Demonstrated Interest: How to Stand Out (The Smart Way)
Demonstrated interest (DI) is such an often-overlooked yet completely free way to truly shine during the college admissions process! Whether you’re aiming for a mid-size public university or a cozy private college, embracing this strategy can give you a wonderful advantage.
It’s all about showing schools that you’re genuinely excited about the possibility of attending. Many institutions take this into account when assessing applicants, as it can hint at how likely you are to enroll if accepted. While DI alone won’t promise you a spot or make up for a less-than-stellar academic record, it can definitely be a significant factor—especially when schools are comparing applicants with similar qualifications.
Why Demonstrated Interest Matters
Colleges love to admit students who are genuinely excited to join their community! When a college notices your efforts to engage—like attending sessions, chatting with admissions representatives, and asking thoughtful questions—it really showcases your enthusiasm and increases the chances of enrollment, which is a great advantage for you! In fact, your demonstrated interest can sometimes be the little extra push that makes a difference between two equally qualified applicants. The best part? Showing your interest doesn’t hinge on having a perfect GPA or a lengthy list of AP classes; all you need is a thoughtful strategy and a consistent approach!
Which Colleges Track Demonstrated Interest?
Not all colleges consider demonstrated interest the same way. Some track it closely, while others ignore it entirely.
- Colleges where DI matters: Many private institutions, smaller liberal arts colleges, and out-of-state public universities often use DI to predict yield (how many admitted students will enroll).
- Colleges where DI doesn’t matter much: Ivy League schools and large public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M usually don’t track DI, as they expect applicants to be interested without additional engagement.
How to Find Out If a College Tracks It
- Check the Common Data Set: Search “Common Data Set + [School Name]” and look under the “Level of applicant’s interest” section.
- Explore the admissions website: Some colleges mention whether they consider DI.
- Ask an admissions counselor directly: They’ll usually be honest if you respectfully ask how much weight DI carries.
- College Vine has created a list that’s very helpful, too!
What Counts as Demonstrated Interest (Especially Virtually)
Since 2020, virtual engagement has become a legitimate and often trackable form of demonstrated interest. But not all interactions are created equal.
Here are some ways to show interest in a college or university:
The following do not count:
- Visiting the college website without logging into a portal
- Liking a TikTok or Instagram post without interacting further
- Sending mass, generic emails to multiple staff members
- Tagging schools in posts from a spammy or unofficial college admissions account
Let Me Elaborate: Building a Relationship with Your Regional Admissions Officer
Your regional admissions representative is often the person who reads your application and advocates for you. That means building a connection—authentically—is worth the effort.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Find out who they are. (See the next section.)
- Reach out with purpose. Ask a specific question about your potential major, the student experience, or a particular program.
- Attend their sessions. Show up for virtual or in-person events where they’re speaking, and introduce yourself.
- Be genuine. Treat them like human, not gatekeepers. Be polite, professional, and clear in your communication.
Tip: You don’t need to email them every week. It’s about meaningful interaction, not quantity.
How to Find Your Regional Admissions Officer
Finding the admissions officer who covers your high school or region is usually simple:
- Visit the college’s admissions website and look for pages titled “Meet Your Counselor” or “Find Your Rep.”
- Enter your high school or ZIP code. You’ll typically be shown their name, email address, and sometimes a short bio or calendar link.
- Some reps post updates or offer virtual meeting opportunities—be sure to follow any updates or tips they provide.
Demonstrating genuine interest goes beyond simply checking boxes; it’s all about showing your enthusiasm, diving into research, and connecting with schools in heartfelt ways.
Even if a school doesn’t keep a record of interest, engaging with a college can really help you discern if it’s the perfect fit for you. And for those schools that value your interest? It could be the clever, strategic move that makes you stand out! So, start early, keep at it, and let your passion shine. This could potentially open the door to your next exciting opportunity!.