Columbia campus visit = demonstrated interest?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>So I was wondering if Columbia takes into account demonstrated interest. I know most top colleges don't, like Yale, but I wanted to know if Columbia does.</p>

<p>Personally, I think they do. I went to a joint-college info session, and they took down names. On their site, you have to sign up for a tour and fill out things like when you graduate, what major you're interested in, etc.. I know that for Yale it doesn't matter; on their site you don't have to sign up for tours or submit any info or anything.</p>

<p>I got an e-mail invitation to their Summer Science Invitational (the registration includes filling out some info, like above), and of course I would love to go but would rather save the money if my attendence doesn't matter. I researched the going rates for flights, and I found a deal for $400--round trip (from south Florida) from JetBlue Airways and 1 night at a hotel that's a short walk from Times Square.</p>

<p>I've been there before for a Columbia Scholastic Press Association for Journalism during spring break, but it wasn't a technical tour.</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore (junior starting this fall), too, and Columbia is my top choice school. I'll be applying ED.</p>

<p>During my school's College Fair this past year I talked with the admissions representative there; he conducts interviews for undergraduates in my area. I've been in contact with him since then, and he absolutely loves me and says I should go to Columbia.</p>

<p>So, do they really care about demonstrated interest/my attendence at this event? Should I go even if they don't? I know I love the campus since I've been there for a few days before. At this event I'd get feedback from current students there and get some details on each of the science departments, etc..</p>

<p>Thoughts? It would really be appreciated. :)</p>

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<p>I doubt they’ll take demonstrated interest too seriously what with all the accomplished applicants they’ll have. If the money’s not too bad, I’d say sure go for it, but since you’re applying ED that already shows the most interest possible since you’re basically committing if they accept you.</p>

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<p>Columbia definately tracks demonstrated interest- on the supplement of the app, it actually asks you to check off which of their events you’ve attended! But since you’re all the way from FL, i don’t think it’d look bad if you couldn’t attend. If anything, you can always go next year! :)</p>

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<p>we dont take into account demonstrated interest. just so you know, we check off names at the info sessions just for our own records – to see how many students come per day and to make sure we have the right number of tour guides. we ask students to fill out the cards so that they get on our mailing list, not to show that they visited.</p>

<p>demonstrated interest is something we dont take into account because it isn’t fair – it hurts the chances of students that live far away, live in other countries, or can’t afford a visit.</p>