Showing interest in a college

Hello everyone! I really want to get into my dream school and I've heard that showing interest can increase my chances. What are some effective ways to demonstrate interest in a specific college?

Hello! Demonstrating interest in a college can help your chances at some schools, particularly those that actively consider demonstrated interest during their admissions process. Here are some effective ways to show your interest in a specific college:

1. Campus Visits: If possible, visit the college campus and participate in an official campus tour or information session. Some colleges keep track of campus visits, and going out of your way to visit in person can demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the school.

2. Virtual Events: Attend virtual events such as webinars, information sessions, and online tours. Make sure to register with your name and email in case the college tracks attendance.

3. Engage on Social Media: Follow the college's official social media accounts and engage with their content. Comment on posts, ask questions, and share your enthusiasm for the school.

4. Email Admissions: Reach out to the admissions office or your regional admissions representative, to ask thoughtful questions that show you've done your research about the school. Avoid asking questions with answers that can be easily found on their website.

5. College Interviews: If the college offers optional interviews, take advantage of this opportunity to connect with an alumni representative or admissions staff member. Prepare for the interview and be ready to articulate why you're a great fit for the college. CollegeVine's blog contains some tips on how to prepare for common interview questions, including examples of strong responses: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for

6. Connect with Professors or Departments: Research programs or professors that you're interested in and reach out to them via email to discuss your interests and ask relevant questions about the department or the school. These steps can help demonstrate your academic and intellectual curiosity.

7. Apply Early: Consider applying Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) if the college offers these options. Applying early can sometimes improve your chances slightly, by showing that the school is a top choice for you.

8. Write Strong Essays: In your application essays, be sure to clearly articulate why you're a good fit for the college and how you would contribute to campus life. Demonstrating knowledge and enthusiasm about the college in your essays is an essential way to show your interest. For example, the "Why Us?" supplement, which many colleges have, is a great opportunity to build a tangible connection between yourself and a particular school. For guidance on how to tackle this supplement, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/

Keep in mind that not all colleges consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process. For some, the impact of demonstrated interest may be small or nonexistent, while others may give it more weight. So, take advantage of opportunities to show your interest, but also focus on putting together a strong overall application.

Good luck!