🍦 Going LOCI (Jan 28)

Happy Tuesday! Here’s the lineup today:

1. Senior Scoop: Writing a banger LOCI

2. Junior Jumpstart: Crafting a “narrative” for your apps

LINK LOUNGE
An official guide to UMich’s ECI

(NEW) UMich’s ECI Guide - If you were deferred EA, check out Mich’s official guide to writing your ECI

Decision Dates Calendar - Stay up to date on the decision dates for all your schools!

MIT FUN form FAQ’s - The form is due in about 2 weeks, and here’s a great resource to read before filling it out!

DECISION DATES
Popular decisions coming in 3 days!

Yes, this section has mainly been used to keep you up on track for those applications, but now we’ll start including more decision dates, so you know when to check those portals.

Jan 31: UIUC, Georgia Tech, UW Madision, UMD Decisions

SENIOR SCOOP
Writing a banger LOCI

The college decision rollercoaster is in full swing. Schools like UMich, USC, Purdue, and UT Austin have already sent out their early decisions, and this week, even more schools—Georgia Tech, UIUC, Wisconsin-Madison, UMD, and others—are hopping on board. If you’re one of the lucky ones with an acceptance letter in hand, congrats! But if you were deferred, it’s time to switch gears and focus on your next steps.

A deferral isn’t the end of the world—far from it. Think of it as a “maybe” instead of a “no.” Colleges are essentially saying, “We’re interested, but we need more time to decide.” And what you do next can make a real difference.

Here’s the lowdown on how to handle a deferral based on what different schools expect:

1️⃣ Follow Instructions to the Letter
Schools like USC are crystal clear: “Don’t send us anything else.” All they want is for you to confirm you’re still interested by clicking a form. For these schools, resist the urge to overdo it—they’ve told you exactly what they want, so stick to their rules.

2️⃣ Take the Opportunity to Update
On the flip side, UMich explicitly gives you a chance to write a 250-word update. Read the bit about how to write a letter of continued interest (LOCI) below for what to include in those 250 words. Additionally, for schools like UT Austin that don’t specify what exactly you should send or don’t send—tread on the side of caution. Don’t blast them with a 250 word copy/paste LOCI but instead make a more personable letter and either upload it to their portal or email the admissions office.

3️⃣ Take your time writing, but not the last day
I know we’re all done with college app work so now when this task of LOCI comes around your desk, it might be tempting to just do it immediately and get it out of the way. Or, maybe you do the opposite and push it off and never touch it again. With this task though, the best time to write and submit this is usually 2 weeks before the deadline to submit it. This is because it gives you some time to think and reflect on what new experiences or achievements you might accumulate, but still gives you some time to review and handle any errors that might happen in the submission process. What I would do to remember is to put a reminder in my calendar for two weeks before the deadline.

With those reminders and expectations set, here’s how to approach that LOCI

What to put in that LOCI

First, Open with Gratitude
Start by thanking the admissions office for reviewing your application and giving you the opportunity to provide more information.

Second, Reaffirm Your Interest
Be specific about why this school is your top choice. Mention particular programs, opportunities, or values that resonate with you. Show them you’ve done your homework.

Then, Highlight New Achievements
This is your chance to update them on anything big that’s happened since you applied. Got a new leadership position? Won an award? Finished a major project? Share it here—but keep it relevant and to the point.

Next, Reinforce Fit
Tie your updates and interests back to the school. For example, if you’ve deepened your involvement in coding, talk about how you’re excited to contribute to their tech community.

Finally, Close Strong
End with a genuine expression of gratitude and restate your enthusiasm. Let them know you’re still 100% committed to attending if admitted.

JUNIOR JUMPSTART
Crafting a “narrative” for your apps

Crafting Your Narrative: The Key to a Compelling College Application

Your college application is more than a collection of grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities—it’s a story. And the star of that story is you. Colleges don’t just want to see what you’ve done; they want to understand why you did it and how it reflects who you are. That’s where your narrative comes in.

What Is Your Narrative?

Think of your narrative as the thread that ties your application together. It’s the central theme that shows admissions officers who you are, what you value, and how you’ll contribute to their campus. Your narrative isn’t just a single event or achievement—it’s the broader story that emerges from your experiences, passions, and goals.

Steps to Crafting Your Narrative

1. Reflect on Your Interests and Values

   Start by asking yourself: What am I passionate about? What drives me? Whether it’s a love for solving tough math problems, advocating for social justice, or expressing yourself through art, your interests and values are the foundation of your narrative.

2. Identify Key Experiences

   Think about moments that have shaped you. These could be academic challenges, personal milestones, or impactful extracurricular activities. For example, if you’re passionate about climate change, perhaps an environmental science project or a beach cleanup you organized stands out.

3. Connect the Dots

   Your narrative doesn’t have to follow a straight path, but it should make sense when viewed as a whole. Show how your experiences build on each other and align with your goals. For instance, your part-time job at a local bakery might tie into your interest in business or sustainability.

4. Show Growth and Resilience

   A great narrative often includes challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve grown from them. Maybe you struggled with public speaking but worked hard to overcome it, eventually becoming president of your debate club.

5. Look to the Future

   Your narrative should also point forward. What do you hope to achieve in college and beyond? How does your story so far prepare you for those goals? This forward-looking perspective helps colleges see your potential.

Where Does Your Narrative Appear?

Your narrative should be woven throughout your application:

• Personal Statement: This is the heart of your story. Use it to highlight the most compelling aspects of your narrative.

• Supplemental Essays: These can deepen and expand your story, offering new angles or details.

• Activity List: Frame your extracurriculars to support your theme. For example, if your narrative centers on a passion for writing, highlight your roles in the school newspaper, creative writing club, or a local poetry competition.

• Letters of Recommendation: While you don’t write these, you can guide recommenders by sharing your narrative and key experiences.

Tips for a Cohesive Narrative

• Be Authentic: Don’t force a story that doesn’t feel true to who you are.

• Avoid Overloading: While your narrative should highlight multiple facets of your personality, keep it focused. A scattered story can confuse readers.

• Get Feedback: Share your narrative with a trusted mentor, teacher, or counselor to ensure it’s clear and compelling.

Why Your Narrative Matters

Admissions officers review thousands of applications, and a strong narrative helps yours stand out. It’s what makes your application memorable and gives them a reason to advocate for you. More importantly, crafting your narrative helps you better understand yourself—a skill that will serve you well far beyond the college process.

So take the time to reflect, connect, and share your story. After all, no one can tell it better than you.

THE ARCHIVE
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