How important is demonstrated interest in Ivy League admissions?

Hi everyone, I'm a junior applying to some Ivy League schools this fall, and I'm wondering how important demonstrated interest is in the admissions process. I haven't been able to visit all the schools I'm interested in, and I wonder if this will hurt my chances. I have a 3.9 unweighted GPA and a 1530 SAT score. Thanks for your help!

Hello! First off, congratulations on your impressive GPA and SAT score! Those are definitely going to help you in the application process.

Now, when it comes to demonstrated interest in Ivy League admissions, it's not necessarily a major factor since these institutions already receive a large number of applications from highly qualified students. However, it doesn't mean that it's completely irrelevant. Showing genuine interest can potentially help in some cases.

For example, my child wasn't able to visit all the schools they applied to either, so they focused on other ways to demonstrate their interest. They attended local college fairs, reached out to the admissions offices with questions, and connected with current students or alumni to gain insights about the schools. By doing so, they were able to show their interest in the schools they were applying to without having physically visited them.

Overall, I think it's important to focus on ensuring the strength of your application by highlighting your achievements and passions. If you feel that demonstrated interest would be beneficial to your case, consider exploring other ways to engage with the schools aside from visiting. Best of luck in the application process!