I know “demonstrated interest” is used to show that an applicant is sincerely interested in their institution. How do you determine if a college requires that you show demonstrated interest to be considered for admission? Is there a list of colleges out there? And if it is required to show demonstrated interest, what does an applicant need to do outside of showing up for an admissions tour?
Web search for “[name of college] common data set”. Section C7 of the common data set will show whether level of applicant’s interest is considered. If the common data set is not available, try “[name of college] collegedata admissions” to get the college’s entry on http://www.collegedata.com (or find it on that site directly).
Ideas on how to show a high level of interest:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1626043-ways-to-show-a-high-level-of-applicants-interest.html
My D was concerned about this aspect of admissions. She was unable to visit three very selective colleges she was ultimately admitted to. No doubt these suggestions are on the link above, but my D didn’t do all of them. She arranged interviews with alumni or regional reps for two of the colleges. For the other, she emailed the regional rep, who unfortunately was not close enough to visit. So she explained that to the rep. The point being that all those actions showed interest.
Two of the colleges asked for supplemental essays on “why this college?” so she made it clear that she had done her research when composing those essays. She didn’t go to any college fairs. She did attempt to email several other colleges with some questions, but surprisingly found the vast majority of reps wouldn’t respond. After that, she didn’t email reps unless there was a very specific reason (I.e, a mistake in her application meant she needed to email the rep, who at that time did respond right away.) No, she didn’t ask any questions that could readily be found on a college website.
In her opinion, she wishes she had never emailed reps at all, with the two exceptions I mentioned. I think you need to get the timing right with emailing reps. I am thinking end of April, May, summer and beginning of September, maybe late November are the only good times to ask reps questions. They are very busy with recruitment and then with reading apps the rest of the year.
This depends on the college. For a very small LAC, an interview is very important, because they want a well-balanced class and this is one way of determining your level of interest, and whether you’ll fit in.
I’m hoping someone can do a link to the NPR of This American Life that talks about college admissions…it’s an adcom fro GA…and it is positively hilarious…but at the same time does an excellent job telling folks what to do…and not to do.
@jym626 do you have that link?
Nope.
A quick google search pulled up something from 2013. Is that what you are looking for? http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/504/how-i-got-into-college
Right. Depends on the tier, but can be much more than visiting or getting on an email list. If you’re truly interested, you know enough about the school, its values and what it looks for in students- it would be how you decided it was a match, no? Then you can show that in the app/supp. It’s a shame to do the superficials, then not be able to answer a Why Us in a smart way. And adcoms will look for your awareness in more than just that question.
Google: “Common Data Set <>”
The table in section C7 will list what criteria the college considers for admission and how much weight it gives each criterion.
Oh for heaven’s sake. If your student is interested in a college AND they offer interviews (some don’t) then schedule one. Your student will come away with an additional perspective about the school. What difference does it make if it “counts” for admission purposes…or not?
Yes, @jym626 that is the one. The part where the adcom speaks is the very funny part. And he highlights some really good “bloopers” in terms of “showing interest”. It’s an excellent piece…and well worth hearing!
In the first section, they interview some students at top schools and ask them what in their application got them accepted. Those answers are enlightening as well. The skinny is…the didn’t know!
@jym626 that was a great podcast, thanks! Love the sotry of the mom of a 7 year old. Holy cow!
My favorite was the email the mom sent to her kid saying she would PAY him for every contact he made with the college…but OOPS…she sent it to the college…instead of the kid!
Here is an example for CWRU:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/1686674-how-to-show-interest-in-cwru-p1.html
Case considers the “Level of applicant’s interest” to be “Important” in the admissions decision.
@sleeplessmom1 - try typing Common Data Set (plus name of school) in your search engine. There is tons of information about each school and whether “demonstrated interest” is weighted will be listed. For example, Yale does not take into account demonstrated interest but I know many schools that do.
Agree that you can check the common data set for each school to see if demonstrated interest is a factor.
Yes, visiting the school is a great way to show demonstrated interest (be sure to register/sign in so they know you were there). Other things you can do are:
-Put your name on the school mailing list.
-If there are online sessions, you can participate
-If the school interviews, try to set one up either at the school, with an admissions rep visiting your area, or with a local alumni (whatever works).
-If the school visits your HS, attend the session
-If there is a “Why X College” question do the research needed to craft a meaningful answer
The ultimate way to demonstrate interest is to apply to the college by binding Early Decision.
Obviously, this is not for everyone.
I worry quite a bit about not having the kids apply ED but it’s important for us to see all merit offers, so no ED. I feel like they could possibly explain that if they have an interview on campus or with a regional rep. Not sure that information would ever get to anyone who would care in the RD round.