Why Demonstrating Interest in a College Can Improve Your Chances

Demonstrating genuine interest in a college is a powerful way to boost your application and stand out to admissions officers. In the competitive world of college admissions, especially at selective schools, showing interest can make a meaningful difference in your chances. This concept of "demonstrated interest" involves actions that communicate your enthusiasm for the college and help admissions officers see that you’re not just applying for the sake of it but are genuinely excited about the opportunity to attend. Here’s what demonstrated interest is, why it matters, and five key ways you can show your enthusiasm effectively.

1. Why Demonstrated Interest Matters

Colleges receive applications from students around the world, and while grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements are vital, admissions officers also want to understand your specific interest in their college. Admissions officers know that students who genuinely want to attend are more likely to contribute to campus life, stay enrolled, and engage deeply with the school’s offerings. This is often reflected in a school’s “yield rate” — the percentage of accepted students who ultimately choose to attend. Schools use demonstrated interest as a way to identify students who are more likely to accept an offer, which helps them predict and maintain a solid yield rate.

Additionally, for you as a student, showing interest in a school gives you a chance to personalize your application, making it clear why the school is a good fit for you and vice versa. Admissions teams want to ensure that the students they admit are genuinely interested in the opportunities they offer, so showing interest is a way to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

2. Attend Information Sessions and Campus Tours

One of the most straightforward ways to show demonstrated interest is by attending official information sessions or campus tours. Many colleges track student attendance at these events, whether in person or virtual. By attending, you can gain insights into campus life, academic programs, and other unique aspects of the school while giving yourself a chance to ask questions and engage with college representatives.

For instance, if you’re interested in a specific major or extracurricular activity, attending a related session can help you learn more about it and convey to admissions officers that you have done your homework. In virtual settings, many colleges still track attendees, so even if you can’t visit in person, online participation can make a difference.

3. Engage with College Representatives

Another great way to show interest is by interacting with admissions representatives, whether through college fairs, high school visits, or scheduled interviews. If a college representative comes to your school, it’s a valuable opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and express your interest. You can also attend virtual events where you can engage directly with these representatives.

Consider sending a follow-up email after meeting with an admissions representative. It doesn’t have to be lengthy — just a note to say thank you, reiterate your interest in the school, and mention one or two things you learned from the conversation. This demonstrates courtesy and helps keep you on their radar.

4. Craft a Compelling “Why This College?” Essay

If a school’s application includes a “Why This College?” essay, this is one of the most important ways to show your interest. Writing a great “Why This College?” essay involves more than simply stating that you like the school — it’s about connecting your goals, interests, and values to specific aspects of the college. You should research what the college offers and be able to speak to its unique strengths.

For example, if you’re applying to Northwestern University and are interested in both journalism and theater, you could mention the school’s Medill School of Journalism and the numerous student-run theater groups on campus. By connecting your aspirations to specific programs, classes, faculty, or extracurriculars, you demonstrate not only that you’ve done your research but that you’re enthusiastic about what the college can offer you. Admissions officers can tell when students recycle generic statements, so make sure your response is specific to that college.

5. Use the College’s Online Resources

Colleges often track when students interact with their online platforms, such as by signing up for mailing lists, visiting pages on their websites, or engaging with them on social media. Joining a mailing list, for example, is a small action but shows an initial level of interest. Checking out newsletters, online open houses, and social media profiles can give you a more comprehensive view of the college’s culture and values.

Engage with these resources as genuinely as possible. If the college offers virtual events or panels on topics you’re interested in, attend them, and don’t hesitate to reach out with follow-up questions. Colleges track these interactions to get a sense of who is engaging with their content. Plus, learning more about the school will help you refine your application, making it clearer why you’re a good fit.

6. Apply Early if You’re Committed

Applying early decision (ED) or early action (EA) is another powerful way to show a college you’re serious about attending. ED, in particular, is a binding agreement, meaning that if you’re accepted, you must attend that school. Colleges interpret this as the highest level of demonstrated interest, as you’re essentially committing yourself to them over other schools. 

EA, while non-binding, still signals your enthusiasm and commitment. Schools appreciate students who apply early because it allows them to start building their incoming class with students who are more likely to accept an offer. If you have a first-choice school and meet all of its requirements, applying early can improve your chances.

Putting It All Together

Demonstrating interest in a college is about connecting authentically with the school and communicating your desire to be part of its community. These small actions — attending sessions, engaging with representatives, writing a meaningful essay, utilizing online resources, and applying early — each show the admissions team that you are genuinely interested and have done your homework.

For students who might feel intimidated or unsure, remember that demonstrating interest isn’t about impressing admissions officers with flashy statements or grand gestures. It’s about showing that you’ve carefully considered what the school can offer you and that you’re serious about the opportunity. These actions reveal your commitment and can tip the scale in your favor. Taking the time to show that interest now could pay off when decisions come out, giving you a stronger chance of securing a place at your dream college.

At SCHOLARSHIPguy.com, our goal is to guide you through these important steps, helping you navigate each part of the college application process with confidence. We’re here to make sure you have the resources you need to find a college that aligns with your ambitions and to prepare you every step of the way. Visit SCHOLARSHIPguy.com for more tips, resources, and support to help you reach your academic dreams.

Demonstrating Interest in a College