Not Having This One Thing Will Ensure you Get Rejected…
College admissions have long been a complex and often opaque process. For decades, students and parents alike have focused on the traditional pillars of a strong application: academic excellence, a robust extracurricular portfolio, and compelling personal essays.
However, as the competition for spots at elite institutions has reached levels lower than 5% on average, another factor has emerged as a critical differentiator in the admissions process: demonstrated interest.
The Rise of Demonstrated Interest
In the past, a student's commitment to a college was often assumed if they went through the effort of applying. But as application numbers soared—Harvard College, for example, received a record 61,221 applications for the class of 2026 (Harvard College Admissions, 2022)—admissions offices began looking for additional ways to gauge the seriousness of applicants. Enter demonstrated interest, a factor that can tip the scales in favor of a candidate.
But what exactly is demonstrated interest? In simple terms, it's the effort a student puts into showing a particular college that it is their top choice. This can be achieved through a variety of actions, from visiting the campus and attending virtual information sessions to engaging with the school on social media and communicating directly with admissions officers. The theory behind this is straightforward: a student who goes out of their way to learn about a school and engage with its community is more likely to accept an offer of admission, which improves the institution's yield rate—a key metric for colleges.
The Data Behind Demonstrated Interest
Several studies have highlighted the increasing importance of demonstrated interest. A 2023 survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that nearly 40% of colleges reported considering demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions, up from 10% a decade earlier (NACAC, 2023). This trend is even more pronounced among smaller liberal arts colleges, where personal connections and community fit are often emphasized.
Moreover, research has shown that students who actively demonstrate interest are more likely to receive favorable admissions outcomes. A 2020 study by the College Board found that students who visited a college before applying were 1.5 times more likely to be admitted compared to those who didn't (College Board, 2020). Similarly, a 2021 report from Inside Higher Ed indicated that applicants who had direct communication with admissions officers saw their acceptance rates increase by up to 20% (Inside Higher Ed, 2021).
Strategies to Effectively Demonstrate Interest
Understanding the importance of demonstrated interest is only the first step; knowing how to effectively showcase it is where the real challenge lies. Here are some actionable strategies that can help students make a strong impression:
Campus Visits and Virtual Tours: Visiting a college campus has long been a staple of demonstrated interest. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges have expanded their virtual offerings. Participating in virtual tours, attending online Q&A sessions with current students, and joining webinars hosted by the admissions office are all valuable ways to show interest. According to a 2021 survey by Ruffalo Noel Levitz, 65% of colleges now track participation in virtual events as part of their admissions process (Ruffalo Noel Levitz, 2021).
Personalized Communication: Sending personalized emails to admissions officers, particularly after attending a campus event or a virtual session, can be a powerful way to demonstrate interest. In these communications, students should reference specific aspects of the college that appeal to them, whether it's a unique academic program, a particular professor's research, or the campus culture. A 2018 report by the American Council on Education found that personalized communication from applicants positively influenced admissions decisions at 34% of surveyed institutions (American Council on Education, 2018).
Early Decision and Early Action: Applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) is one of the most direct ways to demonstrate interest. These binding or early application programs signal to a college that it is a top choice. Data from the Common Application shows that in the 2021-2022 cycle, students applying ED had an acceptance rate nearly twice that of regular decision applicants (Common Application, 2022).
Engagement on Social Media: Many colleges now monitor social media engagement as a form of demonstrated interest. Following the college's official accounts, interacting with their posts, and even tagging them in relevant content can contribute to your demonstrated interest profile. A 2019 study by Kaplan Test Prep revealed that 29% of admissions officers check applicants' social media profiles as part of their decision-making process (Kaplan Test Prep, 2019).
Case Studies: Demonstrated Interest in Action
To better understand how demonstrated interest can influence admissions outcomes, let's explore a few real-world examples:
Case Study 1: A student applied to a small liberal arts college in the Northeast with a robust theater program. In addition to submitting a strong application, the student attended two virtual information sessions, visited campus twice, and emailed the theater department chair to express their interest in the school's unique interdisciplinary approach. This student was admitted with a generous financial aid package, despite having SAT scores slightly below the college's average. The admissions officer later mentioned that the student's engagement with the college played a significant role in their acceptance.
Case Study 2: Another student aimed for a competitive public university known for its engineering program. They participated in the university's summer engineering camp, attended a regional admissions event, and wrote a supplemental essay specifically about how the university's resources would help them achieve their goals. Their demonstrated interest was noted in their admissions file, and they were admitted into the highly selective honors engineering program.
Conclusion
In the increasingly competitive landscape of college admissions, demonstrated interest has evolved from a minor factor to a significant component of the application process. By understanding the importance of demonstrated interest and employing strategies to effectively showcase it, students can enhance their chances of admission to their dream schools.
Ultimately, demonstrated interest is about more than just securing an acceptance letter; it's about finding a college where you can truly thrive. By engaging with schools and showing them that you are serious about joining their community, you set the stage for a successful and fulfilling college experience.
As the admissions process continues to evolve, staying informed about trends like demonstrated interest will be crucial for students aiming to stand out. So start now—visit campuses, send those emails, and engage with your top-choice schools. Your future college experience is worth the effort.
Best,
Joshua S. R.
Founder
75 Percent Chance