College is all about fit for both students and the schools themselves. Schools want to know that the applicants are interested in them, and that they are genuinely considering attending the college. By doing “demonstrated interest” activities, students show that they have taken a serious interest in the school, which might help students gain admission over a similarly qualified student who has not been in contact with the school. Read on for how and why to demonstrate interest.
Different ways to demonstrate interest:
→Visit the school. Be sure to fill out an information card at some point during the visit so the college knows that you’ve been
→Sign up (and read) school emails.
→Do an interview at the school or with alumni
→Attend local talks by college admissions officers
Why does demonstrated interest matter?
Colleges also know that doing research on a school, visiting it, meeting with staff, students and faculty, having interviews, or attending information sessions will help students judge how well a school fits them, and whether there is a good match between what the university offers and the strengths of the applicants. By taking the time and putting forth the effort to do these things, colleges assume that students are legitimately interested in attending. In addition to qualified students, colleges want students who want to be there, and who know why a specific college suits them.
Some schools list demonstrated interest as a factor in admissions decisions; others do not and will advise students of that fact. However, some schools incorporate demonstrated interest into their admissions decisions without so indicating. Check college websites (or ask the admissions officers!) for information specific to the schools.
Even if a school doesn’t officially (or otherwise) factor demonstrated interest into its admissions decisions, it is a good idea to demonstrate interest anyway whenever students are seriously considering a school. By visiting schools and doing interviews, for instance, students can find out more information about the colleges to which they are applying.
More specific info = a better essay
Students will gain additional information about schools through demonstrated interest activities, which will help them when it is time to write their why-this-college essay. Anyone can write an essay talking about being challenged intellectually, or the great Greek life at a particular university. Unfortunately, such information is generic and can hold true at any college that offers classes, or has fraternities/sororities. The point of the why-this-college essay, and demonstrating interest in colleges, is to find specific aspects of a college that dovetail with student interests. Specific classes, professors, majors, learning philosophies—these are what differentiate colleges from each other. Demonstrated interest activities will help students figure out what each school offers, and then mention specifics in their why-this-college essays. A well-written why-this-college essay, in turn, will communicate even more interest in the college.
Figuring out the college that fits best
Finally, doing the activities that demonstrate interest to colleges are also activities that students can use to learn more about colleges and figure out which schools best fit them. Deciding where to apply and attend college is much easier when students have a feel for how well colleges match what they want from their college experiences.
Remember: the more contact students have with colleges, the more they can learn about them. They can then assess what they really want out of their college experiences, and the colleges that will provide it. Demonstrated interest activities let a college know that the student thinks their interests and strengths mesh well.
