by Bethany Goldszer |
Last Updated: March 31, 2023 
Getting admitted into a top college can be a daunting task for any college-bound student. However, there is one crucial aspect that can make all the difference: demonstrating your interest in a particular school. Admissions officers want to see that you are genuinely interested in attending their institution and that you have taken the time to research and learn about the school.
Demonstrating interest can be a critical factor in college admissions decisions. It shows that you have taken the initiative to get to know the school beyond its reputation and rankings. Admissions officers want to admit students who are not only academically qualified but also genuinely excited about attending their institution.
In this post, we will explore why demonstrating interest is essential and provide tips on how to make a good impression. We’ll discuss various ways to demonstrate your interest, such as attending virtual events, contacting current students, and submitting a thoughtful application. We’ll also provide insight into what admissions officers are looking for when evaluating demonstrated interest.
Ultimately, the key to demonstrating interest is to be authentic and intentional. You want to show the admissions committee that you are genuinely interested in attending their institution and that you would be an excellent fit for their community. So, if you’re a college-bound student looking to get admitted into a top college, read on for tips on how to make a strong impression and stand out in the admissions process.
Key Takeaways
- Demonstrated interest shows colleges you're serious and have done your research.
- Ways to demonstrate interest include attending events, contacting admission officers, and submitting a thoughtful application.
- To make a strong impression, be authentic and intentional, showing you're interested in attending and would be a great fit for the community.
Table of Contents
What is demonstrated interest?
Demonstrated interest refers to the actions a student takes to show a college or university that they are interested in attending. This can include attending information sessions, visiting the campus, reaching out to admissions officers with questions, and applying early decision or early action. Demonstrated interest can be a factor in admissions decisions, as it shows that the student has a genuine interest in the school and is more likely to enroll if accepted.
Why does demonstrated interest matter in college admissions?
Demonstrated interest matters in college admissions because it shows the admissions committee that you are serious about attending their school. Admissions officers want to admit students who are likely to enroll, as this helps with their yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll). By demonstrating your interest in the school, you are showing that you are more likely to enroll if accepted. Additionally, some schools may use demonstrated interest as a factor in admissions decisions, particularly for borderline applicants.
List of Colleges that Consider Demonstrated Interest
Here is a list of colleges and universities that consider demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process:
- American University
- Barnard College
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Carleton College
- Colby College
- Colorado College
- Dickinson College
- Duke University
- Emory University
- George Washington University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Haverford College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Lafayette College
- Lehigh University
- Macalester College
- Middlebury College
- Northeastern University
- Occidental College
- Reed College
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Skidmore College
- Smith College
- St. Lawrence University
- Swarthmore College
- Tufts University
- University of Rochester
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Lee University
- Williams College
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The schools listed above is not an exhaustive list of colleges that factor demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions. Therefore, you’ll want to research the schools you’re interested in and their admissions policies to determine how much weight demonstrated interest carries in the admissions process.
How can you demonstrate interest in a college?
There are many ways to demonstrate interest in a college, including attending information sessions and campus tours, meeting with admissions officers or current students, participating in online chats or webinars, and reaching out to faculty members in your intended major. You can also show your interest by applying early decision or early action, submitting a well-crafted essay that specifically addresses why you want to attend that school, and following the school on social media or attending events hosted by the school in your area.
Ways to Demonstrate Interest in a College
Here are the ways you can demonstrate an interest in a college:
Attend Information Sessions and Campus Tours
Attending information sessions and campus tours can show the admissions office that you are willing to take the time and effort to learn more about the school. This can be a great way to get a feel for the campus and to learn more about the school’s programs and offerings.
Meet with Admissions Officers or Current Students
Meeting with admissions officers or current students can help you make a personal connection with the college and show that you are genuinely interested in attending. This can be done through scheduled visits or by attending college fairs.
Participate in Online Chats or Webinars
Participating in online chats or webinars can show that you are taking the time to engage with the school and learn more about their programs and offerings. This can be a great way to ask questions and learn more about the college from the comfort of your own home.
Reach Out to Faculty Members in Your Intended Major
Reaching out to faculty members in your intended major can demonstrate interest in the specific programs and opportunities available in your field of interest. This can be a great way to learn more about the faculty and the research being done in your field.
Apply Early Decision or Early Action
Applying early decision or early action shows that the college is your top choice and that you are committed to attending if accepted. This can be a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the school and increase your chances of admission.
Submit a Well-Crafted Essay That Addresses Why You Want to Attend
Submitting a well-crafted essay that specifically addresses why you want to attend that school shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the school. This can be a great way to demonstrate your writing skills and increase your chances of admission.
Follow the School on Social Media or Attend Events Hosted by the School
Following the school on social media or attending events hosted by the school in your area can show that you are engaged with the school’s community and interested in staying up-to-date on their offerings and events. This can be a great way to learn more about the school and to network with other prospective students.
For schools that value demonstrated interest, the more of these methods that you use, the greater you increase your chances of being admitted into your dream college.
Tips for making a good impression on college admissions officers
Making a good impression on college admissions officers is crucial if you want to increase your chances of being accepted. One way to do this is to show your genuine interest in the school. Attend information sessions and campus tours, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with current students and faculty members. Additionally, make sure your application materials, such as your essay and letters of recommendation, demonstrate your passion for the school and your intended major. Finally, be professional and courteous in all your interactions with admissions officers, whether in person, over the phone, or via email.
Building a strong relationship with admissions officers
Building a strong relationship with an admissions officer can greatly improve your chances of being accepted into the college or university of your dreams. Admissions officers play a critical role in the application process, and getting to know them can help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.
Here are some tips on how to build a relationship with an admissions officer:
- Introduce yourself: Once you’ve identified the admissions officer responsible for your area, send them an email introducing yourself. Use a professional tone and include your name, high school, and any other relevant information about yourself.
- Attend college fairs and information sessions: Admissions officers often attend college fairs and information sessions to meet with prospective students. Attend these events to learn more about the college and to meet the admissions officer in person.
- Schedule a meeting or interview: Many colleges and universities offer the opportunity to schedule a meeting or interview with an admissions officer. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the college.
- Follow up: After attending a college fair or meeting with an admissions officer, follow up with a thank-you email or note. This shows your interest in the college and your appreciation for the time the admissions officer spent with you.
- Keep in touch: Throughout the application process, keep in touch with the admissions officer. Let them know when you’ve submitted your application and provide any updates on your academic or extracurricular achievements. This helps keep you on their radar and shows your continued interest in the college.
While building a relationship with an admissions officer is not a guarantee of admission, it can help you stand out from other applicants and show your genuine interest in the college. Even if a college does not consider demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions, having name recognition can still be a significant advantage. If an admissions officer is already familiar with your name and has a positive impression of you, this can give you an edge over other applicants during the review process. So take the time to get to know your admissions officer and build a strong relationship that can help you throughout the application process.
Demonstrated interest can impact merit scholarship opportunities
Demonstrating interest in a college can also increase your chances of receiving scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships to students who show a strong interest in attending their school. By attending information sessions, campus tours, and other events, you can demonstrate your commitment to the school and increase your likelihood of receiving a scholarship.
In addition, some schools may offer need-based scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need and a strong desire to attend their institution. By showing your interest in the school, you can secure additional funding to help pay for your education. This is especially important because the cost of attending college can be a significant burden for many students and families. By demonstrating interest and securing scholarships, you can make higher education more accessible and affordable.
Conclusion + Next Steps
After reading this post, you now know that demonstrating interest in a college can significantly impact your admissions chances, scholarship opportunities, and overall college experience. By taking advantage of the various ways to show your interest, such as attending information sessions and campus tours, reaching out to admissions officers and faculty members, and applying early decision or early action, you can differentiate yourself from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to your top college choices.
Now that you know the importance of demonstrated interest, it’s time to take action. Here are some next steps to consider:
- Research the colleges and universities you’re interested in and identify ways to demonstrate your interest, such as attending an information session or reaching out to an admissions officer.
- Plan a campus visit to experience the school firsthand and demonstrate your commitment to attending.
- Follow the schools you’re interested in on social media and attend events hosted by the school in your area to stay updated on news and opportunities.
- Craft a well-written college admissions essay that specifically addresses why you want to attend that school and how you can contribute to their community.
By taking these steps, you can demonstrate your interest in your top college choices and increase your chances of being accepted and receiving scholarships.
Recommended Reading
Colleges with Rolling Admissions for Late Applicants
Late to the college application game? No problem! These colleges with rolling admissions accept applications throughout the year.
College Essay Topics for 2022
This post will walk you through the topic college essay topics worth choosing for your 2021-2022 college applications.
7 Tips to a Stand Out College Application
Follow these seven tips to make your application stand out to colleges and impress college admissions officers.
Accepted to Cornell: How She Got In
How she got accepted to Cornell. This post reviews the key steps that helped with her college application to Cornell.
Extracurricular Activities & COVID-19: SOS
Extracurricular activities engagement is an important part of the college admissions process. In the age of COVID-19, here are ideas to consider.
Tools to Get Ready for College
This post reviews all the things to do and prepare as you get ready for college. From researching schools, building a list, and applying.