When applying to colleges, you might have heard about something called "demonstrated interest." But what exactly is it, and how can it impact your chances of getting accepted? Simply put, demonstrated interest refers to the ways in which students show a college they are serious about attending if accepted. With the vast number of applicants each year, colleges use demonstrated interest as a tool to gauge how likely you are to enroll if admitted, especially at schools where enrollment yield is an important factor.
At Invictus Prep, we know that understanding and effectively showing demonstrated interest can make a difference in your application. Below, we’ll explain how you can show demonstrated interest and provide a list of schools that consider this factor in admissions decisions.
How to Show Demonstrated Interest
1. Request Information
One of the easiest ways to show interest is to visit the college’s website and sign up for their mailing list. Many schools track prospective students’ activity on their websites, including how often you visit and the resources you engage with. Registering for updates is a simple yet effective way to get on a school’s radar.
2. Attend Virtual or In-Person Events
If a college you’re interested in hosts virtual events, college fairs, or in-person visits to your school, be sure to attend. Engaging with admissions representatives shows that you’re invested in learning more about their institution. Some schools track attendance at these events as part of your demonstrated interest.
3. Participate in Interviews
Many schools offer interviews before or during the application process, either in person or virtually. Taking part in an interview demonstrates that you're serious about the school and gives you the chance to express your enthusiasm and explain why it’s a good fit for you.
4. Open Emails
It may seem simple, but opening and engaging with emails from colleges can signal interest. Some schools track whether or not you open and interact with their email communications. Make sure you read emails, click on relevant links, and respond when appropriate.
5. Engage on Social Media
Following a college’s official social media accounts and interacting with their posts is another way to show interest. However, it’s important to maintain a professional tone and be mindful that admissions offices often monitor these platforms. Treat your online engagement as a formal interaction.
6. Be Specific in Supplemental Essays
When writing supplemental essays, make sure you demonstrate a deep knowledge of the college by referencing specific programs, professors, or campus activities that align with your academic and career goals. Personalizing your essays shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in attending.
7. Apply Early
If possible, applying Early Decision (ED) or Single Choice Early Action (SCEA) is one of the strongest ways to show interest. These application options signal to colleges that they are your first choice, as ED is a binding commitment to enroll if accepted.
Schools That Track Demonstrated Interest
Many colleges consider demonstrated interest when making admissions decisions.
Here is a list of schools categorized by how important demonstrated interest is to them:
Very Important:
- American University
- Cooper Union
- Dickinson College
- Hampshire College
- Ithaca College
- Morehouse College
- Quinnipiac University
- Syracuse University
- Thomas Aquinas College
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Naval Academy
Important:
- Allegheny College
- Auburn University
- Bates College
- Bentley University
- Butler University
- DePaul University
- Eckerd College
- Elon University
- Fairfield University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- High Point University
- Kenyon College
- Lehigh University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Michigan State University
- Reed College
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Seattle University
- Seton Hall University
- Skidmore College
- The College of Wooster
- Trinity College
- University of Arizona
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Wheaton College (MA)
Considered:
- Babson College
- Bard College
- Boston University
- Brandeis University
- Clark University
- College of William and Mary
- Dartmouth College
- Davidson College
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Fordham University
- George Washington University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Haverford College
- Lafayette College
- Middlebury College
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Rice University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of Rochester
- Wake Forest University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wesleyan University
- Williams College
Not Considered:
- Amherst College
- Arizona State University
- Boston College
- Brown University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Columbia University
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- University of California system (Berkeley, LA, Irvine, etc.)
- Yale University
Bottom Line
Demonstrated interest can be a key factor in your college admissions process, especially at schools that prioritize it. By staying engaged, showing enthusiasm, and building meaningful connections with the schools on your list, you can boost your chances of being admitted. Our seasoned College Readiness Experts at Invictus Prep are here to help you navigate this process and maximize your opportunities for success!
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