Columbia is a competitive school – you know this, of course. Last cycle, Columbia accepted 3.85% of students, down slightly from 3.9%. We only know this because of data published in the school paper, because Columbia does not fill out the Common Data Set (CDS). And because they don’t fill out the CDS, we also don’t know the exact numbers around their waitlist data. We do know, from looking at their peer schools and past experience, that their waitlist acceptance rate is probably around, or less than, 4%. Don’t fear, though, we’ve helped lots of students get off the waitlist and into Columbia.
Step One: Accept Your Spot
If they told you you’ve been waitlisted, you actually have to go and accept that spot on the waitlist. Columbia looooves to not tell us about their specific process, but they will notify you in your decision letter of how you can accept the spot on the waitlist. This will generally be through their portal.
Step Two: Secure Other Plans
Once you’ve accepted your spot on Columbia’s waitlist, it’s important to lock in a backup plan at a school where you’ve already been admitted. The reality is that getting off the waitlist is a long shot – although possible, especially with some strategic guidance (wink wink). So, secure your spot at one of your accepted schools by placing a deposit at a school you’d be happy to attend. This way, you’re going to college no matter what.
Step Three: Update Columbia
Now, we’re getting into the most labor-intensive part of the process, the letter of continued interest (LOCI). This letter serves as your second impression, your final chance to shoot your shot. Here’s what Columbia has to say, straight from their website:
“We encourage students to submit an additional one-page statement expressing interest in the waitlist. Additional submissions, including extra letters of recommendation, are discouraged by the Committee on Admissions.”
So, let’s jump into how to write the LOCI. If you wrote a deferral letter, this should be fairly similar, but your goal here is a little different, and the stakes have changed. Since this is your final opportunity to communicate with admissions, nailing the tone is critical. You want to come across as professional and confident – definitely not sad, desperate, or pleading.
Opening
Start with a formal and polished greeting, like “Dear Admissions Committee,” or, if you know the name of your regional counselor, address them directly. Think of this as writing to a boss, a potential employer, or even a senator. This is not a text to your mom or even an email to a super chill teacher; this is a professional, formal business letter.
Reinforce Interest
Columbia knows it’s on your radar, but this is your chance to make it clear that it’s your top choice – like, no contest. In no more than three sentences, express your genuine enthusiasm and commitment. Let them know that if offered a spot, you’re 100% ready to say yes. This needs to be very straightforwardly said, don’t skirt around the idea that you’d go there if accepted, be bold! You can discuss why Columbia is the perfect place for you to pursue your academic and personal goals, and back it up with a specific reason or two. Keep it straightforward, confident, and maybe even a little heartfelt. Admissions officers are humans, too!
Update
Now it’s time to share what you’ve been up to since your fall application. We hope you kept your grades up and stayed active in your extracurriculars, because Ivy League schools aren’t fans of senioritis. What are we talking about – you applied to Columbia, of course you did.
In a short paragraph, highlight up to three accomplishments you’re most proud of – ones that demonstrate your growth, leadership, or passion. Whether it’s becoming valedictorian, stepping into a leadership role, earning a major award, landing an internship, or finishing a significant research project, focus on achievements that add depth and excitement to your application. Do not ramble on about everything you’ve done since applying; you want to mention the strongest things. You only have a page, so don’t go overboard.
Closing
Finish your letter with the same polished tone you started with. Reaffirm your excitement about Columbia and tie it to a specific academic reason – maybe a professor, a particular class, a groundbreaking lab, or the Columbia Core. Keep it concise! End with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
Now, you’re ready to send it off. Well, edit it first, and have someone look over it before you upload it to the portal, but you’re ready to go.
If you are questioning whether or not you should write a LOCI, we’ll say this: we’ve never heard of someone getting off the waitlist that didn’t write a LOCI. We hope that’s convincing enough. And if the idea of writing this by yourself seems daunting, or you want help from some seasoned experts, reach out to us.
Step Four: Wait
You want to get this completed fairly quickly – sending it too late can negatively impact your chances. Make sure to reach out to your school counselor to have them send your most updated grades, as well. Columbia also does not allow additional letters of recommendation, so please do not send them. We know you might be tempted, but this is a quick way to go from the “if we have space!” to the “absolutely not” pile.
Now, you wait. We know, it isn’t fun. You may hear back as early as May, but you might not hear until July. Please don’t pester the Columbia admissions department!! Best of luck!
If you’re on a waitlist and feeling anxious, we can help! Please reach out to us today if you need help with your waitlist letter.