In the competitive world of college admissions, schools want to admit students who genuinely want to attend. This is where "demonstrated interest" comes in. It's the collection of ways you signal to a college that they are one of your top choices, not just another name on a long list.
For colleges that track it, demonstrated interest can be a significant factor in admissions, especially for borderline applicants. It helps colleges protect their "yield"—the percentage of admitted students who enroll.
Do All Colleges Track Interest?
No, and it's important to know the difference.
- Most top-tier, highly selective universities (like the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) do not track interest. They assume everyone who applies is interested. Their acceptance rates are so low that they don't need it as a metric.
- Many other private universities and smaller liberal arts colleges do track interest. For them, it's a valuable tool to distinguish between equally qualified candidates.
How can you find out? Check the college's "Common Data Set" (a quick Google search for "[College Name] Common Data Set" will usually find it). In section C7, there's a chart listing the importance of various factors, including "Level of applicant's interest."
High-Impact Ways to Demonstrate Interest
These are meaningful interactions that show genuine engagement.
- Meaningful Campus Visits and Virtual Tours: If you visit, go beyond the standard tour. Try to sit in on a class or speak with a professor. For virtual events, attend sessions that are specific to your interests (e.g., a webinar with the engineering department).
- Well-Written Supplemental Essays: This is the most important way to show interest. A specific, well-researched "Why Us?" essay is the ultimate sign of your commitment.
- Early Applications (ED/EA): Applying Early Decision (ED) is the strongest possible signal of interest, as it's a binding commitment. Early Action (EA) is non-binding but still shows you're an organized and eager applicant.
- Engaging with Admissions Officers: If an admissions representative visits your high school or local area, attend the session and ask a thoughtful question. Follow up with a brief thank-you email.
Lower-Impact (But Still Good) Ways
These actions are smaller, but they can add up.
- Opening Emails: Most colleges use tracking software to see who opens their emails and clicks on links. It's a simple way to stay on their radar.
- Following on Social Media: Following a college's official social media accounts is a minor but easy way to stay engaged.
- Requesting Information: Filling out the information request form on a college's website gets you on their mailing list.
A word of caution: Be genuine. Don't bombard the admissions office with emails or ask questions that are easily found on their website. The goal is to show authentic curiosity, not to be annoying.
Demonstrated interest is another tool in your application toolkit. Use it strategically for the colleges that value it, and focus on putting your best foot forward for all the schools on your list.