Is Demonstrated Interest Important and Which Colleges Care About It

Compiling the college list is one of the most critical steps in college preparation. Why? The application fees could amount to over two to three thousand dollars. Imagine applying to the wrong schools hoping to get the desired result. It is your final destination. This entails research, travel, and in many cases, introducing yourself to colleges to affirm interest. The colleges are looking for suitable candidates, and establishing a good connection is in your best interest. Make your interest very apparent in your visits, essays, and communications with admissions staff. 

Here is how to do it: 

• Build a track record of consistent contact. From college fairs to campus visits to personal interviews, take each opportunity to talk with the college representative. Be sure to complete the contact card and scan the QR code so the college sees how often you reach out. And if you have been invited to an interview or if you connect with a representative who has answered your questions and has helped you, send a thank-you note afterward.
• Make your case in the supplemental application essays. Many supplemental essay prompts ask you to explain why you want to attend that college. Even if the prompt doesn't do this, work your reasons into your answer.
• Show you've researched the college. In your questions and essays, make it clear that you took time to learn the college's basics. For example, refer to something you read in the college's mission, faculty bios, or student newspaper.
• Apply early. Applying early, especially for an early decision, shows the college that you consider it a top choice. Just be sure to show your interest in other ways so they know you are serious about attending.

TIPS FOR MAKING A STRONG CASE

• Connect with other college staff. For example, if a professor is impressed with your level of interest, they may let the admission office know. The same goes for people in charge of other programs such as sports, music, the student newspaper, ROTC, etc.
• Connect through social media. Many admission departments maintain blogs and Facebook pages. Look up the college pages on Linkedin and, follow them, ask serious questions that show your interest. Tag colleges and engage appropriately if you have an active social media account. 
• List a favorite college first on the FAFSA. My general advice is to arrange the colleges alphabetically; however, if you have a top choice, mention it first. Some colleges want to know where they appear on the list of colleges you provide when you apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. So, if you have an absolute top choice, list it first. Otherwise, list your colleges alphabetically so that no college is a clear first choice.

1. Apply Early: Of course, there is no better way to express your interest in a school than by applying through their Early Decision (binding) program. In addition, look into plans like Single Choice (or Restrictive) Early Action. Based on the timing and method of your application, admission officers can sense your level of interest.
2. I encourage my students to engage with the regional admission officer. The representative for each region is listed on the colleges' website. Despite what some may think, the college application process is very human. Real people read each file, and honest discussions are had about each applicant. Therefore, you should be encouraged to reach out and express your knowledge of the school and your interest in enrolling. When engaging, remember that it is always about the quality of the information provided to the admission officer – not the quantity. Therefore, one effective email that updates the admission officer while affirming a strong interest in attending the university should also be enough.
3. Attend a high school visit or information session. Admission officers are back on the road post-COVID. When you attend a webinar or a presentation by admissions, be prepared to ask questions and take notes. If possible, when you visit universities – and let the admission team know you were there! I know this can get pricey, and sometimes visiting after you get the admission letter makes more sense. However, a student that can set foot on campus before the application process sends a strong signal to the admission committee that the university is high on the applicant's list. After the visit, email the admission counselor (admission officer) and just let them know how much you appreciate the introduction. Such gestures can earn you some mileage.

Finally, most universities have a specific supplement question asking why the student is applying to that particular school. Students must show that they have researched the school and present clear reasons for selecting the college. Answers that focus on the campus's beauty or the basketball team's record will not help establish demonstrated interest in a university.

It is important to know that not all colleges keep demonstrated interest records.

The Ivy Leagues for example, will not bother as they are the most obvious choice. However, if you have a local college and plan to apply, establish the connections I've described above. Many students consider their hometown school an easy choice without realizing that the most apparent choice needs to be supported by a visit and a demonstrated interest. Imagine their surprise when they get deferred or rejected!

College visits and demonstrated interest are not trivial and shouldn't be treated as frivolously spent time.  

Here is a comprehensive list of which college keeps track of demonstrated interest. For more news and current college info follow VoicED on social media https://www.facebook.com/groups/collegeadmissionsmastermind/  or scan the QR code.