Colleges and demonstrated interest

Hello everyone! I've heard that some schools track demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process. Can you guys let me know which colleges do this? How can I show my enthusiasm for a school to increase my chances of getting accepted?

It's true that some colleges track demonstrated interest, which is essentially how much enthusiasm you show for attending their school. Demonstrated interest can be a factor in admissions; however, it's important to remember that this is only a piece of the puzzle, and the most significant aspects of your application will be your academic profile and extracurricular achievements.

That being said, there isn't an exhaustive list of colleges that consider demonstrated interest, but typically smaller liberal arts colleges and some regional universities are more likely to track it. Large research universities and highly selective schools often do not weigh demonstrated interest as heavily or at all.

To demonstrate your interest, you can try some of the following strategies:

1. Campus and virtual tours: While in-person campus tours are great, if you're unable to attend one, you can also sign up for and attend virtual tours and information sessions that the college organizes.

2. Email contact: Reach out to the admissions office or the department of your intended major with thoughtful questions that can't be easily answered by visiting the school's website. This can help personalize your application and show that you're genuinely interested.

3. College fairs and local events: Attend college fairs and any local recruitment or informational events that the school is hosting in your area. Make sure to sign in or leave your contact info, as this may be tracked by the colleges.

4. Make your application personal: Tailor your application and essays to the specific school, highlighting aspects of the college or its programs that attract you. This can help the admissions officers see that you're truly interested in their institution.

5. Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA): By applying ED or EA to a college, you're displaying a strong interest in attending if accepted. ED, in particular, can be especially convincing, as it requires that you make a binding commitment to enroll if admitted.

Remember that demonstrated interest can help, but the most important aspects of your application will be your academic and extracurricular achievements. Focus on those elements while also finding ways to express your genuine interest in particular colleges. Good luck with your applications!