With every passing day, it can feel like college admissions are only becoming increasingly more complicated. It’s not uncommon for students to feel like they need to take advantage of every opportunity to set themselves apart in order to secure admission into elite colleges. While there are many great ways to improve the likelihood of strong college outcomes (and we write about them weekly through our blog!), we’re here to introduce one you might not have spent much time considering: demonstrated interest.
Demonstrated interest refers to the ways that prospective students can show colleges they are genuinely interested in attending that particular school. When done well, it essentially communicates to the college, “I’m not just applying here as a backup; I really want to attend your school, and here’s why.” Colleges value this insight because they want to admit students who are likely to enroll, as it affects their yield rate—the percentage of students admitted who then choose to attend. So, participating in trackable college interest metrics could provide that extra edge if it comes down to a decision between you and someone with a similar academic and extracurricular profile.
Campus and Virtual Visits
Few things can demonstrate your interest in a college more than visiting its campus. So, if possible, during your visit, be sure to schedule an official tour, attend an information session, and make it a point to take notes on specific aspects of the campus that appeal to you. If possible, try to take advantage of unique campus opportunities like the chance to sit in on a class, stay overnight in the residence halls dorms, or meet with a professor.
If you weren’t able to take an official tour for whatever reason, it can help to send an email to the admissions office stating such reasons or describing the unofficial tour you took while the admissions office was closed, etc.
Colleges understand that tours aren’t always possible for various reasons and won’t necessarily hold that against you. However, in today’s digital world, your online interactions can still play an important role at making up for this. Many schools monitor how prospective students engage with them and their digital content, whether that means how often you open and read emails from them, register for virtual sessions, or fill out inquiry forms on their websites. Your digital footprint might feel minor amidst everything else you have on your plate, but they’re helpful metrics for admissions officers to recognize your genuine interest in their school.
Many universities also offer sessions for specific undergraduate programs (e.g., the engineering or business schools) to answer questions students may have. These are great for tracking engagement and might come in handy when it comes time to write your “Why Us?” essay.
Different Ways to Demonstrate Interest
There are many unique ways you can demonstrate interest in a specific college, but here are some that we recommend:
- Participate in College Fairs: When college representatives come to your school or community events, take the time to visit and speak with them. This can be a great chance to ask questions and learn about the school.
- Open and Respond to Emails: Many colleges actually track who opens and takes the time to read their emails. Some colleges also track click-through rates, so it’s also helpful to engage that way. These are easy ways to demonstrate interest because they often take less than a minute!
- Follow and Interact with the College on Social Media: For once, we’re telling you to take out your phone and follow your colleges of interest on social media. When you see them post, try to like or even comment on their images; this is something the college could be monitoring.
- Try to Communicate Directly with Professors, Current Students, and Admissions Officers: While you want to avoid spamming admissions officers or sending an email that basically says nothing, if you have something new to add to your application or a thoughtful question about a field or campus, it can be great to have someone in this area answer your question.
- Write a great “Why Us?” Essay: While all schools might not track demonstrated interest, those that ask for “Why Us?” essays have found other ways to ensure that a student has thoroughly researched their school. This essay is meant to reflect the depth of your research about the institution, so be sure to mention specific courses, professors, programs, or opportunities that resonate with you and connect them to your personal goals and interests. For more tips on how to write a great “Why Us?” Essay, check out our other blogs!
Final Thoughts
Demonstrated interest can be a significant factor in the college admissions process, but it should never feel forced. The best approach is to focus your energy on the colleges you are genuinely excited about and to learn everything you can along the way. Not only will this help you demonstrate authentic interest, but it will also lead you to a college where you will be happy and successful. By thoroughly researching and engaging with potential colleges, you’re demonstrating interest and gathering the information you need to make one of the most important decisions of your life.
For more college counseling help, contact Marks Education for a complimentary consultation.