How to Show Colleges You're Genuinely Interested
A Free Strategy to Stand Out in College Admissions
Demonstrated interest is 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.
🎯 3 Key Takeaways You'll Learn
What DI Really Means
Demonstrated interest isn't just campus visits—it's a comprehensive strategy including course selection, activities, and direct engagement. Learn all three types that colleges evaluate.
Which Schools Actually Track It
Not all colleges care about DI. Discover exactly how to check the Common Data Set (Section C7) to identify schools where your engagement efforts will make a difference.
12 Actionable Ways to Show Interest
Get a complete roadmap of specific actions—from email communication to virtual tours—that demonstrate genuine enthusiasm without overwhelming admissions offices.
What Is Demonstrated Interest?
Quick Summary
- DI is tracked behavior showing colleges you're genuinely interested in attending
- 40% of colleges consider it important in admissions decisions
- Three types: Direct interaction, course selection, and aligned activities
- Completely free and accessible to all students
- Can be a tie-breaker between similarly qualified applicants
Demonstrated interest is one of the most misunderstood parts of the college admissions process. Many families think colleges only look at GPA, test scores, and activities. But admissions offices are also paying attention to how much a student has engaged with their institution before applying.
Demonstrated interest is the collection of actions a student takes to show a college that they are genuinely interested in attending. Colleges track these actions to predict how likely a student is to enroll if admitted. This helps them manage enrollment, protect their yield rate, and shape a class of students who truly want to be there.
What Is It?
A collection of actions that show colleges you're genuinely interested in attending their institution. Think of it as proof that you've done your homework and aren't just applying randomly.
- Campus visits and virtual tours
- Email engagement and communication
- Attending information sessions
- Submitting thoughtful applications
- Taking courses that align with your intended major
- Investing time in extracurriculars that show passion for your field
Why It Helps
Demonstrated interest can be the deciding factor when admissions officers compare similar candidates. It signals that you're likely to accept their offer if admitted.
- Free advantage: Costs nothing but your time
- Tie-breaker: Distinguishes you from similar applicants
- Better fit: Shows you understand what makes the school unique
- Improved essays: Research helps you write compelling supplements
Source: NACAC State of College Admission Report (2019) and Common Data Set aggregate analysis
Two students have similar academic profiles. One has visited campus, attended virtual sessions, emailed admissions, and opened every email. The other has had no contact. The first student often has an advantage at colleges that track interest.
While demonstrated interest 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. The best part? It's completely free and accessible to every student!
The Three Types of Demonstrated Interest
Understanding demonstrated interest requires recognizing that it shows up in three distinct ways throughout your application. Each type tells admissions officers something different about you as a candidate.
Type 1: Direct Interaction with the College
▼This is the type documented in the Common Data Set (Section C7).
This is what most people think of when they hear "demonstrated interest"—the actions you take to directly engage with the college itself. These interactions are often tracked in the college's admissions system and can be formally considered in admissions decisions.
Examples include:
- Campus visits (in-person or virtual)
- Attending information sessions and webinars
- Opening and clicking college emails
- Meeting with admissions representatives at college fairs
- Emailing your regional admissions counselor
- Participating in interviews
- Applying Early Decision or Early Action
Key Point: This is the only type of demonstrated interest that colleges explicitly report in their Common Data Set. When you check Section C7 to see if a school tracks "level of applicant's interest," they're referring to this direct engagement.
Type 2: Course Selection and Academic Rigor
▼This is part of the holistic review process.
Your course choices throughout high school demonstrate interest in a completely different way—they show admissions officers that you're academically prepared and serious about your education. This type of demonstrated interest isn't tracked in a database; it's evaluated as part of your transcript review.
Admissions officers are asking two key questions:
Question 1: Are your classes aligned with your intended major?
+If you say you want to major in engineering but avoided advanced math and science courses, that raises questions about your genuine interest. Conversely, a student who loads up on STEM courses, pursues science research, and seeks out advanced coursework is clearly demonstrating passion for that field.
Examples:
- Business major applicant: Takes economics, statistics, accounting, and business electives
- Pre-med/Biology applicant: Takes AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy
- Computer Science applicant: Takes AP Computer Science, Calculus, and additional programming courses
- English/Humanities applicant: Takes AP Literature, AP Language, creative writing, and history courses
Question 2: Are you pushing yourself academically?
+Colleges want to know if you can handle the academic workload at their institution. Are you taking the most rigorous courses available to you? Are you challenging yourself with Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, or honors courses?
What admissions officers evaluate:
- The level of rigor relative to what your high school offers
- Whether you're taking advanced courses in your intended major area
- Consistency of challenge across all four years
- Balance between rigor and maintaining strong grades
Colleges evaluate your course rigor in the context of what's available at YOUR school. A student at a small rural high school with limited AP offerings won't be penalized compared to a student at a large suburban school with 30+ AP courses. What matters is that you're taking the most challenging courses available to YOU.
Type 3: Extracurricular Activities Aligned with Your Major
▼This is also part of the holistic review process.
Your extracurricular activities tell a powerful story about your genuine passion and commitment. When your activities align with your intended major, they demonstrate that your interest isn't just academic—it's a real part of your identity and how you spend your time.
💡 Why This Matters
▼Admissions officers want to admit students who are truly passionate about their field of study, not just those who checked a box because they thought it would look good. Your extracurriculars provide evidence that you've explored your interests beyond the classroom and are committed to that path.
📚 Examples of Strong Alignment by Major
▼- Engineering applicant: Participates in robotics club, Science Olympiad, or engineering summer programs
- Pre-med applicant: Volunteers at hospitals, shadows physicians, or participates in health-focused community service
- Journalism applicant: Writes for school newspaper, maintains a blog, or interns at local media outlets
- Business applicant: Starts a small business, participates in DECA/FBLA, or takes on leadership in fundraising
- Education applicant: Tutors younger students, volunteers in elementary schools, or works at summer camps
- Environmental Science applicant: Participates in environmental clubs, conducts independent research, or leads sustainability initiatives
🤔 What If You're Undecided?
▼That's completely okay! Many students apply undecided or change their majors later. In these cases, admissions officers look for intellectual curiosity, diverse interests, and evidence of exploration across multiple areas. The key is showing genuine engagement in whatever you pursue.
The most compelling applications show consistency across all three types of demonstrated interest. A student who says they want to study biology, has taken advanced science courses, volunteers at a hospital, AND has engaged with the college's pre-health advising program tells a cohesive, believable story. This integrated approach is far more powerful than any single type of demonstrated interest alone.
How the Three Types Work Together
While Type 1 (direct interaction) is the most commonly discussed form of demonstrated interest, Types 2 and 3 are equally important components of holistic admissions review. Together, they paint a complete picture:
| Type of DI | What It Shows | Where It's Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1: Direct Interaction | You know about this specific college and are excited to attend | Tracked formally; reported in Common Data Set C7 |
| Type 2: Course Selection | You're academically prepared and serious about your field | Transcript review during holistic evaluation |
| Type 3: Extracurriculars | Your passion extends beyond the classroom; you're committed | Activities review during holistic evaluation |
The bottom line: Demonstrated interest isn't just about campus visits and emails. It's woven throughout your entire application—from the rigor of your coursework to the depth of your extracurricular involvement to your direct engagement with the institution. The strongest applicants demonstrate interest in all three ways, creating a cohesive narrative that convinces admissions officers they're genuinely passionate and prepared.
Colleges That Track vs. Do Not Track Interest
Quick Summary
- Check Section C7 of the Common Data Set - most reliable source
- Small private colleges almost always track DI heavily
- Ivy League schools typically don't track it (but learning helps essays)
- Mid-size private universities use it as a tie-breaker
- Large state schools rarely consider it (too many applicants)
Not all colleges consider demonstrated interest the same way. Some track it closely, while others ignore it entirely. Understanding which schools value DI can help you prioritize your efforts strategically.
Why Yield Rate Matters
Understanding why colleges care about demonstrated interest requires knowing about yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll. A higher yield rate indicates that the college is successfully attracting students who truly want to attend, which impacts rankings, budgets, and institutional planning.
When you show demonstrated interest, you're essentially signaling that if admitted, you're more likely to say yes. This makes you a more attractive candidate because the college can be more confident in their admission decisions.
Better Match
Shows you've researched the school and understand what makes it unique
Higher Yield
Colleges predict you're more likely to enroll if admitted
Tie-Breaker
Can distinguish you from similarly qualified applicants
No Extra Cost
Doesn't require perfect grades or expensive activities
How to Check if a College Tracks Demonstrated Interest
The most reliable way to determine if a college considers demonstrated interest is to check their Common Data Set, Section C7. This publicly available document lists all factors the college considers in admissions and ranks their importance.
Categories of Colleges by DI Tracking
🔴 Colleges That Track DI Very Closely (High Priority)
+Characteristics:
- Small to mid-size private colleges and universities
- Institutions with acceptance rates between 30-70%
- Liberal arts colleges (LACs) with strong focus on fit and community
- Schools competing for similar applicant pools as more prestigious institutions
Why they track it: These schools are protective of their yield rates and want to admit students who will actually enroll. They're often compared to more prestigious institutions and need to ensure admitted students genuinely want to attend.
Examples of school types:
- Small liberal arts colleges (e.g., Denison, Gettysburg, Muhlenberg)
- Mid-tier private universities (e.g., American University, Tulane, Case Western Reserve)
- Regional comprehensive universities with strong reputations
Demonstrated interest is CRITICAL. Visit campus if possible, attend multiple virtual events, email your regional counselor with thoughtful questions, and craft highly specific "Why Us" essays that reference professors, programs, and campus traditions by name.
🟡 Colleges That Consider DI (Moderate Priority)
+Characteristics:
- Mid-size public universities with selective programs
- Larger private universities with strong regional reputations
- Institutions with holistic review processes
- Schools where DI is marked as "Considered" in Section C7
Why they consider it: These schools use demonstrated interest as a tiebreaker among similarly qualified candidates but don't weight it as heavily as academic factors. It's one piece of a comprehensive review.
Examples of school types:
- Selective state flagship honors programs
- Universities with strong regional drawing power
- Schools with substantial merit scholarship programs
Show consistent, moderate engagement. Attend a virtual or in-person information session, open their emails, and write specific supplemental essays. You don't need to go overboard, but demonstrating genuine knowledge of the school will help.
🟢 Colleges That Do Not Track DI
+Characteristics:
- Most Ivy League and highly selective institutions (Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton)
- Large state flagship universities with tens of thousands of applicants
- Universities of California system schools (UC Berkeley, UCLA, etc.)
- Schools with very high yield rates who don't need to worry about enrollment
Why they don't track it: Highly selective schools receive far more qualified applicants than they can admit and have high yield rates regardless. Large public universities process too many applications to track individual engagement. Both groups focus primarily on academic credentials and achievements.
Important note: Just because these schools don't formally track DI doesn't mean you shouldn't research them. Deep knowledge of the school will help you write compelling supplemental essays and make informed decisions about fit.
Don't worry about tracking visits or opening emails, but DO thoroughly research the school for your essays. Admissions officers can tell when essays are generic versus when students truly understand what makes the institution unique.
What Demonstrated Interest Can and Cannot Do
What DI CAN Do:
- Serve as a tiebreaker between similarly qualified candidates
- Show you've taken time to research the school
- Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for attending
- Help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool
- Provide context for why you're a good fit
What DI CANNOT Do:
- Compensate for low grades or test scores
- Guarantee admission regardless of qualifications
- Replace strong essays or recommendations
- Override missing academic prerequisites
- Make up for weak extracurricular involvement
Remember: Demonstrated interest enhances a strong application—it doesn't replace the fundamentals of academic achievement, meaningful activities, and compelling personal narratives.
12 Ways to Demonstrate Interest
Here is a clear, organized list of key ways to demonstrate interest. Each category includes specific examples so you know exactly what actions count.
| # | Method | Examples | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campus Visits | Official campus tour, open house event, department visit, meeting with admissions counselor | High |
| 2 | Virtual Engagement | Virtual tours, admissions webinars, major-specific information sessions, financial aid nights | High |
| 3 | Email Communication | Emailing admissions with thoughtful questions, responding to emails, thank-you messages after visits | Medium |
| 4 | Opening College Emails | Opening emails regularly, clicking links to learn more, registering for events through email links | Medium |
| 5 | College Fairs | Talking to representatives at college fairs, signing in when reps visit your school, following up | Medium |
| 6 | Interviews | On-campus interview, alumni interview, virtual interview | High |
| 7 | Applying Early | Early Action application, Early Decision commitment, priority scholarship deadline submission | High |
| 8 | Social Media | Following official accounts, engaging with posts, watching live streams | Low |
| 9 | Optional Materials | Optional essays, resume submission, portfolio (when not required) | Medium |
| 10 | "Why This College?" Essay | Mentioning specific programs, referencing campus traditions, connecting goals to opportunities | High |
| 11 | Scholarship Applications | Department scholarships, honors college applications, special program applications | Medium |
| 12 | Consistent Engagement | Multiple events over two years, repeat visits, long-term communication | High |
Impact Level Source: Impact levels are based on aggregate analysis of Common Data Set Section C7 rankings, NACAC admission practices research, and guidance from college admissions professionals regarding which engagement activities most significantly influence admission decisions at institutions that track demonstrated interest.
Always register in advance for campus visits, tours, and virtual events. Provide your full name and contact information exactly as it appears on your application. This ensures the college can connect your engagement to your application file.
When to Start Demonstrating Interest
Understanding demonstrated interest early empowers students to approach the college search with intention instead of scrambling senior year. Here's why this concept is critical for everyone involved in the college planning process:
| Icon | Benefit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 | Helps Students Stand Out | In crowded applicant pools with similar academic profiles, demonstrated interest can be the difference-maker |
| 📝 | Supports Stronger Essays | Research from engagement activities directly improves college essays and interview responses |
| 🔍 | Encourages Intentional Research | Motivates students to deeply explore colleges rather than applying based on rankings alone |
| 💪 | Teaches Ownership | Students learn to take active responsibility for their college search and application process |
| 🎯 | Improves Chances Strategically | Especially effective at colleges where admissions are competitive but not ultra-selective |
| 😌 | Reduces Senior Year Stress | Early engagement habits prevent last-minute scrambling and create a smoother application process |
What Demonstrated Interest Is NOT
It's important to understand what demonstrated interest is NOT to avoid common misconceptions:
- It is NOT stalking admissions offices with emails: Quality over quantity—one thoughtful email beats five generic ones
- It is NOT signing up for events and not attending: No-shows can actually hurt your application
- It is NOT generic communication: "I love your school" without specifics doesn't demonstrate real interest
- It is NOT last-minute activity in senior year only: Genuine interest develops over time, not overnight
Remember: Colleges value authentic, consistent engagement over performative check-box behavior.
A Simple Rule for Students
If a college offers a way to learn about them, and you participate thoughtfully, you are building demonstrated interest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, students sometimes make missteps when trying to demonstrate interest. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Focusing Only on Schools That Track DI
▼The Problem: Some students visit only schools that track demonstrated interest and ignore schools that don't, even if those schools might be better fits.
Better Approach: Visit and engage with schools based on genuine fit and interest, not just admissions strategy. Even if a school doesn't track DI, learning about it helps you write better essays and make better decisions.
❌ Mistake #2: Generic, Transactional Communication
▼The Problem: Sending emails that say "I'm very interested in your school" without any specific details or thoughtful questions comes across as insincere box-checking.
Better Approach: If you're going to email, ask a specific, thoughtful question that shows you've researched the school. Reference particular programs, professors, or opportunities that excite you.
❌ Mistake #3: Forgetting to Sign In or Register
▼The Problem: You attend a campus tour or virtual event but forget to register or provide your contact information, so the college has no record of your attendance.
Better Approach: Always register in advance for tours, information sessions, and virtual events. Use the same name and email across all interactions so the college can connect your engagement to your application.
❌ Mistake #4: Applying Early Decision Without True Commitment
▼The Problem: Applying Early Decision solely to demonstrate interest without being certain you want to attend or being able to afford it.
Better Approach: Only use ED if the school is genuinely your first choice AND your family has carefully evaluated the financial implications. ED is binding, so it's a serious commitment beyond just showing interest.
❌ Mistake #5: Waiting Until Senior Year
▼The Problem: Suddenly ramping up engagement senior fall after no prior contact can seem strategic rather than genuine.
Better Approach: Build engagement gradually starting junior year. Consistent, authentic interest over time is more convincing than a flurry of activity right before application deadlines.
❌ Mistake #6: Copying and Pasting Essays
▼The Problem: Using the same "Why This College?" essay for multiple schools, or worse, forgetting to change the college name.
Better Approach: Every supplemental essay should be uniquely tailored to that specific institution. Admissions officers can immediately tell when essays are recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I demonstrate interest if I can't afford to visit campus?
▼Absolutely! Colleges understand that not everyone can afford travel expenses. Virtual engagement—such as attending online information sessions, virtual tours, webinars, and Q&A sessions—carries equal or nearly equal weight. You can also meet representatives at college fairs, email your regional admissions counselor, and write compelling supplemental essays that show you've researched the school thoroughly.
How often should I contact my admissions counselor?
▼Quality matters far more than quantity. One thoughtful, well-researched email is better than multiple generic messages. A good guideline is to reach out 2-3 times throughout the process with substantive questions or updates. Always make sure your question can't be easily answered by the college's website.
Does demonstrated interest help with financial aid or scholarships?
▼Demonstrated interest primarily affects admission decisions, not financial aid calculations based on need. However, some merit scholarships may indirectly benefit from your demonstrated engagement because they're looking for students who are genuinely excited about the school. Additionally, showing interest can help you learn about scholarship opportunities you might have otherwise missed.
If I'm accepted, do I still need to demonstrate interest?
▼After admission, demonstrated interest doesn't affect your acceptance status—you're already in! However, attending admitted student days, asking questions, and engaging with the college helps YOU make an informed decision about where to enroll. This engagement is for your benefit, not for admissions purposes.
Can too much demonstrated interest hurt my application?
▼Excessive contact can be off-putting. If you're emailing your admissions counselor multiple times per week, sending long, rambling messages, or asking questions that are clearly answered on the website, it can work against you. Aim for thoughtful, strategic engagement rather than overwhelming the admissions office.
What if I visited a campus before I had contact information on file?
▼You can mention your unofficial visit in your application essays or in a follow-up email to your admissions counselor. Explain when you visited and what resonated with you. While it may not be tracked in their system, it still shows genuine interest and can inform your "Why Us" essay.
Should I demonstrate interest at reach schools or safety schools?
▼Demonstrate interest at ALL schools on your list where DI is tracked, regardless of whether they're reaches, targets, or safeties. Safety schools particularly appreciate demonstrated interest because they want to avoid "yield protection" (rejecting overqualified students who seem unlikely to enroll). Show every school that you're taking them seriously.
Making Demonstrated Interest Work for You
Demonstrated interest is a wonderful opportunity to stand out in college admissions without spending money or achieving perfect test scores. It's about showing colleges that you've done your homework, you understand what makes them unique, and you're genuinely excited about the possibility of joining their community.
The key is authenticity. Admissions officers can distinguish between students who are strategically checking boxes and those who are genuinely engaged. Focus on schools where you can honestly see yourself thriving, and let your enthusiasm shine through in every interaction.
Remember: Demonstrated interest doesn't replace strong academics, compelling essays, or meaningful extracurriculars—it enhances an already solid application. Think of it as the cherry on top, not the whole sundae. When used strategically and sincerely, demonstrated interest can be the difference-maker that tips the scales in your favor.
Final Tips:
- Start engaging with colleges during junior year
- Be specific and thoughtful in all communications
- Use virtual options if in-person visits aren't possible
- Check the Common Data Set to see if schools track DI
- Let your genuine enthusiasm guide your engagement
- Focus on fit, not just admissions strategy
Ready to Build Your College Candidacy?
Strategic demonstrated interest takes planning and consistency. Schedule a personalized planning session to develop a tailored engagement strategy that showcases your genuine enthusiasm while building a compelling candidacy for your target colleges.
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