I got deferred from Harvard (surprise surprise) on December 14th 2023 and I was wondering if I should still send in my LOCI (now its feb 6th 2024). I didn’t have much to update Harvard on previously, I didn’t even have my midterms so I didn’t send anything. I just got my midterms back, and I was wondering if I should send in my letter. I am an ib student, when I sent in my application I was predicted 42 my junior year and when I got my midterms back I am still predicted 42, so no change :). I don’t have much on my extracurriculars, only that I finished my personal research project and shadowed a doctor again (they know that I shadowed once, but now I had the chance to do it again). So I am asking your opinion, should I send in my LOCI or is it not worth it?
Others may disagree but I would not send a LOCI after deferral unless something major happened, like an international award or book publishing or major research paper in a journal or an orchestral commission etc. Good luck! I am sure you have other great schools.
Thank you for the advice!
Other people have been in favor of LOCIs for deferral. I think it risks being annoying. Harvard may assume continued interest anyway 
schools like Harvard and Stanford don’t track demonstrated interest and are unlikely to care about a LOCI either. Why? They know just about everyone is interested & will give the school serious consideration if admitted.
I am not 100% sure where I stand here, and honestly don’t know that much about Harvard specifics.
Here is the question for OP… If you don’t send it and don’t get in, will it forever nag on you? If you send it and don’t get it, will you wonder if it was the LOCI? (FWIW, I doubt sending one would ever tip the scales against someone.)
If you decide to send one, don’t rehash your App. Reaffirm your choice, maybe say something about how you plan on taking advantage of a specific opportunity at Harvard, say you are happy to report your predicted IB is still 42, and thank them for reading your app. In other words, don’t write an essay.
The thing is, admissions is busy and imagine if every deferred student wrote a LOCI. But apparently some do. I think it is appropriate with something major to report.
Again, not sure at Harvard, but many schools allow you to simply upload a PDF which just becomes part of your file. I really think unless the school says do not send, as some do, there is no harm.
I’m of the course that it won’t do you good but if it makes you feel better, it won’t hurt. They’ll add to your file and ignore it worst case.
Harvard’s yield is crazy. They know if you applied, you want to go.
Unfortunately, some schools defer everyone or a big chunk so you’re not alone with the deferral.
That said, do what will bring you comfort.
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