In recent years, “demonstrated interest” has become increasingly important in the college admissions process. Most valued by colleges that are private, smaller, and more selective, this “informed” interest allows you to reveal your knowledge of the college and make a stronger case as to why it’s a good fit for you.
Most often, interest is assessed through college visits and contact with the college. Inside Higher Ed points out that this is particularly important for students with high SAT scores. Colleges do not want to be considered a “safety school,” and may avoid high-scoring applicants who demonstrate little interest beyond applying.
According to Common Data Sets released by each college, the majority of schools say that demonstrated interest is “considered.” The “considered” category likely has a wide range of meanings from school to school. American University is an example of a school that rates demonstrated interest as “Very Important,” and Lehigh rates it as “Important.”
With escalating numbers of students applying to colleges, demonstrated interest helps colleges assess the likelihood that students will:
- Attend if admitted
- Be a good fit and engage in activities on campus
- Be loyal to the school as an alum, and donate money or time
So how do you go about demonstrating interest in a school? Below, we’ve developed a 10-point plan, outlining the many different ways you can communicate the strength and depth of your genuine interest to your best-fit colleges. Feel free to follow up with any questions you have.
Collegiate Gateway’s 10-point Plan:
VISIT the college, and register in the admissions office. Many colleges track campus visits as a top measure of demonstrated interest. The University of Rochester tracks all student contacts with the school. Some colleges, like Lehigh, expect that if you live within 250 miles, you will visit. But other colleges, like Stanford and Brown, do not track visits or interest. Generally, public universities do not track interest, while small liberal arts colleges place emphasis on demonstrated interest.
ATTEND info sessions at your high school or local college fairs, even if you have visited the college.
REGISTER on the undergraduate admissions website.
FOLLOW colleges on social media, including Instagram, blogs, and Facebook.
INTERVIEW on-campus or with an alumni interviewer in your region. Colleges are reducing the availability of on-campus interviews, due to the increased numbers of students applying, the lack of available staff, and the desire to not disadvantage applicants who cannot afford to travel. Alumni interviews are an excellent option. In addition, some colleges are offering video submissions. Take advantage of all opportunities. Go online to the colleges’ websites to find out whether you need to initiate the interview request or whether the admissions office reaches out after you apply.
RESEARCH the college thoroughly when you write your supplemental essays. Many colleges have a “Match Essay” asking why you want to attend the college. Write as specifically as possible about the programs and culture of the college; and about the strengths and interests you would bring to campus.
THANK college officials after college visits and interviews. Email a thank-you note to the admissions officer who conducted your information session or interview, and include specific information regarding what you learned and the features of the college that most appealed to you. Also send a thank-you note to your alumni interviewer, mentioning specific discussion topics that were meaningful to you.
APPLY EARLY! Applying Early Decision is the strongest way to demonstrate interest, since it’s a binding decision. But only apply ED if you are sure that the college is an excellent fit for you and is within reach. Applying Early Action (non-binding) also shows interest because you are sufficiently motivated to prepare and submit your application early.
UPDATE the regional admissions officer after you apply by sending an occasional email if you have substantive news to report (e.g. honors, awards, completion of a major school project, special accomplishment in an activity) or a genuine question that is not answered on the website.
CHECK your online portal for your application status, once you’ve applied, as some colleges interpret this as a sign of interest. And occasionally, not all information sent is received, and admissions offices may not review your file if it is incomplete.
As more and more schools rely on demonstrated interest to help them achieve their enrollment goals, it is increasingly important to show your preference for schools in an authentic way. Here at Collegiate Gateway, we are always happy to answer your questions and discuss this topic further. Feel free to contact us!