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In the college admissions process, students are often advised to focus on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and essays. But one factor that can sometimes be overlooked is demonstrated interest—the actions a student takes to show a college that they are genuinely interested in attending. Demonstrated interest can take many forms, from campus visits and attending information sessions to interacting with admissions officers or engaging on social media. But how much does it really matter in the admissions process, and how much effort should you put into showing interest?

What is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest refers to the ways in which a prospective student shows that they are seriously considering a particular college or university. Colleges track this interest to gauge how likely a student is to enroll if admitted. If an institution perceives that a student has a high level of interest, they may be more inclined to offer admission, as it increases the likelihood of that student accepting the offer.  

There are several ways to demonstrate interest, including:  

- Campus Visits: Visiting the college campus in person or virtually is one of the clearest ways to show that you are considering the school seriously.  

- Attending College Fairs or Information Sessions: Attending events where admissions officers speak about the college shows you are actively seeking information.  

- Communicating with Admissions Officers: Asking insightful questions or staying in touch with the admissions office can show that you're engaged.  

- Applying Early: Some colleges track interest by noting whether an applicant applies through Early Decision or Early Action. Early applications can show that the school is your top choice.  

- Interacting on Social Media: Engaging with the college’s social media accounts can signal your interest, as many schools track these interactions.  

- Following Up After a Visit: Sending a thank-you note or follow-up email after a campus tour or interview can reinforce your interest in the school.

Why Does Demonstrated Interest Matter?

While academic credentials, test scores, and extracurriculars are still the most important factors in the college admissions process, demonstrated interest can play a significant role, particularly at colleges that have more competitive admissions. Schools want students who are likely to accept their offer of admission, as yield rates (the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll) are a key metric that colleges use to assess their attractiveness and selectivity.  

For highly selective colleges, demonstrated interest can sometimes serve as a tie-breaker when two applicants have similar academic qualifications. Admissions officers may give preference to students who have shown clear enthusiasm for attending their school, as it reflects positively on the college's yield rate.  

Additionally, colleges with limited spots in their incoming class or those with specific institutional goals—such as improving diversity, increasing geographic representation, or building a well-rounded class—may prioritize students who demonstrate strong interest.

How Much Does Demonstrated Interest Actually Affect Admissions?

The significance of demonstrated interest varies by college. For highly selective schools, like those in the Ivy League, demonstrated interest is generally less critical in the admissions process because these schools already receive large numbers of applications from academically strong students. However, for colleges that are less selective or have rolling admissions, demonstrated interest can play a much larger role in the decision-making process.  

Some schools explicitly track demonstrated interest and factor it into their decision-making, while others may not place as much emphasis on it. Private colleges, especially those that are smaller and have fewer applicants, are more likely to use demonstrated interest as part of their admissions evaluation. Public universities, on the other hand, may not track it as closely, focusing more on academic performance and test scores.  

If a college is not clear on how it uses demonstrated interest, it’s still a good idea to engage with the admissions office or attend virtual events. Colleges may appreciate the effort, even if they don’t explicitly factor it into their decision.

Does Demonstrated Interest Always Lead to Admission?

While demonstrated interest can improve your chances of admission, it is not a guarantee. Schools will always prioritize academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. Demonstrating interest may make you a more attractive candidate, but it won’t outweigh a lack of academic preparedness or a weak application.  

If a college is truly not the right fit for you, there’s no need to force demonstrated interest just for the sake of your application. Authentic enthusiasm for a school goes a long way, so only engage with schools that genuinely interest you.

Is Demonstrated Interest Overrated?

Some argue that emphasizing demonstrated interest can be unfair, especially for students who may not have the financial resources to visit multiple campuses or attend events. While this is a valid concern, many colleges offer virtual opportunities and ways to engage remotely, which helps level the playing field.  

In the end, demonstrated interest should be viewed as an additional layer of engagement rather than a decisive factor. If you are genuinely interested in a college, engaging with the school can reflect your enthusiasm and potentially give you a competitive edge. However, a strong academic record and compelling application will always be the foundation of your admissions chances.