WHAT IS DEMONSTRATED INTEREST?
As an aspiring college applicant, it’s essential to focus on institutions that align with your passions, goals, and academic strengths—schools where you not only fit well, but also have a strong chance of admission. At the same time, colleges are looking for students who are not just qualified, but authentically enthusiastic about joining their community.
Demonstrating genuine interest can make a significant difference in the admissions process. It shows that you’ve taken the time to understand what makes each college unique and that you can envision yourself contributing meaningfully to campus life.
So, how can you convey that enthusiasm? From campus visits to virtual sessions, personalized emails, and meaningful interactions with admissions representatives, there are many ways to stand out. Let’s explore the most effective strategies to show genuine interest and strengthen your college applications.
Let's learn about what is demonstrating interest and why is it important for you as a college applicant.
Demonstrating Interest
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE INTEREST
1 . Start Online: Start by visiting the college website and creating a student account. As you begin to receive updates from the college, it helps you learn more about the place. Use this time to explore more colleges, browse their social media, and start engaging with them.
2. College Visits: College visits can help you effectively demonstrate your interest to admissions officers. Research what to expect from an in-person tour, as attending an official visit signals your enthusiasm and commitment to the school. Beyond visiting in person, take advantage of opportunities to connect with admissions representatives when they visit high schools in the fall. Attending these sessions, asking thoughtful questions, and following up can reinforce your interest and leave a lasting impression. Review more information on this topic HERE!
3. College Fairs: College Fairs are time-saving opportunities for students and offer a great chance to explore lots of colleges in one place. Check the NACAC website for dates and venues of college fairs. Many colleges now also offer online fairs, making it easier to connect with others, regardless of your location. Attending a reasonable number of fairs and engaging meaningfully with representatives can help strengthen your application by demonstrating your enthusiasm for their institution.
4. Follow Up: After an interaction with a representative from a college on your list, send them a follow-up email. For email templates, visit this link HERE!
5. Interviewing: If a college offers the opportunity to schedule an admissions interview, take it! Interviews are an excellent way to demonstrate interest and make a strong personal impression. It’s important not only to schedule interviews with colleges that offer them, but also to come prepared—practice responding to typical questions thoughtfully and professionally, and bring well-researched questions of your own. Your preparation shows a genuine interest in being part of the college community. Review more information on interviewing HERE!
FOR SENIORS: DEMONSTRATING INTEREST AFTER SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
In addition to the above-discussed ways to demonstrate interest, students can also email an admissions committee member at the university.
Be cautious not to overdo it, but you can justify communicating with someone on the admissions committee if you have some new information to add to your application/applicant profile (such as a recent event that was not previously reported when you submitted your application). Additionally, specific questions about certain pieces of information that may not be readily available online could be valid.
IMPORTANT: You are only advised to email the admissions committee if you have genuine updates.
