. Despite her impressive profile, Ally was deferred.
Her family was shocked, and Ally was heartbroken. That’s when they reached out to me. Together, we crafted a plan to turn her deferral into an acceptance, starting with a powerful letter of continued interest.
The key was helping Ally show why UCLA was more than just another prestigious university to her. Instead of repeating generic reasons—like UCLA’s beautiful campus, rigorous academics, or renowned faculty—we dug deeper. We focused on five unique qualities that set UCLA apart, aligning those characteristics with her own values and past experiences.
In her letter, Ally didn’t just tell UCLA why she belonged there; she showed them. She painted a vivid picture of how the school’s unique traits mattered to her personally. By highlighting these specific alignments, Ally demonstrated that UCLA wasn’t just a “dream school” for her; it was the perfect fit.
This strategy resonated. UCLA saw her commitment and how deeply she understood and valued what made their institution unique. Ally's deferral turned into an acceptance, and today, she’s living her dream in California—even as the Santa Ana winds blow through her new home.
Why Most Students Fall Short
Many students struggle to articulate why they want to attend a specific elite college. Their answers often rely on vague ideas of prestige, a longstanding desire to attend, or qualities common across hundreds of schools. Admissions officers see right through this.
To stand out, your child must go beyond surface-level reasons. They need to research each school and identify its unique attributes—then connect those attributes to their own story, values, and goals. Generic praise for a school’s academic reputation or campus beauty isn’t enough. The key is specificity and authenticity.
Pro Tips for Campus Visits
The best way to craft a compelling “Why [School]?” essay—or a letter of continued interest—is to keep detailed, personal notes right after visiting each campus. Here’s how:
- Write Immediately After the Visit: Before discussing your impressions with anyone, take time to jot down your own thoughts.
- Note the Tour Guide’s Name: This small detail can help personalize your future communications.
- Reflect on Key Moments: What stood out to you? What resonated most?
- Observe the Campus and Students: What did you like or dislike about the environment? Could you picture yourself there for four years? Why or why not?
- Consider the Negatives: Acknowledging potential challenges can help clarify your thoughts.
Capturing as much detail as possible will help you later—whether it’s for an application essay or a letter of continued interest. Memories fade, and without these notes, your impressions may become blurred with those of other schools.
With thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of what makes each school unique, your student can stand out—even in the face of deferral. Ally’s story is proof of that.
Contact us now to get started.
