Does Northwestern University consider demonstrated interest?

Anyone know how much weight Northwestern University places on demonstrated interest? I've visited the campus and attended a few virtual info-sessions but was not sure if this needs to be specifically highlighted in my application. I would appreciate any advice or info!

Northwestern University does track demonstrated interest, but this is more for statistical purposes. Demonstrated interest isn't a massive factor in the admissions process. While it’s great that you’ve visited the campus and attended virtual info-sessions, these aren't significantly game-changing factors.

Your main opportunities to demonstrate interest at Northwestern are through your supplemental essays. When writing your "Why Northwestern?" essay, for example, you can highlight specific experiences from your visit or info-sessions that caused you to feel a connection to the university.

Maybe a talk with a current student resonated with you or perhaps you were attracted by a particular program or student organization you learned about during the info-session.

Use your essays to show that you have a thoughtful, well-researched perspective on how Northwestern aligns with your goals and interests. For an in-depth guide breaking down Northwestern's essays, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-northwestern-university-essays

Remember, while demonstrated interest is tracked at Northwestern, it’s viewed in the context of the rest of your application. Your grades, course rigor, test scores (if you choose to submit them), essays, and extracurricular involvement will hold more sway in the admission decision.

So continue to express your interest, but also make sure to focus on the other important elements of your application. Good luck!