Standing out in the college admissions process is not simply about proving that you are intelligent and capable. Just as important as your innate talents and abilities is how compatible you are with a college’s campus culture, educational philosophy, and core values. In other words, your application should not just show that you are a strong candidate, but that you are a strong candidate for that particular institution.

Certain top institutions emphasize a student’s fit and enthusiasm for the school more than others. At these schools, demonstrated interest is one of the key components of admissions evaluations, and admissions committees take into account how well students have articulated their compelling and specific desire to attend that university. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about demonstrated interest and how it should impact your application strategy, including insider tips and tricks from Command Education Senior Mentors!

What is demonstrated interest?

Demonstrated interest is tangible evidence of a student’s desire to attend a university, displayed through actionable steps such as visiting campus, attending virtual or in-person information sessions, communicating with admissions officers, connecting with alumni, and submitting thoughtful correspondence after applying. In short, it is a means for colleges to determine whether you are sincerely interested in their specific institution over and above other options you may be considering.

While students should showcase clear and specific interest in a given university in all of their applications, they should be particularly mindful of the steps they are taking to demonstrate this interest to schools that consider it in the application process. This means going above and beyond simply stating that they are interested in attending a school and instead taking measurable steps to show that interest.

Why do colleges care about demonstrated interest?

In many cases, the colleges that place significant emphasis on demonstrated interest are those with a unique or niche mission, history, or philosophy. For instance, religious institutions such as Wheaton College and St. Olaf College, Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as Morehouse College, and military colleges such as The U.S. Air Force Academy and The Citadel, all consider an applicant’s level of interest “important” or “very important” in the admissions process. These institutions will not be the right fit for the majority of students. In these instances, demonstrated interest is a way to assess a student’s understanding of the school’s distinct culture and alignment with their mission.

But this is not the only reason that colleges track an applicant’s level of interest. Demonstrated interest also helps admissions officers predict yield, or the number of students that are most likely to enroll. Top colleges want to ensure that their limited spots go to students who are excited about attending and are less likely to decline an offer. The yield rate can not only boost a school’s ranking but also help institutions more accurately predict the allocation of resources for the coming school year.

How can I find out if a college considers demonstrated interest?

The most reliable way to determine whether a school values demonstrated interest is to reference the Common Data Set, a publicly available resource that outlines admissions priorities. These are typically found on a college’s institutional research and assessment webpage or through a simple Google search. While the Common Data Set allows colleges to report whether applicants’ level of interest is “Very Important,” “Important,” “Considered,” or “Not Considered” in admissions evaluations, it is important to note that the particular way in which demonstrated interest is tracked and assessed may vary from school to school. It is therefore important for students to research and follow content from admissions offices in order to better understand what factors each school considers when evaluating a student’s interest.

Showing Demonstrated Interest

There are a variety of ways that students can show demonstrated interest, each requiring different levels of time and effort. This means that regardless of a student’s schedule restraints, location, or financial resources, there is a way for them to show demonstrated interest. While the specifics will vary by institution, here are several effective ways students can signal their authentic enthusiasm to admissions officers:

Engaging Through Social Media, Email, and Online Resources

One of the simplest and most low-commitment ways to show demonstrated interest is by engaging with a college’s online content. This includes following an institution’s social media pages, signing up for email updates, and opening and engaging with communications from the admissions office. Even if a school does not track this particular type of engagement, staying on top of the current events on campus, checking out resources that are highlighted through these online channels, and learning more about the school’s academic and social life will help applicants showcase their depth of knowledge in supplemental essays and admissions interviews.

Attending Information Sessions, Webinars, and College Fairs

Participating in college-sponsored events—whether in person or virtually—is another great way to show your interest in a school. This can include attending information sessions and webinars hosted by the admissions office or connecting with admissions representatives during high school college fair visits. Rather than simply passively attending, students should strive to engage actively in these events by taking notes, asking thoughtful questions, and introducing themselves to admissions representatives if appropriate. Attending virtual events such as these is particularly important for students who are unable to visit the college in person. Admissions officers often track attendance at virtual events, and referencing a webinar or fair experience in a supplemental essay or LOCI can show meaningful engagement outside of the traditional campus visit setting.

Visiting Campus

For students who are able, visiting campus is a critical component of demonstrating interest in a school. Walking around on and off campus, experiencing the classroom environment, and having lunch in the dining halls are invaluable ways for prospective students to get a feel for the intangible qualities of a school and assess their fit for the culture. Further, the experiences and encounters applicants have on campus visits can enrich their supplemental essays, admissions interviews, and letters of continued interest. Whether the meaningful conversation you had with a current student over coffee, the feeling you got when you first stepped foot on the quad, or the new perspective you gained while listening to a seminar discussion, personal anecdotes from your time on campus can illustrate your interest in a more unique and personal way.

Read Our College Visit Guide

Communicating Directly with Admissions Representatives

By establishing direct contact with a regional admissions representative, prospective students can stand out from the crowd while also creating a network for addressing questions should they arise later in the application process. With that being said, students should be strategic and cautious about how, when, and why they are reaching out to admissions officers. Overloading your admissions representative with emails or asking easily Google-able questions might end up backfiring. Instead, messages should be professional, purposeful, substantial, and respectful of the admissions officer’s time. Students should send a concise, cordial email early in the admissions process introducing themselves and posing any substantive questions about programs, research opportunities, or student organizations they may have.

Applying Early Decision or Early Action

Perhaps the clearest and most compelling way for applicants to show meaningful interest in attending a school is by applying early decision or early action. By applying early, students show a high level of commitment to a specific institution—particularly through ED programs, which represent a binding commitment to attend the school if admitted. Even non-binding EA applications can convey strong interest, as it signals to admissions officers a unique enthusiasm and prioritization of the school.

Read Our Guide to Early Action and Early Decision