Are You Interested? Prove It! 9 Ways to Show a College Love

Colleges admit students based on a variety of factors such as GPA, curriculum, activities, essays, and test scores.  Some colleges are also keen to learn about a student’s interest in their college, this is called “Demonstrated Interest”.

Why Do Colleges Track Demonstrated Interest?

Colleges track interest to help manage their yield, which is the percentage of admitted students who enroll. The number of enrolled students directly affects a colleges bottom-line. A student who actively engages with a college is seen as more likely to attend, which can influence admission decisions.

How do you find which colleges use Demonstrated Interest in their admissions process?

There are many ways to determine what colleges use to determine admission, the easiest is to look on their Common Data Set (CDS).

What is a CDS?

Every college completes a form, a Common Data Set, to share data and information about their processes. You can find each colleges CDS by Googling: Name of College Common Data Set.  Each CDS includes a section (Section C7) listing the importance of various application factors, including demonstrated interest. The importance is identified as "Considered," "Important," or "Very Important".

2 Additional Ways to Find Out if a College Considers Demonstrated Interest

1. Explore the College Website: Many colleges explain how they evaluate applicants on their FAQs or admissions blogs.

2. Ask Admission Officers in person at fairs, tours, or email your regional representative and ask them directly. 

9 Ways to Show Your Interest!

1. Attend College Fairs and High School Visits

   Attend College Fairs, either at your high school or sponsored by organizations such as NACAC. Colleges track students by registration, which is then recorded in a college's database. Meeting an admissions counselor at a fair or visit is especially helpful if you can’t go to the college itself.

2. Fill out an inquiry card. At college fairs or high school visits admissions representatives will have a stack of blank cards.  Complete one if you are interested in the college, it will put you in the college’s system. It helps representatives keep track of who and when they met students.

3. Apply Early Decision or Early Action. If you know that you’re interested in a college, apply early.

4. Attend Campus Visits, Webinars, and Q & A Sessions: In-Person or Virtual: Attend campus tours, information sessions, webinars, open houses, and Q & A sessions.  If you are in person, sign in when you arrive. When attending, either in-person or virtual, note the representative's name so that you can send a thoughtful email(s) afterwards.

5. Interact with your Admission Counselor: Admission counselors are usually responsible for students from specific states or regions. If you are unsure who your admission counselor is, visit the college’s website. There’s usually a “find your admission counselor” tool there. If not, email the general admission office and ask. Once you know who your counselor is, text or email them with questions. The majority of the time, your personal admission counselor is reading your application, so get to know them. At admissions time, they might be more likely to put in a good word for you if they know that you have shown interest.

6. Join Mailing Lists & Open Emails: Sign up for mailing lists and newsletters on the college’s websites. Admission offices track when you open their emails, how many times you’ve opened them, how long you’re on their websites, and how many times you click on something interesting. Clicking not only helps you figure out if the school is a good fit for you, but it also shows admission offices that you’re engaging with their communications. Don’t click on every link, just those that are of interest. 

7. Follow on Social Media: Engage with the college's official account, but remember to keep any responses formal and appropriate. 

8. Application Materials: Most colleges include a "Why Us?" essay in their application.  You can show clear interest by answering, showing that you have done your research, and noting how the college's mission, focus, and activities match yours.

9. Interviews: Not all colleges conduct interviews, and fewer use interviews for admissions decisions.  If you are offered an interview, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the college and share how you will be a good fit. accept and prepare.

Final Thoughts

Students should always engage with a college that is on their list, even if the college doesn’t use Demonstrated Interest as a factor in the admissions process. If you like a school and you can see yourself there show them!

Connect with me to learn more about the application process or to book an appointment.