Demonstrated interest refers to the ways a student indicates interest in a specific school. This includes visiting campuses, reaching out to admissions officers, participating in prospective student events, and even interacting with the school’s online resources.

Let’s face it: the college admissions process is notoriously competitive. Over the past few decades, getting into college has become increasingly difficult, with the average acceptance rate hovering just under 70% across the US.

Gone are the days when admissions officers only looked at a prospective student’s grades and test scores. Now, students face a whole list of factors that schools secretly look for.

Demonstrated interest is on that list. 

The Role Of Demonstrated Interest

With college applications on the rise again, schools increasingly rely on demonstrated interest to help manage enrollment rates. By tracking and predicting how likely you are to attend their school if accepted, admissions officers can make more informed decisions about who to admit. A higher level of demonstrated interest translates to a greater chance of enrollment, which makes you a more attractive candidate to that school.

Why Demonstrated Interest Matters To Colleges

As mentioned, a student’s demonstrated interest helps an admissions office manage their admissions process and expected enrollment numbers. But it also helps in several other ways, by:

• Aligning the values of incoming students with institutional priorities: By identifying who is most interested, colleges can make strategic decisions to build a diverse incoming class that also moves the school toward its goals and objectives.
• Creating a loyal and enthusiastic student body: Colleges want to admit students who are genuinely excited about attending that specific school and can contribute to a lively campus community.
• Ensuring student retention rates: Students who are interested and engaged in their campus community are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their degree.
• Predicting tuition revenue and resource allocation: Colleges need to predict enrollment rates to more accurately forecast tuition revenue, which then indicates the amount of funds available for student aid, faculty, and support services.
• Anticipating program demand: Demonstrated interest helps admissions offices predict demand for certain programs and majors, giving them time to adjust class offerings, recruit additional faculty, and ensure other necessary resources are available.

Benefits Of Demonstrating Your Interest

As a prospective student, demonstrated interest can offer several benefits beyond increasing your chance of acceptance. Think of it as another piece of your strategic approach to the college admissions process. Here are a few other advantages to consider:

• Building a relationship with the admissions office: Admissions staff interact with a LOT of prospective students. Creating regular and meaningful interactions with these staff can leave a lasting (favorable) impression. They’re certainly more likely to remember a student who showed up prepared, asked a lot of great questions, and shared their excitement for the possibilities ahead.
• Learning more about your college/program: The more you interact with a school, the more you’ll learn about its campus culture, community, academic programs, and things that are typically of greatest importance to its student. The more comfortable you are with a potential school, the better you’ll be able to ensure fit and become confident in your decision to attend. 
• Having early opportunities to network: As you meet with students and faculty early on, you’ll build rapport and potential relationships that may ease your transition into college. As a result, you might gain a network of students and faculty who are willing to share their advice and support. 
• Boosting your confidence for the admissions process: The first step is almost always the hardest – but showing up and actively engaging with staff and students can truly boost your confidence. Plus, you can use your campus interactions and experiences to write a more personalized application essay.
• Access to exclusive prospective student events: Some schools offer special events to students who have shown demonstrated interest. This might include exclusive programs, workshops, or mentorship opportunities. If you’re able to attend, these events can really amplify your interest in and commitment to a school.

Ways To Demonstrate Interest

By now, you’re probably wondering how to actually demonstrate your interest in a college. Here are some of the most common ways students show their interest. 

• Taking a campus tour: Signing up for an in-person campus tour is, perhaps, the strongest signal of interest. Doing so indicates your time and energy investment into touring the school, getting a feel for the campus environment, and learning about what the school can offer you.
• Participating in events: Whether online or in-person, attending prospective student events, information sessions, or application/enrollment workshops signals your commitment to gathering necessary information and knowing what you’re signing up for.
• Chatting with the admissions office: Contacting admissions office staff with thoughtful questions via email or phone and/or following up with staff after a tour or event lets them know you’re continuing to evaluate the school for fit. This can leave a positive impression.
• Engaging with the school via social media: This might be the easiest way for you to interact with a school you’re interested in. And that’s okay, because most schools now track student engagement with their online content! So what’s engagement? You can follow the school’s social accounts and like their posts. 
• Applying for ‘early action’ or ‘early decision’: Submitting an early application is easily the second strongest signal of interest. It indicates strong commitment to the college, because early applicants are typically eager to be admitted and get started!

Tips For High School Juniors & Seniors

Colleges typically evaluate demonstrated interest as part of the full application review process. This means your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and special talents are considered along with your specific interest in a school. 

Because each school weighs demonstrated interest differently, it’s important to research, reach out, and read up on how demonstrated interest factors into a college’s admissions decision. You might want to start with this list of schools where demonstrated interest is especially considered.
Whether you’re just starting to research colleges or you’re halfway through the application process, here are some tips for making sure your interest stands out:

• Start early: Do your research and begin engaging with potential colleges early on. Then, consistently engaged with those colleges in ways that meaningfully reflect your interests and priorities.
• Use available resources: Take advantage of admissions counselors, local college fairs, and other online resources to help you learn about your prospective schools.
• Maintain a record: Keep track of your meetings and conversations with college staff (especially names) so you can point back to certain pros/cons come time to make your decision.

The Takeaway

In today’s competitive college admissions landscape, demonstrated interest has emerged an increasingly important factor for both students and universities. For colleges, tracking demonstrated interest helps manage enrollment, predict tuition revenue, ensure student retention, and align student goals with institutional objectives.

For students, demonstrating interest creates early opportunities for networking, leads to a better understanding of your chosen area of study, improves your chance of acceptance, and helps you feel more prepared for your academic future. Overall, effectively demonstrating interest can be a powerful tool for success, leading you to more informed decisions and enriching college experiences.