Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions: What Is It, Does it Matter, and How Do You Show It?

Demonstrated Interest: What Is It, Does it Matter, and How Do You Show It?

We get questions all the time about demonstrated interest: What is it? Is it real? How can students demonstrate interest? How does one even know if a college or university considers demonstrated interest? 

What is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest is a measure that colleges and universities use to track interest and engagement with their institution. Colleges and universities that consider demonstrated interest evaluate the actions taken by applicants before and after submitting applications as part of the application review process.

Why Does Demonstrated Interest Matter?

Demonstrating interest allows colleges to accept applicants who they feel are more likely to accept admissions offers, thereby improving their yield (percent of accepted students who enroll). Since yield is a variable often associated with selectivity--yield matters. In some cases, demonstrating interest gives one candidate an edge over others with similar course rigor, test scores, extracurricular activities, etc., because it shows that they are passionate about attending – and more likely to enroll at – that particular university.

Is Demonstrated Interest Real?

Yes, demonstrated interest is real. However, it is essential to know that not all schools consider demonstrated interest in the admissions process, and the relative importance of demonstrated interest varies among those that do.

How Important is Demonstrated Interest?

That depends. Although the role of demonstrated interest in college admissions declined between 2007 and 2018, in some instances, it still plays an important role, and in some cases, demonstrated interest is considered as important as counselor and teacher recommendations (NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2018–19). As the post-pandemic college admissions landscape evolves and more data become available, we may see the role of demonstrated interest gain more traction. For information on how one highly selective college views demonstrated interest, read What’s the Deal with “Engagement”? Written by Owen Knight, Director of Admission Engagement at Tulane University.

How Do I Know Which Colleges and Universities Consider Demonstrated Interest? 

The easiest way to find out is to ask college admissions staff or look at an institution's common data set. High school counselors and independent college admissions counselors should be able to provide more nuanced information to contextualize the value of demonstrated interest further. Regardless of what institutions claim, when colleges offer Eary Decision (i.e., the ultimate act of demonstrating interest), it is clear that they value demonstrated interest. A lot. When students are deferred or placed on wait lists, there is evidence to suggest that demonstrating interest adds value.

How Can Students Demonstrate Interest?

While the list below will certainly help students demonstrate interest, we are not suggesting that anyone does all these. Rather, connect in meaningful, authentic, and sustainable ways.

• Open all emails from the college, click on links, and spend time on the website (colleges know who looks at what, for how long, etc.)
• Complete the online request for information form and read it
• Follow and like on social media
• If appropriate and/or encouraged, reach out to an admissions counselor (in person, via Zoom, or email)
• Spend the night if that is an option
• Sit in on classes, if possible
• Meet with admissions counselors if they come to your school
• Take an in-person tour (Note: Do NOT break the bank to do this!)
• Open and read informational emails
• Attend a virtual event such as a virtual info session, tour, or webinar
• Take advantage of interview opportunities
• Apply EA or ED (Note: ED is binding and should be considered carefully)
• Attend a regional college fair and connect with admissions staff
• Speak with a current student
• ALWAYS send a thank you email after each encounter (Note: Ensure all correspondence are professional & proofread)
• Use the “why us” essay to showcase what you know about the school and why it is important to you
• Look on the school website for other ways to interact and demonstrate interest 

Final Thoughts

Students should be strategic about how they demonstrate interest in colleges. Additionally, it is important to understand that demonstrated interest is a single component of a strong application used in admissions, not a “golden ticket.”

For more information about demonstrated interest or any other aspect of the college admissions process, feel free to contact us at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.