If you are in the midst of your college search, chances are you’ve heard the term “demonstrated interest”. Demonstrated interest refers to the ways that prospective students show colleges or universities that they are interested in attending their institutions.
There are many different ways to show colleges that you are especially interested in them before you apply: “demonstrated interest” can mean taking a virtual tour, visiting campus, attending an info session, reaching out to an admissions officer, or even simply writing a well-informed “Why Us?” essay.
The important thing to keep in mind is that many colleges take this very seriously—if you can find ways to show that you know the school well, and that it’s a top choice, it can really help boost your chances of getting in!
We’ve written several blog articles loaded with advice on maximizing your college research and using your knowledge to demonstrate interest in ways that will stand out. As usual, our tips are geared toward helping you be more effective in less time by focusing your efforts and keeping your priorities in mind from the beginning.
Check out some of our other blogs here:
How to Focus on Extracurriculars that Colleges Want to See
How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visits
How to approach the “Why Us?” College Essay
But good planning is as much about when you do things as how you do them. So we thought it would be helpful to write a post outlining a general timeline for demonstrating interest and the essential“to-dos”.
Make sure to keep in mind that everyone’s timeline is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to college application assistance! But this is a general guide to what you might consider doing in the spring, summer, and fall before you apply:
Spring
You have many important priorities in the spring: coursework, any standardized tests you might be prepping for, and, most crucially, enjoying junior year! But just a little bit of work—an hour per week, say—can do a lot to help you stand out at this point.
- Attend virtual tours: Take advantage of any remote opportunities through the Admissions Office (check any college’s Admissions Office website to learn about what they offer): virtual tours, Q & A sessions, and in person visits, if possible. Many colleges keep track of potential applicants who sign up and use this information when reviewing college applications. That’s not to say it will be the determining factor between you getting into your dream school, but it could tip the scale.
- Write “thank-you” notes: If you can, visit colleges in person in the spring, then sign up for an official tour and info session. Afterward, it’s a good idea to write a brief thank-you email to your regional admissions officer or any other admissions officer you interacted with on the tour. Let them know what stood out to you—that helps you stand out to them! It’s also a great habit to get into. Regularly writing thank you notes shows that you are considerate, thoughtful, and appreciative of the opportunities you’ve been granted. Taking the time out of your day to thank your tour guide or admissions officer might be just what you need to really stand out come application season.
- Keep an eye out for admissions officers visiting your school or nearby college fairs: This can be a great way to get face time with admissions reps, especially if you are ready with one or two questions that show you have done some thorough research on the college. Again, for anyone you meet, it’s a good idea to follow up with a brief thank-you email. It helps them remember your interaction and demonstrates great manners!
Summer
It might not feel like it yet, but application season is approaching! Summer is an important time to ramp up your research and take some tours. If you have a few top-priority colleges in mind, think about how you might continue demonstrating interest in the time you’re out of school.
- Look out for targeted opportunities: Summer is a great time to continue sharing any specific interests with colleges. Do you have one or two academic areas of interest? Some colleges offer to connect you with student ambassadors who are working in those areas—if you ask informed questions, they’ll let the admissions office know. Are you interested in a certain extracurricular activity? You might email the student head of a volunteer organization on campus, an Esports club team, or anything else that stands out to you. Showing that you’re familiar with the college, its opportunities, and your personal growth as it relates to that lets admissions officers know you’re serious about your future and professional life.
- Consider emailing admissions officers: This is certainly not required, and some admissions officers are simply too busy to respond to emails from potential applicants. But, if your college research has sparked one or two questions, it can’t hurt to ask, especially if your questions showcase one or more of your interests. Try sending a simple: “I’m currently researching ________ and am very interested in your _________ program; is there someone I could speak with to learn more?” Remember, when reaching out to admissions officers, less is more: one brief question can be enough, and you certainly don’t want to flood their inbox with multiple emails.
- Brainstorm and write your “Why Us?” essays: Many admissions officers say that the best way to show interest is to write a detailed “Why Us?” essay that shows you really know the school. Check out our advice on approaching these essays. “Why Us?” essays can be tricky, but when you put in the time to get to know the school, you will have a better understanding of what matters to your top choices. Knowing this information can help you feel more confident going into the application process.
Fall
If you’re planning to apply early decision or early action to any colleges, it’s go time! Application time is when all of your effort really pays off. Here are a few important things to keep in mind..
- Polish your “Why Us?” essays: One of the keys to a good “Why Us?” essay is packing in a lot of information in a small space. As you work toward final drafts, make sure each sentence matters! Don’t waste word space with filler text or throw-away sentences, and make sure each statement is making a direct connection between you and the school. Struggling? We can help!
- Look out for interview opportunities: Some colleges offer interviews, and some don’t. Some colleges automatically put you in a queue for an interview when you apply, but a few require you to request an interview (usually by filling out an online form). Make sure you are aware of the interview policies for all colleges on your list—spaces can fill up, and an interview is an important way to continue demonstrating your interest.
- Send in your applications at least a week before the deadline: Nothing says “you’re not a top priority” like submitting an application at the last minute. Get it in early to show them that you really care! This means starting early and carving out time every day to work on your application. Take the time to put your best foot forward!
Would you like to discuss your demonstrated interest game plan? Contact the Marks Education Admissions Guidance Team to schedule a meeting and experience the best college application assistance McLean, Bethesda, and NW Washington DC have to offer. We offer in-person and virtual meetings and can’t wait to help you reach your college application goals.
