<p>I am currently enrolled in a senior History class, although I am a junior. My friends in this class were giving me advice about applying to colleges next year (I'm starting my college research process now), and one of my friends told me to contact the admissions offices of schools I really like via E-mail and express my interest in their school early on. The person who told me to do this is applying to some nice schools, and said she became very friendly with the admissions staff... Basically on a first-name basis for some schools. She visited a lot of the schools two-three times, too! She explained how not only does this show your interest in the college, but it also can't hurt your chances at being admitted.</p>
<p>Do you think contacting admissions for colleges early on simply to express interest and ask questions is a good idea or is it being too -pushy-?</p>
<p>Yeah when she told me about how much of a positive experience it was at first I thought, "oh wow, that is neat!"... However once I got to thinking about it, I thought the admissions staff for colleges must have so much on their plate, especially around now, and hearing from some idealistic, interested junior might only seem annoying to them. At the same time, I would like to get to know the schools I am interested in as much as I can. I think I will just submit my info. to get some viewbooks sent to my house, and then go on some tours at schools in New England (I am from MA) over vacation.</p>
<p>It really depends on the college. You're wondering if "demonstrated interest" on behalf of the student can help. The "big name" ones pay no attention to the interest level of their applicants so DON'T email introduce yourself to Harvard and Yale -- they don't expend any energy tracking potential applicants. Now if it's a small LAC or other small private, then it might be of use.</p>
<p>Go to a college fair. What you'll see are some "recruiters" and some "presenters". The recruiters usually represent out of the way colleges and are hoping to get your app and therefore will take your info and may even call you. The "presenters" are their to disseminate info and aren't there to establish any sort of relationship w/potential applicants.</p>
<p>I act as a "presenter" for my HYP alma mater -- in a 2 hour program, 50-60 kids and parents come before me. All I do is give my college's info 2-3 times and answer lots of questions</p>
<p>Thank you, that's actually very helpful. Would you say it would be worth it to demonstrate interest for "big name" LACs (ie: Vassar, Bowdoin, Bates, Wheaton (MA), Connecticut College)? Or would it be the same deal for an Ivy?</p>
<p>You shouldn't make a conscious effort to demonstrate interest in order to try to impress anyone. If you're interested in a college, you'd naturally ask for brochures, try to schedule interviews, go to college fairs, do what you can to learn more about the colleges. Isn't that common sense? </p>
<p>Sending a pointless e-mail attempting to demonstrate interest is just silly and it won't do anything.</p>
<p>imsolidmatter: If you were interested in calculus, wouldn't you try to learn more about it? If you were interested in a college, wouldn't you look into the college more? It doesn't take someone who knows a lot about college admissions to answer these questions. If it truly does, then the inability of high schoolers to think for themselves is worse than I expect.</p>