“Demonstrated interest,” an indication that an applicant is truly interested in attending a particular college, has long played a small role in college admissions. Applicants traditionally showed interest by initiating contact with a university. Talking to an admissions representative at a college fair, visiting a campus, meeting with the college rep at your home school, or maintaining contact with an admissions officer through occasional e-mails are all examples of demonstrated interest. Taking advantage of the offer of an alumni interview or participating in an on-campus interview are other signs that a college ranks high on the applicant’s list. Admissions officers know that the more interest a student shows in this way, the more likely he is to attend. Therefore, most selective colleges now track the number of these contacts with students, and use this information in choosing between two applicants with similar profiles.
More recently, however, colleges have been employing enrollment management programs to make more refined predictions about the applicant’s interest in that institution. These programs track all of the contacts described above, but also look to see if the applicant has been active on the college’s Facebook page or is following their Twitter feeds. The more visits you make to their social media pages, the more interest the college believes you are showing.
You can also demonstrate your interest in a school through the statements you make on your application. Research your college choices carefully; look for programs that particularly interest you and that are unique to that college. Be sure that your responses to application questions reflect your understanding of that college’s special qualities, and why these are a good fit for you. If a college is your first choice, say so.
Through both your responses to application questions and your actions (numerous meaningful contacts with that college), you can influence your chances of acceptance at your top college choices.
