Opening hook
Ever stared at your email inbox, saw the word “Notre Dame” and felt a knot tighten in your chest? Now, you’ve been wait‑listed, the deadline looms, and the only thing you can control is what you write next. A letter of continued interest (LCI) might be the quiet nudge that tips the scales Surprisingly effective..
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds Most people skip this — try not to..
What Is a Notre Dame Letter of Continued Interest
When you’re on the wait‑list for the University of Notre Dame, the admissions office isn’t saying “no”—they’re saying “maybe, if you still want us.” An LCI is your formal way of saying, “I’m still here, and I’m even more convinced Notre Dame is the right fit.”
It’s not a re‑application, and it’s not a generic thank‑you note. Now, think of it as a brief, targeted update that re‑affirms your enthusiasm while showcasing anything new you’ve achieved since you first applied. In practice, it’s a 250‑ to 400‑word email or PDF that lands in the admissions inbox a few weeks after the wait‑list notification Small thing, real impact..
The timing
Most schools, including Notre Dame, give you a window—usually a few weeks to a month—to submit an LCI. The short version is: act fast, but don’t rush the content.
The audience
Your letter lands on the desk of a real person—often the admissions officer who initially reviewed your file. They’re juggling hundreds of similar notes, so clarity and relevance are worth their weight in gold.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
Why waste time drafting a polished note when you could be binge‑watching a series? Because the LCI can move the needle in ways you might not expect.
- Shows sustained interest – Notre Dame wants students who choose the school, not those who apply out of habit. A sincere LCI proves you’re still excited.
- Updates the file – Admissions decisions are data‑driven. New awards, grades, or projects can tip the balance.
- Humanizes the application – Numbers and test scores are static; a heartfelt paragraph adds personality.
- Creates a reminder – Your name gets a fresh glance. In the sea of wait‑list files, that extra look can be decisive.
When a spot opens up—maybe a student decides to go elsewhere—admissions pulls from the wait‑list. The most recent, most compelling evidence of fit often wins the slot No workaround needed..
How It Works (or How to Do It)
Writing a Notre Dame LCI isn’t rocket science, but it does have a rhythm. Below is a step‑by‑step playbook that’s worked for dozens of applicants.
1. Gather fresh material
Before you type a single word, ask yourself:
- Have I earned a new honor, award, or scholarship?
- Did my GPA improve in the last semester?
- Did I take on a leadership role or launch a project that aligns with Notre Dame’s values (service, community, faith)?
- Any recent community‑service hours or a meaningful summer experience?
Collect the concrete details—dates, percentages, titles—so you can drop them into the letter without hunting later.
2. Draft the structure
A clean LCI follows a three‑paragraph flow:
- Opening & reaffirmation – State that you remain on the wait‑list, express gratitude, and reaffirm your top‑choice status.
- Updates & new achievements – Highlight 2‑3 most relevant updates. Tie each back to Notre Dame’s mission or a specific program you love.
- Closing & next steps – Re‑state enthusiasm, mention any upcoming visits or conversations, and thank the officer for their time.
3. Write with purpose
Opening
Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],
I hope you’re well. I’m writing to reaffirm my strong interest in the University of Notre Dame and to thank you for keeping my application under consideration.
Updates
Since submitting my application, I was selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, raising my cumulative GPA to 4.02. Additionally, I launched a service‑learning tutoring program at my high school that now serves 45 underclassmen each week—an initiative inspired by Notre Dame’s Campus Ministry emphasis on community outreach Took long enough..
Closing
Notre Dame remains my first‑choice university because of its commitment to faith‑inspired scholarship and the Mendoza College of Business’s focus on ethical leadership. I would be thrilled to discuss how my recent projects align with those values. Thank you for your time and consideration.
4. Polish for tone and length
- Keep it under 400 words – Admissions officers skim; brevity respects their schedule.
- Use a professional yet personal tone – Avoid slang, but feel free to let a genuine “I’m excited” shine through.
- Proofread – One typo can feel like a careless slip. Read aloud, then have a teacher or mentor give feedback.
5. Choose the right format
Most applicants send a PDF attachment titled “FirstName_LastName_ND_LCI.Consider this: pdf. ” If the school explicitly asks for an email body, keep the same structure but omit the attachment Simple, but easy to overlook. Practical, not theoretical..
6. Send at the optimal time
Aim for mid‑week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon (Eastern Time). That’s when admissions staff are most likely to be at their desks, not swamped by Monday catch‑up or Friday wind‑down.
7. Follow up (sparingly)
If you haven’t heard back after two weeks, a brief, polite check‑in is acceptable. Something like:
“I wanted to confirm you received my letter of continued interest and see if there’s any additional information I can provide.”
Don’t turn this into a daily ping; one follow‑up is enough.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Even with a solid template, applicants trip up on the details.
| Mistake | Why it hurts | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Copy‑pasting the same essay | Shows no new information; admissions sees no reason to move you up. | Reference a program, professor, or value that aligns with your goals. |
| **Sending a PDF named “letter. | Keep claims specific and evidence‑based. Plus, | Rename the file clearly and convert to PDF. |
| Leaving out contact info | The office may need a quick way to reach you. docx”** | Looks sloppy; could be flagged as a formatting error. |
| Over‑selling | Hyperbole (“I’m the best fit ever”) feels insincere. | |
| Generic praise | “I love Notre Dame’s campus” is vague. Here's the thing — | |
| Waiting too long | The wait‑list may be cleared before you submit. Day to day, | Add only updates that occurred after the original submission. |
No fluff here — just what actually works.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
- Tie updates to Notre Dame’s core values – Service, faith, community, and intellectual curiosity aren’t buzzwords; they’re the lens through which the office reads your note.
- Quote a specific professor or class – “I’m eager to work with Professor X on sustainable finance” shows you’ve done homework.
- Show, don’t just tell – Instead of “I’m a leader,” write “I chaired the student council’s fundraising committee, raising $7,200 for local shelters.”
- Include a one‑sentence “why Notre Dame” hook – A concise, memorable line can stick. Example: “Notre Dame’s blend of rigorous engineering and a mission of service matches my ambition to build affordable clean‑energy solutions for underserved communities.”
- take advantage of a recent campus visit – If you toured the campus, mention a moment that resonated. “Walking through the Basilica reminded me why I want to study philosophy of religion at Notre Dame.”
- Add a subtle call‑to‑action – Offer to send a transcript update or schedule a brief phone call. It shows proactivity without pressure.
- Mind the subject line – “Continued Interest – [First Last] – Class of 2028” is clear and searchable for the admissions team.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to send a letter of continued interest if I’m already on the wait‑list?
A: No, it’s optional. But a well‑crafted LCI can improve your chances, especially if you have new achievements.
Q: How often can I send updates?
A: Once is enough unless you have a major, time‑sensitive development (e.g., a national award). Too many notes can feel overbearing.
Q: Should I mention other schools I’m considering?
A: No. Focus solely on Notre Dame. Mentioning competitors can dilute your message.
Q: Is a handwritten note better than an email?
A: Handwritten notes can feel personal, but they risk legibility issues and may get lost in the digital workflow. Email with a PDF attachment is safest.
Q: What if I don’t have any new achievements?
A: stress renewed enthusiasm, a recent campus visit, or a specific academic interest that has deepened since your original application.
Closing thought
A Notre Dame letter of continued interest isn’t a magic ticket, but it’s the most direct line you have to the admissions office after the wait‑list decision. Send it promptly, keep it polished, and you’ll have done everything in your power to turn that “maybe” into a “yes.Treat it like a mini‑interview: be concise, be specific, and let your genuine excitement shine. ” Good luck, and may the Fighting Irish spirit be with you.
