While working through the college admissions process, students need to demonstrate an interest in their prospective colleges. Most schools pay attention to whether students have made an effort to engage with their institution beforehand. Few colleges may genuinely not consider this, but most schools do take note of students’ interest in their school. Even if a college states indifference to demonstrated interest, it is better to be safe. There is no harm in showing interest in a college by following a few easy steps. Below are some things students can consider doing to fulfill “demonstrated interest”.
1. Connect with the college on social media
Colleges have different accounts and pages on various social media platforms. Following these accounts is a great way to stay updated on what is going on at the college. Along with demonstrating the student’s interest, this information is also valuable in helping students build on their profiles and essays during their application process in showing why they like the institution. This is an easy step for students and does not require much effort or planning.
2. Attend college fairs
Colleges hold events with college representatives across the United States and even in select cities internationally. In the US, representatives usually visit high schools or nearby locations. If you know that a college your student is interested in is coming close to your hometown, encourage them to attend the college fair. They should put their names down on any lists at the fair. Additionally, the student should introduce themselves and talk to the representatives. They can ask them questions about the college - for example, they can ask about the student life on campus or the academic department they are interested in. They can even follow up with an email so that the representative can put a name to the face. It is important to note that while such events might have decreased in number after the pandemic, they are still taking place and may increase in number over the coming year. Once again, these are simple things that don't take a lot of effort.
3. Visit the campus
Prior to the Covid pandemic, campus visit was viewed by admissions committees as one of the strongest indicators of interest. Since the start of the Covid pandemic, most campus visits have been eliminated or curtailed, and primarily reduced to virtual tours. Definitely participate in the virtual tours, but if you have the time and it is not a huge sacrifice to go walk around the campus in person, do make the trip as it is something students can bring up when they write their fit essays.
4. Attend college summer camps (only if you are genuinely interested in the summer program)
Many colleges offer summer camps for prospective students who might want a taste of what their education and student life might be like. Check the college’s website to see if this is something that they offer. Taking these programs will help emphasize your interest in the college. When the student applies to the college later, they can talk about their experience at the summer program and how that experience has affirmed their interest in the school. However, attending these summer camps require time, effort and can be expensive (although virtual options make them far more accessible these days). Students should only consider this option if they are genuinely interested in what the summer program has to offer. Just attending the summer program alone will not help with admission.
5. Build your case in your college essay
Many colleges have an additional essay as a part of the application asking the student why they might be interested in attending their institution. In some cases, these are optional. However, students should use this essay to demonstrate interest - not taking advantage of this essay would send the opposite message. Students can talk about what they have done to engage with the college so far. They should emphasize how what the school offers align with what the student wants to study and pursue on a personal level. This essay is a chance for students to convey things that are unique to them and the college beyond typical talking points on a college brochure. For example, they might want to talk about a particular course, professor, or club. Whatever it is, they should have done some research, spoken to students and faculty, and seen how the college aligns with their interests. This interest and accompanying research should be clear in the essay.
6. Apply early
Students should apply Early Action/ Early Decision to prospective colleges they are interested in. In particular, the Early Decision binding application shows colleges that they are indeed the number one choice for the student. Hence, ED/EA admissions rates are higher than regular cycles. Read When Should Students Consider Applying Early Action/Early Decision? and Everything You Need to Know About ED2 (Early Decision II) for more information.
At the end of the day, students should be personal and genuine in their approach to showing interest in their prospective colleges. Since the student is applying to the college, it is a given that they are interested in going there. The goal is to communicate this interest to the college as well. There is nothing to lose in taking the easy steps mentioned above - it isn't too time consuming, and it's relatively easy to do.
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