Demonstrated Interest is how a school can track an applicant’s interest in the school and can be a factor in admission or denial to the school.
Why do schools track demonstrated interest?
Demonstrated interest is important because it’s a way for students to convey their enthusiasm to a school. Students who have gone through the steps of demonstrating interest have put in the time to research the school and decide if it’s a good fit for them.
It also makes it easier for schools to admit students who have proven they are interested and more likely to enroll if admitted. It’s a school’s important tool in ensuring they will meet their goal of enrolling a specific number of students.
Do all schools track demonstrated interest?
Not all schools track demonstrate interest BUT you should treat every school you are interested in as if they did. Think about it, everything you do to demonstrate interest helps you understand the school better and to determine if it’s a good fit for you. Remember that finding schools that are all your ideal schools is the best strategy to use when building your college list.
10 Ways to Demonstrate Interest?
- Join their Mailing List
- Open their emails
- Follow them on social media
- Follow students on social media
- Attend virtual or in-person college fairs and events
- Connect with your admissions representatives
- Interview
- Tour the campus
- Supplements
- ED/EA
- Join their mailing list
Every school is happy to connect with prospective students through their mailing list. Connecting with them not only demonstrates interest but ensures you are in the loop on upcoming events, webinars, deadlines, etc.
- Open their emails
I know this seems basic but once you sign up for emails, make sure you open them! Did you know schools track whether you open their emails?
- Follow them on social media
This is another way to engage and stay up-to-date with information. Many also post great videos with tips for applying, major-specific information, etc.
- Follow the students
Be on the lookout for current student accounts. This will give you great insight into the campus culture and a student’s perspective on the school.
- Attend virtual or in-person college fairs and events
Learn about a schools and get your questions answered at college fairs. You will also get a chance to connect with admissions staff which is another great benefit. But it is important to know how you will come off and the impression you leave. Be prepared!
- Connect with your admissions representatives
Connecting with anyone in the admissions office is great but connecting with the representative responsible for your area is most important. Admissions representatives are familiar with your geographical area and read your application. They will know your area and/or school the most and will be your advocate during the review process. But again, know how you are coming off and the impression you leave.
- Interview
Interviewing is a great way to “put a face” to the name. It’s also a great way for not only them to get to know you but for you to get to know them.
- Tour the campus
This may be especially difficult for international students but most schools offer virtual tours. What is really great is that some of them are stand-alone videos that you can watch on your own or immersive tours that allow you to explore through 360 but some schools offer live virtual tours, led by current students, with time at the end for questions and answers.
- Supplements
Most schools that track demonstrated interest will also require that students submit supplemental short answer questions or essays. Your interest in a particular school or a specific major is the most common prompt. This is a great opportunity for the student to demonstrate their enthusiasm, knowledge about the school, and fit for the school. Even though supplementals can be short (200 words) it’s important you take them very seriously. Sometimes students overlook these not realizing how much it hurts their application.
- ED/EA
Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) Are considered to be the ultimate ways to demonstrate interest because you are either committing to only one school if admitted (ED) or applying early. But it is important that students and parents/guardians fully understand early decision because it is a binding agreement. Early Decision is NOT the best strategy for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions – demonstrated interest
Does demonstrated interest matter for early decision? Applying early decision IS demonstrating MAJOR interest. Remember that early decision is binding so you are telling the school that if they admit you, you will no longer apply anywhere else and you will attend. But if the school tracks demonstrated interest, then yes, you should still demonstrate interest before you apply. Everything you would do to demonstrate interest will help you ensure you truly are ready to commit.
Which ivies track demonstrated interest? None of the ivies track demonstrated interest
Besides demonstrated interest, what other tools can I use to get an edge on admission? Early Action and Early Decision are tools that help in admission
Which colleges track demonstrated interest?
| University | Tracks Demonstrated Interest |
| Arizona State University | No |
| Boston University | Yes |
| Carnegie Mellon University | No |
| Columbia University | No |
| New York University | Yes |
| Northeastern University | Yes |
| Purdue University | Yes |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Yes |
| University of California , Irvine | No |
| University of California Los Angeles | No |
| University of California San Diego | No |
| University of California San Diego | No |
| University of California, Davis | No |
| University of Illinois | No |
| University of Michiagan – Ann Arbor | Yes |
| University of Notre Dame | Yes |
| University of Pennsylvania | Yes |
| University of Southern California | No |
| University of Washington – Seattle | No |
Conclusion
Demonstrated Interest is important to many schools and ultimately helps you figure out where you want to go. It’s not just about getting into school but finding a school and environment where you will thrive! Use these 10 ways to start demonstrating interest today!
