I’ve heard that a lot of schools love to see a students who continuously showed interest in their schools. However, I am unable to visit all of the schools that I plan on applying to. Here are my schools:
CUNY Queens College
Syracuse University
Skidmore College
Brandeis University
Wesleyan University
SUNY Binghamton University
Hamilton College
Vanderbilt University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
I was able to only visit Brandeis & Brown. But, demonstrated interest is very important to Syracuse and only important to Brandeis. How can I show the colleges on my list that I am interested even though I won’t be able to visit their schools?
You can look at each schools common data set and see if they care about demonstrated interest. If they do you can do things like get on the email list, request an interview from a local alumni, try to see the school if they give a presentation nearby or at your HS, try to go to a local college fair if they come (they can get a bit crazy but you can at least go by the booth and sign in).
Get on their email list, go on their website to request for additional information, subscribe to their newsletter, at my school college representatives come and visit so you can ask them whatever questions you may have…
Another good way is to write a stellar “Why X School” essay.
*Find their regional rep and ask to meet him or he.
*Click on their portal a ton of times.
*Go to the horse and pony show when it comes to your town (admissions rep’s from a few different colleges often travel together and offer panel discussions about colleges- rent convention rooms in local hotels to attract applicants to their colleges.
*learn specifics about the college and convey your knowledge via questions or essays
*Let your guidance counselor know about your limitations so she/he can mention the fact that you could not afford to get to the school but lack of interest is not why you did not visit.
*visit schools that are close since no excuse will fly if you live within a 30 minute drive!