How much do demonstrated interest and campus visits impact admissions decisions?

Hi all! I'm a junior and I've been researching different colleges. I've seen a lot about demonstrated interest and how it can affect admissions decisions. I'm just wondering, how important is it to visit a college campus or attend virtual events to show my interest in the school? Thanks!

Hey there! Demonstrated interest can indeed play a role in college admissions, but its importance varies depending on the school. Some colleges place a significant emphasis on it, while others don't consider it at all. Visiting a campus, attending virtual events, or engaging with admissions representatives can all be ways to show your interest in a particular college. In addition to potentially helping your application, these activities can also give you valuable insights into whether the school is a good fit for you. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, many colleges understand that students may not have the same opportunities to visit campuses or attend in-person events. As a result, they may be placing less emphasis on demonstrated interest for the time being. It's still a good idea to engage with colleges in whatever ways you can, whether that's through virtual events or email correspondence. Just remember that demonstrated interest is only one piece of the admissions puzzle and your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays will also be important factors.