<p>I am writing the standard supplemental essay (Why here?) for a college I am applying to EA. I have heard/read that this college really values demonstrated interest and I don't think I have really shown a lot of interest. Would it be inappropriate/weird to mention in the essay that I really wanted to visit campus but couldn't afford to? Or is it really not that important to mention?</p>
<p>BTW the college in mind is Colorado College. I am a decent applicant according to my school's Naiviance but I've noticed its become more difficult to get in in recent years, so any boost could help!</p>
<p>Yes, if cost was an issue you definitely should say so. I will say that Colorado College is a bit off the beaten path. It isn’t really near any other liberal arts colleges… so if you are looking at that type of college, you really have to make a special trip. So I am guessing that they do have a lot of students who can’t visit. Some thing you can do:
Might be too late, but did you check to see if their admissions rep was coming to your area? Attending a session if they had one in your area is a good thing (or especially if they came to your school). Or if they were at a college fair in your area, go meet the rep and introduce yourself.<br>
Email with the admissions rep for your area. If you can come up with a couple of questions about the college, do that.<br>
Do a very careful review of the website and the College Confidential discussions about the college. Look for specific things that interest you (particularly interesting classes in some area? A new facility in some area you are interested in? a campus club you are excited to join?).<br>
Is there some reason why you think their block schedule would suit you (any experience with that type of immersion learning in the past that makes it speak to you in a college)?
Do they offer Skype or alumni interviews? Sign up immediately for one if you haven’t yet.</p>
<p>Good advice. But, you should be able to answer the Why Us? based on what you do know about the school, the programs it offers, its strengths, what you have learned about opportunities there (academic and non) that let you see this college as a great match.</p>
<p>Students who do not live within driving distance of a school are not expected to visit. A requirement like that would eliminate every low income student in the country, not to mention all of those with 2 working parents or a single parent, and the schools know it. So don’t sweat that. </p>
<p>The Common Data Set for each school (google it for CC) indicates how important demonstrated interest is for a particular school. I’m assuming, without checking, that it matters for CC. A brief essay talking about what you love about the school and why it’s a fit certainly wouldn’t hurt: If it’s your first choice, say so.</p>