Based on what colleges claim in their CDSs, level of applicant’s interest is not as important on average as many other factors.
More important on average than level of interest as of early 2019:
HS GPA
HS course rigor
Standardized tests
Recommendations
Essay
Class rank
Character/personal
Extracurriculars
Particular talent
Interview
Less important on average than level of interest as of early 2019:
Volunteer work
Work experience
Legacy
First generation to college
Religion
Geographic residence
Race/ethnicity
State residency