Demonstrated Interest. Is this important?

Some colleges consider "Demonstrated Interest" and some don't. Whether a college takes Demonstrated Interest into consideration when evaluating student applications is a decision each college makes independent of one another.

For those schools that DO care about Demonstrated Interest, it is EXTREMELY important for students to show how interested they are to attend the college as part of their application. How? I am so glad you asked!

Here are ways for students to show Demonstrated Interest:

• Complete an online information request form from the school webpage.

• Interact with college staff via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social media.

• Take a Virtual Campus Tour: Most college websites offer virtual campus tours students can take at their leisure.

• Take an On Campus Tour (if possible): All colleges offer on campus tours. If you do take one, complete the information collection card and take the opportunity to meet with an admissions officer.

• Meet Admission Officers during their visit (or virtual visit) to your high school: Speak with or ask questions of the admissions officer about the academic program you are interested in, about student life on campus (clubs, traditions, campus activities, learning environment), and other aspects of the school you may be curious about. Send a "Thank You" email to follow up.

• Attend a regional college fair or information session to meet Admissions Officers.

• Spend time researching the college to write a meaningful, "Why do you want to attend ABC College" essay.

• Attend a webinar offered by the college. Colleges list webinars on their websites.

• Participate in an interview with a alumni from the college you are interested in: Some schools offer interviews. Take advantage of these by registering for a date and time.

• Email your admissions officer with pertinent questions about academics or programs you are interested in learning more about.

• Open emails from the school: Schools track whether emails have been opened by prospective students.

• Apply early: Apply Early Action (not binding) or Early Decision (binding).

• List a favorite college first on the FAFSA: If you don’t have a favorite, list your colleges in alphabetical order.

Keys to Demonstrated Interest

• Demonstrated Interest is relatively simple and can be an advantage in the admissions process.

• Connect with colleges you are genuinely interested in by using as many of the suggestions listed in this blog.

• It is especially effective to connect with the admissions officer responsible for reading your application. Find the admissions officer for your region on the college website or attend an admissions event held on your high school campus and/or locally, if available.

• Take the opportunity to show the college you have done research about their school and academic programs in the “Why do you want to attend ABC college?” essay.

• The ultimate form of Demonstrated Interest is applying Early Decision (ED). This is a binding agreement. If you apply ED and the college accepts you, you are committed to attend.