The Importance of Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions

What will it take to get accepted to your dream school? Colleges consider many factors in the decision-making process. It obviously takes more than simply telling a college counselor how much you love the school. Good grades, high test scores, great essays, and impressive extracurriculars certainly make a difference. But a less common factor that some colleges consider is demonstrated interest. What exactly is this, and what does it mean for your college application journey?

Colleges use demonstrated interest as a way to gauge how eager applicants are to attend their school. They are interested in students who show an elevated level of interest and are more likely to enroll, which improves the school’s yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who actually end up attending. Demonstrated interest is not limited to either private or public colleges, and is particularly important at schools where admissions decisions are competitive. This includes schools that have programs with enrollment caps as they often get way more applications than they have spots to fill. When there are many applications with similar qualifications it is often hard to decide who to admit and who not. This is another area where demonstrated interest comes into play; it can sometimes make the difference when there are packed programs with limited spots to fill.

Ways to show demonstrated interest:

• Visit schools. Visiting a campus signals genuine interest—whether the visit is in person or virtual. It’s a great way to learn more about a school before you actually apply. You’ll have the opportunity to see the campus, learn more about its offerings, and to ask questions. When you register, attend, cancel, or are a no-show for a visit, this information is available to admission staff when making an admission decision. (Note: if you find you are unable to attend a visit you’ve registered for, make sure to cancel, and to reschedule if you are still interested in the school. No-shows are the opposite of demonstrated interest.)
• Attend college fairs and info sessions. Admission reps travel to high schools and other venues every fall and spring, where they participate in fairs and info sessions. Engaging admissions officers at these events can leave a positive impression, as most schools keep records of the students they interact with. This is especially important if you are unable to visit a school, as you can talk with someone in person and ask any questions you many have.
• Open and read emails thoroughly. Colleges send lots of emails. Schools can track when they’re opened, how often, and whether there are clicks on links. Active engagement through emails shows admission offices that you are interested in their school. The more you interact, the more interest you exhibit.
• Follow social media accounts. Following and interacting with a college’s official social media site—including liking posts, commenting, or attending virtual events—can attract the attention of the school. Colleges often use social media to share news, updates, events, and to interactively engage with prospective students, so this is a good way for you to learn more about the school and to even get some of your questions answered. As with emails, colleges track social media clicks and responses.
• Apply early. Applying early decision (ED) to a school is the strongest indicator of demonstrated interest since ED is a binding commitment. While early action (EA) is non-binding, it also shows extra initiative. Both can increase your chances of college admission. ED applications may be better if you’re certain you want to attend a specific school and you’re a strong candidate. EA applications may be a better choice if you’re interested in multiple schools. You can do both, as long as you understand that the ED application will take precedence over any others if you are accepted to that school.
• Write strong supplemental essays. Many schools require some version of the classic “Why Us” college essay. A compelling and well-researched response can highlight your interest. Take the time to get to know more about schools and the programs they offer. What degrees and courses interest you the most? What is campus life like? Colleges are looking for genuine responses that show you’ve taken the time to get to know about their school—how you could contribute to the overall environment and how you would fit in.
• Interact with admissions counselors. Once you know who your counselor is, call, text or email them with any questions you may have. This can show them you’re serious about the school. Always be polite and professional when contacting them and try to send communications during regular work hours. Make sure that you are the one making contact, not your parents, as counselors are limited in the information they can provide parents, and demonstrated interest is about your interest, not your parents’. Most of all, remember, the majority of time it’s your admissions counselor who is reading your application, so they can be your biggest advocate.

Do all colleges consider demonstrated interest?

Some schools such as Ivy League universities often don’t factor in demonstrated interest because they assume that most applicants are eager to attend. However, many private and public universities do consider demonstrated interest when making admissions decisions. For those schools, it can be a valuable tool in the admissions process. While it won’t make up for weak academics, it can tip the scales in your favor when competing against equally qualified applicants. Be authentic in your engagement, as genuine interest always makes the best impression.

Moxie can help.

At Moxie College Counseling, we are here to help guide you through the admissions process. We’ll help you map out a plan to attract the college(s) of your choice and to make the most of the resources available to you. Whether it be compiling a college list, writing essays, creating a resume, or preparing for college visits and interviews, our professional staff can assist you in every step of your journey. Please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.