What should I include in a Barnard waitlist letter of continued interest?

Your Barnard letter of continued interest should be short, specific, and genuinely updated. The most effective version clearly says Barnard remains a top choice, gives meaningful new updates since you applied, and explains why Barnard is still a strong fit using details tied to Barnard itself. Keep it to about one page or less, and make the tone warm and confident rather than emotional or overly persuasive.

Start by thanking Barnard for continued consideration and stating directly that you would be happy to enroll if admitted, if that is true. Then add concrete updates: improved grades, a new leadership role, a recent award, a research project, a performance, a job responsibility, or a community commitment that has deepened. The key is to share things that were not already fully covered in your application.

After that, include a brief paragraph on why Barnard specifically still stands out. This should not just repeat that it is in New York City or affiliated with Columbia. Mention academic, community, or advising opportunities that connect to what you actually want to do, such as a department, program, center, student organization, or Barnard’s focus on women’s leadership and liberal arts education.

A strong structure is simple: continued interest, new updates, Barnard fit. For example, if you recently took on a larger role in a community health initiative, you might connect that to Barnard’s public engagement culture or a relevant area of study you hope to pursue. That makes the letter feel purposeful instead of generic.

Avoid rehashing your whole application, listing every accomplishment, or sounding desperate with phrases about how devastated you would be otherwise. Also avoid empty flattery. Barnard reads many LOCIs, so specificity matters more than intensity.

If you have first-semester or midyear grades that are stronger, mention them clearly. If another adult is sending an additional recommendation, make sure it adds something new rather than repeating what teachers already said.