Demonstrated Interest Advantage for College Admissions

When college-bound students are filing their applications, they’re likely worrying about whether or not they’ll be accepted to the schools they have selected. But there’s another side of the coin. Colleges, with multi-million-dollar budgets, are concerned about whether or not the students they accept will actually enroll as incoming freshmen. Colleges know that students often apply to eight or more schools, so they need to make an educated guess as to who will sign on as tuition paying students. 

Students can often increase their likelihood of acceptance by showing “demonstrated interest.”  This can be accomplished in a number of ways. A very productive way is by signing up for campus tours and then registering upon arrival. Colleges track student engagement and visiting a school and walking its campus can also give students a very good idea as to whether it’s a good match for their academic and social interests.  Another way to show demonstrated interest is by talking with college reps when they visit high schools or college fairs. These college reps have a specific territory and are often the very same admission people who will ultimately decide on the student’s application.  It’s wise for students to ask these reps for a business card and send a follow-up email, thanking them for their time and expressing genuine interest in their programs.

According to a study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, about 18% of colleges rated demonstrated interest as being “considerably important” in their admission decision, while 28% rated it as “moderately important.” 

 

Over 1,900 colleges have signed up with “Technolutions,” a software surveillance company, to track student engagement with emails sent to them by these colleges. Technolutions lets colleges know how long it takes students to open the emails they receive, whether they click through on the links, and how much time they spend on the college website. In short, it tracks demonstrated interest.

 

When students are filling out the Common App, which is accepted by more than 1,000 colleges, they are often asked questions about “contact.” Colleges want to know how students first became interested: campus tour, counselor recommendation, friend or alumni, website, etc.  Often, students can list up to five contacts, thus increasing their demonstrated interest.   

Letting colleges know that you would likely enroll, if accepted, can be an easy way of improving your chances of getting a “you’re accepted” email or letter.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT^® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362