Demonstrated interest is an important factor in the college admissions process. It refers to an applicant’s level of engagement with a particular college or university. Some institutions consider demonstrated interest when evaluating applicants because they believe students who have shown more interest are more likely to enroll if accepted. However, it’s important to note that demonstrated interest alone cannot guarantee acceptance or outweigh an academic record that does not meet a given school’s admission criteria.

If you want to know if a college or university tracks demonstrated interest, you should check their admissions website or ask an admissions counselor directly. Some schools are upfront about using demonstrated interest in their review process, while others are not. It’s also important to note that more prestigious and selective institutions are less likely to track demonstrated interest, but this is only sometimes the case.

Engaging with a school meaningfully is a good idea to demonstrate your interest and learn whether it fits you well. However, moderation is key. Admissions offices are looking for authentic engagement. You don’t need to sign up for every opportunity offered; you don’t need to email your admissions counselor daily or request a second interview just because you’re excited about the school.

Here are some ways to show interest in a college or university: