Are you a high school student or parent currently navigating the college admissions process? If so, you may have heard the term "demonstrated interest" floating around. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?
Demonstrated interest is a term used in college admissions to describe a student's level of engagement with a particular college or university. It refers to the various ways in which a student can show their interest in a school beyond just submitting an application. Demonstrated interest can include attending college fairs, scheduling a visit to campus, reaching out to an admissions counselor with questions, attending information sessions or webinars, or following the school on social media.
Selective colleges often track demonstrated interest as an indicator of how likely a student is to enroll if accepted. By demonstrating interest, students can show the admissions committee that they have done their research and are genuinely interested in attending the school. This can help increase their chances of admission, as well as provide access to additional resources and scholarship opportunities.
In this post, we'll explore five key reasons why demonstrating interest can be a game-changer when it comes to college admissions. From standing out in a crowded pool of applicants to gaining access to valuable resources and scholarship opportunities, we'll explain how demonstrating interest can help you increase your chances of admission and find the right fit for your college experience.
Stand out in a crowded pool: Selective colleges receive thousands of applications each year, and demonstrating interest can help you stand out from the crowd. It shows that you are serious about attending the school and have taken the time to learn about it.
Increase your chance of admission: Selective colleges often consider demonstrated interest as a factor in their admissions decisions. This means that by showing interest in a particular college beyond just submitting an application, you can potentially increase your likelihood of being admitted. Admissions committees want to admit students who are genuinely interested in attending their school and are likely to enroll if accepted. By demonstrating interest, you are signaling to the college that you are serious about attending and have taken the time to learn about their programs, culture, and community.
Access additional resources: Demonstrating interest in a campus can often lead to access to additional resources that can help you throughout the application process. For example, some colleges may offer free campus visits or “fly-in programs” for first-generation college applicants or those from low-income communities. These events are typically designed to provide high school students with a chance to visit a college campus, learn about the admissions process, and experience the college community firsthand. Fly-ins and other opportunities to interact with the college’s admissions staff can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the college, as well as increase your chances of making a strong impression on the admissions committee.
Demonstrate your capabilities: Writing letters and emails to colleges can give you additional opportunities to wow admissions officers with your insight and your writing skills. Show that you care and are capable of consistently brilliant work!
Understand your options: By showing demonstrated interest, you can learn more about the college and determine if it is the right fit for you. Attending events, speaking with current students, and visiting the campus can all provide you with a better understanding of the college's values, traditions, and culture. If you are a first-generation college student or come from a low-income background, finding a campus where you will feel comfortable and supported is a critically important step to ensuring you will thrive in college and beyond.
Overall, demonstrating interest can have a significant impact on your college admissions journey. So, be sure to take the time to learn about the colleges you are interested in and show them that you are serious about attending. Good luck!