How important is demonstrated interest for Emory?

Hello everyone! I am really interested in Emory University and was wondering how important demonstrated interest is for their admissions process. Does visiting campus, attending events, or reaching out to admissions officers give any advantage? If so, how can I best show my interest?

At Emory University, demonstrated interest is not a factor in their admissions decisions. Instead, they focus on applicants' academic profile, essays, extracurricular involvement, recommendation letters, and so on.

However, showing genuine interest in the school can still be beneficial in a few ways. Visiting campus, attending events, and reaching out to admissions officers can help you gain a better understanding of Emory's culture, programs, and community. This insight can then be incorporated into your application, particularly in supplemental essays where you explain why Emory is a good fit for you, or during your interview if you're offered one. By showcasing specific reasons for your interest in Emory, the admissions committee will get to know you better and understand your motivations for choosing the university.

To ensure you're able to cite specific, personal reasons why you're drawn to Emory, consider the following approaches:

1. Research Emory's programs and extracurricular opportunities to identify aspects that match your interests and goals, and make sure to mention these in your application.

2. Try to attend virtual or on-campus information sessions, open houses, or other Emory-related events. These experiences will help you understand the academic and social environment at the university and make for stronger, more informed essays.

3. Engage with the Emory community online through social media platforms, webinars, or by directly reaching out to admissions officers, current students, or alumni. Be respectful and genuine in your interactions.

4. If possible, visit Emory's campus, either through an official guided tour or by exploring the campus on your own. In addition to allowing you to craft a stronger application, visiting can also give you valuable information about what life there is truly like, which could help you decide whether Emory is truly the right fit for you if you are ultimately accepted and trying to decide between multiple institutions.

While demonstrated interest might not directly impact your chances of admission at Emory, these steps will still help you gain valuable knowledge about the university, which will ultimately strengthen your application and help you make an informed college decision. Best of luck!