How important is Demonstrated Interest for Carnegie Mellon?

I'm looking into applying to Carnegie Mellon and was wondering how important demonstrated interest is for the admissions process. For those who applied or got accepted, did you feel like demonstrating interest played a role in your admission?

Demonstrated interest can play a role in the admissions process at Carnegie Mellon, but it's not as crucial as it is at some other schools. Carnegie Mellon, like many other selective institutions, takes a holistic approach when evaluating applicants, and demonstrated interest may factor into the admissions decision to a small extent.

That being said, demonstrating interest can still be beneficial. Attending events such as webinars, college fairs, or visiting campus (assuming it's possible in your situation) and engaging with the admissions office could help. Demonstrated interest can show your genuine passion for the school and provide admissions officers with additional context about your commitment to attending if accepted. This could be especially important if you're applying through Early Decision since it's a binding agreement.

However, remember that demonstrated interest is just one part of the application; it's essential to focus on other critical aspects such as your academics, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Many students who get accepted at Carnegie Mellon might not have demonstrated a high level of interest, but their academic and extracurricular achievements, fit with the school, and overall application package stood out.

In conclusion, while demonstrated interest might not be a critical factor for Carnegie Mellon admissions, showing genuine interest can still be helpful. It's essential to prioritize the components of your application that will carry more weight but don't hesitate to engage with the university and participate in any opportunities that come your way.