Hi everyone, I am a current high school junior who is extremely interest in Bucknell.
I know that demonstrated interest in a college is important in showing them that there is a chance you actually will attend if admitted and I have a question relating to that.
I was considering emailing my region’s admissions counselor for Bucknell and introducing myself along with asking maybe one or two questions that the answers can’t be obviously found on their website. As a student who is only in the fall of my junior year would this be too soon to make contact? Should i wait until closer to when I apply so that my name will be remember more easily?
Additionally, if there are any recommendations for questions to ask that would be great.
Also, I know that actually speaking in person or touring the university is ideal but at the current moment I may not be able to do that and just want to leave a good impression.
Demonstrated interest doesn’t matter at some schools, but I’m not too sure about your school that you’re looking at. Go search it up first if it does, which is probably does since it’s not an ivy. Colleges keep track of your emails and campus tours. My recommendation is go schedule one interview at the school.
I would recommend getting in contact closer to the end of your junior year. Scheduling a visit is a fantastic way to show interest, as is interviewing (Which is generally only available to seniors)
What you “know” is one of those schoolyard rumors about college admissions, similar to beliefs that you have to have some community service to show you’ll “give back” and the purported tipping effect of submitting a letter of rec from an alum that someone in your family happens to know.
Some colleges care a lot about demonstrated interest, mainly those trying to move up in the rankings and wanting to improve their yield. Many give it little or no weight. You can find out by looking at the Common Data Set report by the school. The one for Bucknell is apparently going to have a surprise for you
On the other hand LACs like Bucknell with an enrollment of 4,000 or so typically care a lot about kids understanding what life is like in a LAC. That students are expected to participate in their small classes and seminars, etc. You do not need to visit the specific schools you are applying to if not convenient, 1 or 2 in your area is ok, but you want to talk to some students when you visit to understand the LAC experience. You then use this to color your essays and show why a LAC is a good fit for you.
Since you are only a junior and not facing a time crunch to get apps in, I suggest learning more about the college admission process. There are many books about admissions, one I recommend is “Admission Matters”.
I agree with the above post. Simply put, right now admissions officers are concerned with current seniors – trying to get applications in, do interviews, and then making admissions decisions. It is night the right time to email your admissions rep if you are looking for them to pay any attention to you. It is better done late May - early June when the current application cycle is complete.
Visiting the school is the best way to show interest at this point.
My D applied to LACs and never emailed admissions reps with questions and she got into her schools (which were a similar level to Bucknell). If you don’t have questions, then there is absolutely no need to force it.
Unless you are a slam dunk for Bucknell and you are 100% certain the school is affordable your time at this point would be better spent looking for other schools you would like to attend.
If you haven’t seen Bucknell yet, the don’t get too caught up in it being the best school for you. Bucknell is a fine school but wait until you can visit before deciding it is your top choice.
You can find out whether & how much any college considers demonstrated interest in the admissions process by searching for Common Data Set on any college’s website. Almost all have it posted.
According to Bucknell’s CDS, “Level of applicant’s interest” is “not considered.” So don’t bother going out of your way.
Some people may tell you to demonstrate interest anyway, because it can’t hurt and maybe it would help. Personally, I go with the CDS and would say don’t bother contacting your rep unless you have a genuine question.
I agree that emailing the rep later in junior year is probably a good idea. Also, keep the email thread constant so the rep can acknowledge that you’ve been in conversation for a period of time. I’m a current senior interested in Bucknell-they offer a day in the life program which I believe is extremely helpful to appreciate the true life at Bucknell and show a fair amount of interest. Good luck!
