If you recognize the acronyms, you probably guessed the question…DS was deferred SCEA. Is a LOCI worthwhile?
To be honest, there is not much new to report. Grades, test scores, and class rank all remain unchanged and he continues same activities described in the original application. He remains very interested, but the school surely knows that from early application and this is not a place that has to worry about yield. In this case, is a letter of continued interest necessary or just extraneous junk mail for admissions?
The only thing “new” is that the kid was writing much better essays by the time he submitted RD apps in December!
Barring some major news, the only real reason I can think of for LOCI is to demonstrate some writing chops and matchmaking that he didn’t quite pull off in October. But that starts sounding like a supplemental essay and we are wondering if admissions folks would just be annoyed by another thing to read.
Personally, I don’t think it ever hurts to submit a concise LOCI. Certainly, it would be more effective if there were substantial new developments to report. But even if it were a short letter updating Yale of any achievements/progress in academics, EC’s or other items highlighting your S qualities along with a reiteration that Yale was still his top choice, it can’t hurt. I think there is a larger risk by not communicating that Yale thinks he has checked out vs. any risk of annoying them as long as your son keeps it short and to the point.
By coincidence, just a few hours ago we got word he’s been nominated for a major scholarship. Happily, now there’s some news to report.
Is there an optimal time to submit LOCI? Some people tell me this should be done by mid-January, and others say mid-Feb is ok. Normally I’d say sooner is better than later, but waiting a bit may allow him to include more news and perhaps polish the letter a bit more. Is there any drop-dead deadline we should consider?
I’ve been told by someone in a position to know that it’s best to do it in January. I think it’s a good idea for the letter to confirm that Yale is his first choice, assuming he’s prepared to commit to enroll if admitted. Consider also whether there’s someone who fits the narrow parameters that Yale prescribes for an optional third recommender (see the instructions on the admissions website); the third rec would provide new and presumably helpful information, but it may be counterproductive if it looks like filler.