When applying to college, students often focus on grades, test scores, and essays—but many schools also consider demonstrated interest (DI) as part of their admissions process. Demonstrated interest is how colleges gauge how likely a student is to enroll if accepted. Schools that factor in DI want to admit students who are truly excited about attending.
How to Determine if a College Cares About Demonstrated Interest
Not all colleges track DI, so before putting in extra effort, it’s important to research whether a school considers it in admissions decisions. One of the best ways to check is by using the Common Data Set (CDS) for each school. The CDS is a standardized report that many colleges publish annually, detailing how they evaluate applicants.
To check if a college values demonstrated interest:
- Search for the school’s Common Data Set by Googling “[College Name] Common Data Set.”
- Find Section C7, which lists factors considered in admissions.
- Look for “Level of Applicant’s Interest” and see if it is categorized as “Very Important,” “Important,” “Considered,” or “Not Considered.”
- If a school marks DI as “Important” or “Very Important,” then it plays a significant role in their admissions process. Schools like Tulane, American University, and Lehigh weigh DI heavily, while others like Harvard or UCLA do not consider it at all.
Once you’ve identified schools that value DI, use the following strategies to maximize your engagement. Here are the 10 best ways to demonstrate interest and boost your chances of admission.
1. Visit the Campus (or Take a Virtual Tour)
If possible, sign up for an official campus tour or info session—many colleges track whether you’ve visited. Schools like Tulane and American University value in-person visits as a strong indicator of interest. If you can’t visit, attending a virtual tour or online session is a great alternative.
2. Engage with Admissions Representatives
Colleges send admissions officers to high schools and college fairs to meet prospective students. If a rep from your target school is visiting, make a point to introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and grab their contact information. A follow-up thank-you email can leave a lasting impression.
3. Email the Admissions Office with Thoughtful Questions
Many colleges track engagement with their admissions team. Instead of generic questions, ask about specific academic programs, research opportunities, or campus traditions. For example, instead of asking, “Does your school offer study abroad?”, try, “I’m interested in Lehigh’s Global Citizenship Program. Could you share more about the hands-on experiences available?”
4. Open and Engage with School Emails
Believe it or not, many colleges track whether applicants open their emails and click on links. If you’re interested in a school, sign up for their mailing list, read their updates, and engage with important announcements.
5. Apply Early Decision or Early Action
Applying Early Decision (ED) is one of the strongest ways to show interest because it’s a binding commitment to enroll if accepted. Schools like Tulane, Lehigh, and Dickinson give ED applicants a significant admissions boost. Even if ED isn’t right for you, applying Early Action (EA) still signals enthusiasm.
6. Follow the School on Social Media
Many colleges track engagement on their social media platforms. Follow their official accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and interact with their content. Liking posts, leaving thoughtful comments, and engaging with student takeovers can help demonstrate genuine interest.
7. Write a Strong “Why This College?” Essay
For schools that consider demonstrated interest, the “Why Us?” essay can be a make-or-break factor. Avoid generic statements like “I love your location” and get specific about academic programs, professors, student organizations, and unique campus opportunities. For example, instead of saying, “I love Tulane’s location in New Orleans,” say, “I’m excited about Tulane’s service-learning requirement and how it allows students to engage with the New Orleans community through programs like Outreach Tulane.”
8. Interview (If Offered)
Some colleges, including Skidmore and Dickinson, offer optional interviews—but if a school tracks DI, an interview isn’t really “optional” if you want to stand out. Use this opportunity to connect with an admissions rep, showcase your enthusiasm, and ask meaningful questions.
9. Connect with Current Students or Alumni
Reaching out to student ambassadors or alumni shows colleges that you’re going the extra mile to learn about their community. Many schools host student Q&A panels, Zoom chats, and mentorship programs—signing up for these is another way to demonstrate engagement.
10. Show Interest in Special Programs
If a school offers honors programs, leadership initiatives, or unique majors, reach out and ask about them. Expressing interest in these specialized opportunities shows admissions officers that you’ve done your homework and are seriously considering the school.
Final Thoughts
Not all colleges track demonstrated interest, but for those that do—like Tulane, American University, Lehigh, and Emerson—taking these steps can give you an admissions edge. Make sure you research each school’s admissions policies by checking the Common Data Set (CDS) and finding ways to genuinely engage with them. The key is to be authentic, consistent, and proactive in showing that you’re excited about the opportunity to join their community.
By following these strategies, you’ll stand out as a well-informed and committed applicant—improving your chances of receiving that coveted acceptance letter!
