If you’re aiming for a highly selective school, showing genuine interest can help your application stand out. This is where demonstrated interest comes in. While not all top schools track this, many colleges want to see that you’re excited about attending and have taken steps to learn more about what they offer.
- What Is Demonstrated Interest?
- Colleges that Care about Demonstrated Interest
- How to Show Demonstrated Interest
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is Demonstrated Interest?
Demonstrated interest is a way for students to show colleges that they are genuinely excited about attending their institution. This can involve visiting campus, attending virtual events, emailing admissions officers, or interacting with the school on social media. While not all colleges consider demonstrated interest, those that do may use it as a deciding factor when choosing between equally qualified applicants.
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), around 16 percent of colleges consider demonstrated interest to be of considerable importance in their admissions process.
Additionally, data from the 2023 State of College Admission Report shows that schools that track interest tend to have higher yield rates. This means that students who actively engage with these schools are more likely to accept an offer of admission, giving institutions greater confidence in their final decisions.
Ivy League schools, such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University, have stated that they do not track demonstrated interest. These schools are confident in their appeal and expect students to commit without additional persuasion. Since their acceptance rates are already low, they focus on academic achievements, essays, and extracurricular involvement rather than gauging a student’s enthusiasm.
On the other hand, some top private universities outside the Ivy League, like Tufts University and Rice University, do pay attention to demonstrated interest. Schools such as Tulane and American University have openly shared that a lack of demonstrated interest can hurt an applicant’s chances. For these institutions, demonstrated interest can make a noticeable difference, especially when admissions officers are deciding between two strong candidates.
If you’re applying to a mix of schools, it’s worth putting effort into demonstrating your interest. While it may not matter everywhere, showing genuine excitement for a school can improve your chances at institutions that value this factor.
Colleges that Care about Demonstrated Interest
Here are 15 notable schools that consider demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process:
- Cooper Union
- Dickinson College
- Hampshire College
- Ithaca College
- Morehouse College
- Quinnipiac University
- Syracuse University
- Thomas Aquinas College
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Naval Academy
- Tulane University
- American University
- Boston University
- Lafayette College
- Bates College
Demonstrated interest can improve your chances at these schools by showing your genuine commitment and enthusiasm. Colleges that track interest often consider actions like attending campus tours, participating in interviews, emailing admissions officers, or joining virtual events.
For example, Tulane has an early decision acceptance rate of around 60 percent, significantly higher than its regular decision rate of about 10 percent. Similarly, American University and Cooper Union considers demonstrated interest a “very important” factor in its admissions process, giving an edge to students who actively engage with admissions.
Smaller liberal arts colleges like Bates and Lafayette also prioritize interest. Bates includes email engagement, campus visits, and interviews in its holistic review, while Lafayette publicly encourages students to attend events to boost their chances.
Even if your dream school doesn’t formally track demonstrated interest, showing enthusiasm through thoughtful “Why Us” essays and thorough interview preparation can still leave a positive impression on admissions officers.
How to Show Demonstrated Interest
Demonstrated interest can sometimes influence admissions decisions, especially at smaller private colleges. If you are serious about a school, here are some concrete ways to show your enthusiasm:
| Method of Demonstrated Interest | Effectiveness Level | Example |
| Campus visit | High | Take a guided tour and meet current students. |
| Admissions interview | High | Attend and prepare thoughtful questions. |
| Following on social media | Low to Medium | Engage with college posts occasionally. |
| Attending virtual events | Medium | Join info sessions and ask relevant questions. |
| Applying early decision | Very High | Shows the strongest commitment. |
| Writing a strong “Why Us?” essay | High | Mention specific professors or programs. |
| Contacting professors | Medium | Email about academic interests. |
| Submitting updates post-application | Medium | Send new achievements or awards. |
1. Visit the campus.
If possible, go in person. Sign up for an official campus tour and attend an information session because schools track these visits. While you are there, talk to current students, eat on campus, and explore beyond the main academic buildings.
If traveling is not an option, take advantage of virtual tours. Emailing admissions with thoughtful follow-up questions can also make a good impression.
2. Engage with admissions.
If a school offers interviews, whether in person, virtual, or with an alumni representative, take one. Even if it is optional, it shows initiative.
You can also email the admissions office with meaningful questions about academic programs, research opportunities, or campus culture. Quality matters more than quantity, so one or two thoughtful interactions are better than sending too many emails.
3. Follow on social media.
Many colleges have Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even TikTok accounts. Following them on their social media signals interest. Engaging with posts by liking, commenting, or sharing can subtly put you on their radar.
If a college posts about a new research opportunity or an upcoming student event, asking a genuine question in the comments can help you stand out.
4. Attend virtual events and webinars.
Schools track attendance at their online events, including Q&A sessions, student panels, and faculty discussions. Sign up for these events, take notes, and ask intelligent questions if given the chance. Some colleges weigh virtual engagement in admissions decisions, so making the effort to attend can work in your favor.
5. Apply early.
Applying Early Decision is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate interest because it is a binding commitment. Some colleges fill a large portion of their freshman class through Early Decision. Hampshire College had an early decision acceptance rate of 86.7% for the Class of 2026, significantly higher than its regular decision rate of 68.8%.
Early Action is also a good way to show interest, even though it is non-binding. If you are confident about your top choice and ready to apply, choosing an early deadline can make a difference.
6. Write a strong “Why Us” essay.
If a school asks why you want to attend, avoid generic answers about prestige or ranking. Instead, research specific programs, professors, or traditions that excite you.
If you’re applying to a college that values demonstrated interest and requires a “Why Us” essay, such as Boston University or Tulane University, mentioning a specific professor whose research aligns with your interests or highlighting a unique course that fits your academic goals can make your essay stand out.
For instance, if you’re drawn to Tulane’s Altman Program in International Studies & Business, referencing how this interdisciplinary opportunity aligns with your career ambitions can show admissions officers that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about what the school offers.
7. Connect with faculty or departments.
If you have a strong academic interest, reach out to a professor whose research aligns with your goals. Ask about their work, a specific course, or opportunities for undergraduates. Some colleges track faculty interactions, so expressing genuine curiosity can leave a positive impression. When reaching out, be concise and respectful of their time.
8. Engage with current students and alumni.
Connecting with students and alumni gives you insights that can help in interviews or essays. Many colleges have ambassador programs where you can chat with students. Some schools even have student-run blogs where applicants can interact with bloggers. You can also reach out to alumni on LinkedIn for an informational interview about their experience.
9. Show interest even after applying.
Some schools allow applicants to submit updates if they win an award, publish research, or take on a new leadership role. If you’re waitlisted, writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is crucial. This letter should reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school, provide meaningful updates on any new achievements, and express your commitment to enrolling if accepted.
Since some colleges consider demonstrated interest when making waitlist decisions, a well-crafted LOCI can make a difference in whether you get off the waitlist. Engaging with admissions even after applying shows that your interest is genuine and ongoing.
10. Attend regional or high school events.
Colleges often send representatives to college fairs or high schools for information sessions. Attending these events and signing in can demonstrate interest. If you meet an admissions officer, ask a question and follow up with a short thank-you email referencing something specific you discussed.
11. Spend time on the college’s website and portals.
Some colleges track when applicants engage with their website, especially their admissions portal. If you receive an email about an upcoming event or a special program, clicking the link and spending time on the page can subtly show interest. Colleges may also notice if you frequently check your application portal.
12. Participate in pre-college programs.
Some schools offer summer programs for high school students, which can be a great way to show serious interest in a university.
For example, American University hosts the Community of Scholars Program, which allows high school students to take college-level courses in international affairs, politics, and more. Participating in these programs not only strengthens your academic skills but also demonstrates your commitment to the school.
What to avoid
While showing interest is good, overdoing it can backfire. Don’t email the admissions office weekly. Don’t try to network your way in. Admissions officers can tell when someone is genuinely interested versus trying too hard. Also, never send gifts, bribes, or gimmicks. That is just weird.
If you’re aiming for the Ivy League, demonstrated interest may not be a dealbreaker, but it’s still worth showing in subtle ways. At other schools, it can be the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. Either way, if you love a school, make sure they know it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Ivy League schools track demonstrated interest?
No, Ivy League schools do not track demonstrated interest. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have explicitly stated that they don’t consider whether applicants visit campus, attend events, or engage with admissions. However, showing enthusiasm through a strong application, particularly in the “Why Us” essay and interviews, can still help you stand out.
2. Which colleges care the most about demonstrated interest?
Many private universities and smaller liberal arts colleges track demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process. Schools like Tulane University and American University consider demonstrated interest an important factor, while liberal arts colleges like Bates College and Lafayette College also weigh it in their decisions.
3. How can I show demonstrated interest if I can’t visit campus?
There are plenty of ways to demonstrate interest without traveling. Attend virtual events, webinars, and online info sessions. Follow the college’s social media pages and engage with posts thoughtfully. Email the admissions office with meaningful questions about programs or opportunities. Writing a strong “Why Us” essay that highlights specific details about the school can also make an impact.
4. Does applying Early Decision or Early Action count as demonstrated interest?
Yes, applying Early Decision (ED) is one of the strongest ways to show demonstrated interest because it’s a binding commitment. Schools that offer ED often have higher acceptance rates for these applicants. Early Action (EA) also shows interest, though it is non-binding. While ED carries more weight in terms of demonstrated interest, both options can signal a strong preference for the school.
5.Can demonstrated interest make a difference in getting off the waitlist?
Yes, for schools that track interest, following up with a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) after being waitlisted can improve your chances. Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school, update them on any new achievements, and explain why you would enroll if admitted. Engaging with admissions even after submitting your application can keep you on their radar.
Takeaways
- Demonstrated interest can influence admissions decisions. While Ivy League schools don’t track it, many private universities and liberal arts colleges do, and showing enthusiasm can give you an edge.
- There are many ways to show interest in a college. Visiting campus, attending virtual events, emailing admissions, and writing a strong “Why Us” essay all help demonstrate genuine enthusiasm.
- Applying early can boost your chances of admission. Early Decision shows the strongest commitment, while Early Action signals interest without requiring a binding agreement.
- Interest matters even after you submit your application. Some colleges track engagement post-application, and writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can improve your chances if you are waitlisted.
- Expert guidance can help you stand out in the admissions process. Working with an admissions consultant can ensure you are maximizing your demonstrated interest strategies and crafting a strong application.
