Some of the schools my S is considering for college make a point of saying that demonstrated interest in the schools is something they track, and it matters. S is doing online sessions (because he wants to learn about the schools) and when the time comes will interview. If we can visit in person we will. But, it sounds like schools look at whether you follow the school on social media. He has never had a social media account.
My question is, if he opens such accounts in order to demonstrate the interest in the schools he is considering, does the account need to be in his full, legal name in order for the schools to know it is him? I am assuming so - but I don’t do social media either (unless CC counts), so maybe there is something obvious I am missing.
Thanks!
no, you don’t need social media for demonstrated interest, they just say that so you can stay up to date with the schools and kind of get a feel for the school through your screen. if a school tracks interest, they will most likely look at a visit (in person or virtual), interview, etc. so, no you definitely don’t need a social media account for demonstrated interest (imo, if you did, that would be kind of absurd)!
Agree, there are many ways to demonstrate interest. Some of them include:
– doing online information sessions;
– visiting colleges if possible;
– getting on the email list for the schools;
–doing interviews when possible; and
–going through websites carefully (so you can better answer any questions on what draws you to a particular college).
The strongest expression of interest is applying binding early decision.
One other thing that has not been mentioned above is to read email from the college, with image display turned on. When the browser or email reader gets the image from the web server to display it, the web server can track it, which may be used to count level of interest.
Thank you! @samphil098 @happy1 and @ucbalumnus. That is very helpful information.