When applying to a college ED, does the demonstrated interest that goes into things like the supplement essay (making that college seem like the best fit for you, showing that you’ve done your research on the school, etc.) really matter at all?
You’re already showing them that they’re your first choice. I say this because I feel like my Supplement could be better spent talking about my own academic interests and how the options at that school would help be follow them.
Bump
Regarding demonstrated interest: it depends upon the college. Some colleges do not consider demonstrated interest in their admissions decisions, which they will indicate in the Common Data Set.
Generally applying ED certainly demonstrates interest on its own, and ED acceptance rates are generally higher than RD rates, although for some colleges, one recruited athletes and other hooked applicants are taken out, the statistical difference may be minor.
Having said all that, if you need to compare FA offers, applying ED is generally not the way to go.
Thank you!
I wouldn’t be sloppy about answering their actual prompt. They are still looking for fit (what do they bring to you? what do you bring to them?) The purpose of the “Why X?” essay has never been just about showing interest.
^^ this! Schools typically ask questions not as an academic exercise but because they have found that the answers to those questions help them figure out who to admit. Not answering what they feel they need to know doesn’t help your case. It is up to you to make it easy for them to say yes to you.
Thanks. So I still must show that I am a good fit for the community and have many interests that this college can satisfy