How much does demonstrated interest matter in the admissions process?

Hey everyone, I've heard that demonstrating interest in a college can help in the admissions process, but I'm not sure how much it actually matters. Could someone please explain what demonstrated interest is and how significant it is when applying to colleges? Thank you!

Hi there! Demonstrated interest is essentially the way you show a college that you're genuinely interested in attending their institution. This can be done through various actions, such as visiting the campus, attending information sessions, interacting with admissions representatives, or even engaging with the school on social media. The importance of demonstrated interest can vary depending on the college you're applying to. For some colleges, it can be a significant factor in their admissions decisions, while others may not consider it at all. Generally, smaller, private colleges tend to value demonstrated interest more than larger, public institutions. Demonstrating interest can be particularly helpful in cases where an applicant might be on the borderline for acceptance. Additionally, it can be useful for securing merit-based scholarships or other funding opportunities. Overall, it's a good idea to show your interest in the schools you're applying to, but don't forget to also focus on other important aspects of your application, such as your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Best of luck!