What is the role of demonstrated interest in college admissions?

Hey there, I'm a junior, and I've been hearing about demonstrated interest in the college admissions process. Can someone explain what it is and how it can impact my application? How can I show demonstrated interest in the schools I'm applying to? Thanks in advance!

Hey! Demonstrated interest is basically how you show a college that you're genuinely interested in attending their institution. While it may not be a major factor in admissions decisions at highly selective schools, it can play a role at smaller, less selective colleges. It helps them gauge if you're likely to attend if admitted, which can impact their yield rates. Ways to demonstrate interest include visiting the campus (in-person or virtually), attending information sessions, engaging with the school on social media, reaching out to admissions officers with thoughtful questions, and even applying Early Decision or Early Action. Just remember that it's important to be genuine in your interactions and not to overdo it. Demonstrated interest can help strengthen your application, but it's still crucial to focus on your academics, extracurriculars, and essays. Best of luck with your college journey!