Demonstrated Interest - What's the Deal?

Hey, need some clarification here. I've heard that showing demonstrated interest can help my college application. But how do I actually show it? I could really use some practical tips.

Hello! Demonstrated interest refers to how much you've engaged with a college, showing them that you're genuinely interested in attending their institution. Excitingly, there are many ways you can showcase this:

1. Campus Visits: Although not always feasible for every student, visiting a college campus can be a strong indicator of interest. During your visit, tour the campus, schedule an information session, or meet with an admissions officer.

2. College Fairs and High-School Visits: If colleges visit your high school or show up at a local college fair, make sure to attend and have a conversation with the school representatives.

3. Virtual Events and Webinars: Given the current state of affairs, many colleges are offering virtual tours, webinars, and information sessions. Participating in these can also count toward demonstrated interest.

4. Interacting with Admissions: Emailing the admissions office with insightful questions about programs that interest you can demonstrate your interest and help you stand out. Avoid overly general questions that could easily be answered by browsing the school website.

5. Applying Early Decision or Early Action: This is undoubtedly one of the most compelling ways to show a school you're seriously considering them as your top choice. Remember, Early Decision is binding, so you should only use this option if the school is your first choice and you've analyzed the financial considerations.

6. Showing Knowledge in Your Essays: When writing your college essays, particularly the "Why this College?" prompt, showing a thorough understanding of what the school offers and detailing how these offerings align with your educational and career goals can demonstrate your interest effectively.

Be sure to understand how much each college values demonstrated interest, as it can vary from school to school. For instance, highly selective colleges, like most Ivy League schools, don't consider demonstrated interest a significant factor in their admissions process, whereas some smaller or less selective schools might. The key is to stay genuine in your interest and ensure your activities align with your aspirations.