Do colleges take demonstrated interest into account?

Hi all, I'm a high school junior and I've heard that some colleges take demonstrated interest into account when making admissions decisions. I'm wondering how important this factor is and what I can do to show my interest in the schools I'm applying to. Can someone explain how demonstrated interest affects college admissions? Thanks!

Hey there! It's true that some colleges do consider demonstrated interest as a factor in the admissions process. Demonstrated interest is basically how much a student engages with a college, which can give the admissions office an idea of how likely the student is to attend if admitted. While it's not usually as important as factors like GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities, it can still influence the decision-making process, especially at smaller or more selective colleges.

There are several ways you can show your interest in a school. Visiting the campus, attending college fairs, and participating in information sessions are all great ways to demonstrate your interest. Additionally, you can reach out to the admissions office with any questions you have, or even connect with current students or alumni to learn more about the school. Just make sure to keep track of your interactions with the college and be genuine in your interest. Remember, your focus should still be on presenting the best version of yourself in your application. Best of luck with your college search!