Demonstrating Interest in Undergraduate College Admissions
When it comes to undergraduate college admissions, many students focus solely on their grades, test scores, and essays. While these factors are crucial, another element often plays a surprisingly important role — demonstrated interest. Showing genuine enthusiasm for a university can sometimes influence admission decisions, especially when two applicants have similar academic profiles.
Traits That Define the Schools (From the View of IVY League Counsellors)
Even if you are not entirely certain about a particular school, showing demonstrated interest in college admissions can only benefit you. Here are some strategies from Quest for Success to help students effectively demonstrate their interest:
1. Join the College’s Mailing List:
This is important, and it’s not too early to sign up as a freshman or sophomore. Even if students are already receiving emails or letters from the school, go to the school’s website and sign up for their mailing list. When you’re on a college’s mailing list, you are likely to be invited to events and programs that are not advertised elsewhere.
2. Engage with Representatives at College Fairs
Whether virtual or in-person, college fairs offer excellent opportunities to connect with admissions representatives. Always fill out a contact card or electronically record your visit by scanning your badge. After the event, send a thank-you email to the representative. Gratitude goes a long way!
3. Attend Information Sessions
Admissions officers travel more than rock bands on tour. Be sure to attend when they visit your school or hold nearby receptions. Check the college’s admissions website or consult your school’s college counseling webpage to find out when they’ll be in your area.
4. Contact Your Regional Admissions Representative
The admissions office’s website usually lists the contact information for the representative assigned to your area. If not, call or email the admissions office. If needed, reach out to your rep with questions when you can’t find the answer online. Be concise and polite. If you are working with Quest for Success counselor, we can review your emails for clarity before you send them.
5. Sign Up for an Interview
If the college offers interviews, whether online or in-person, students can take advantage of this opportunity to present themselves positively. Consult your QFS counselor on how to prepare effectively.
6. Connect Through Social Media
Many schools use social media to interact with prospective students. Join online chats and live forums to connect with admission representatives, current students, and sometimes professors. Follow the admissions offices on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
7. Read the Emails They Send You
Many colleges now track whether you open the emails they send you, how long you spend reading those emails, and whether you open links in those emails. If it’s a college you care about, take the time to use those emails to learn more about the school and its programs. Beyond that, we have heard from several colleges that students’ applications were turned down for lack of engagement with the college’s communications, including reminders about missing application items.
8. Leverage the “Why Our College” Essay
In addition to the main application essay, many colleges ask for an additional essay about why a student wants to attend their institution in particular. Tailor this essay specifically to each school by using insights gleaned from research to demonstrate genuine interest.
9. Apply Early
Applying before the Regular Decision (RD) deadline is one of the most effective ways to show interest. Take advantage of Priority Admission, Early Action, or Early Decision options if available. If it’s a college with a Rolling deadline, applying early (September/October) is always a good idea, as there’s more space available at that time of year. Learning some of your admission decisions early (in December, January, or February) can take some of the stress out of the process, which can stretch into April of senior year.
How Much Does Demonstrated Interest Really Matter?
While some prestigious schools like Columbia and Yale claim that demonstrated interest does not influence their decisions, it is generally beneficial to show interest wherever possible. Engaging with schools by filling out forms, reading their emails, and attending info sessions costs nothing and helps students learn more about institutions they might seriously consider attending.
By strategically demonstrating interest, a student can significantly enhance their chances of making a positive impression on admissions committees and ultimately gaining acceptance to the colleges of their choice.
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Final Thoughts
Demonstrated interest is not about impressing colleges with excessive communication — it’s about showing genuine connection and curiosity. In today’s competitive undergraduate college admissions landscape, even small actions can make a big difference.
As your trusted College Counsellors, we at QFS invite you to reach out and discover how we can support your journey to global excellence. Let’s embark on this next chapter together.