Demonstrated Interest and College Applications

When it comes to college admissions, test scores and grades only show part of the picture. Admissions counselors take a more holistic view, looking beyond numbers, to consider different aspects of a student's journey. Essays and recommendations help bring that story to life, but many colleges also want to know something more: do you have genuine interest in joining their community? That’s where demonstrated interest comes in. It’s the way you show admissions that you’re not just applying to check a box; you’re genuinely considering their school as a future home. Some colleges even track these signals, and showing authentic engagement can strengthen your application.

 

What Counts as Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest is shown through practical ways students use to express their enthusiasm for the school. Here are some examples of how colleges track it:

Campus and Virtual Visits

-          Signing in at an on-campus tour or open house.

-          Registering and attending virtual information sessions or webinars.

Admissions Communications

-          Opening and clicking on admissions emails (yes, many track this!).

-          Reaching out to admissions counselors with relevant questions.

Events and Fairs

-          Stopping by the college’s table at college fairs and filling out an interest card.

-          Attending high school visits if representatives attend your school.

Application Choices

-          Applying Early Decision or Early Action, both signal a higher level of commitment.

-          Submitting optional application materials like essays or a portfolio.

Online Engagement

-          Participating in student Q&A sessions.

-          Following official admissions accounts on social media.

Why Does Demonstrated Interest Matter?

Not every college tracks demonstrated interest. About 70% of schools of National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) registered schools have listed it as a factor that matters to their admissions team. Many of the schools that focus on demonstrated interest are small and mid-sized private schools. These colleges want to admit students who, if accepted, are likely to attend. By showing genuine engagement, you signal that you’d be a good fit for their community.

How do I Know if my School Tracks Demonstrated Interest?

Each year, many colleges release the Common Data Set, a standardized collection of questions designed to improve transparency and streamline reporting across higher education. This resource offers valuable insights into admissions practices, financial aid, and student demographics. One particularly useful detail it can reveal is how much weight a school places on demonstrated interest. Not every institution publishes a Common Data Set, but when they don’t, the best approach is simple: reach out directly to the admissions office and ask.

Putting it all Together

At the end of the day, the college application process is about more than just writing the essays and getting the grades. Showing the admissions team that you are genuinely engaged with the school can be the difference between getting in, and not. Whether its attending events, asking questions, or tailoring your application essays, these actions help admissions see that you’re invested in the opportunity in joining their community. Be intentional, be authentic, and let your excitement shite. That’s the kind of interest colleges can’t ignore.