My daughter is interested in Tulane. We are from CA, and have taken her on two OOS tours already, but can’t keep flying around the country (she just recently discovered this school). It seems hard to show demonstrated interest without a real college tour though. She will go to the her school meeting with Tulane counselors, and there is a Sunday event coming up she will go to, but wouldn’t REALLY know if she loves the school until she visits it. And I can’t take her there unless she gets in. What other sort of interest can she show? The “why Tulane” can be tricky if she hasn’t been to the campus yet. Any ideas?
Many schools make note of things like who pays attention to the school’s social media, etc. " Like" their videos, FB, reach out to people with questions. Dig a little deeper beyond the general website. My D answered the “Why XX College” on one application by referring to her (genuine) particular interest in a field of study that a faculty member had done extensive research in. She was excited at the prospect of learning from that professor. That’s the kind of thing you find out from reading the faculty bios in your intended area of study. Also, keep in mind that they already know what their school has to offer – so “I want to attend XX U because of the amazing XX facilities, etc” is pretty ho-hum. What you want to show them is why they should choose you, not why you should choose them! How will she connect/make use of/take advantage of the specific opportunities she will find there? What will SHE be bringing to THEIR community? Best wishes on her college journey!
Be sure she opens emails from them and checks her portal regularly after applying. I’d say she’s done enough to show interest. For the essay, carefully peruse the website. Look for majors, facilities, and programs that appeal to her. Look at ECs and clubs as well. Also see if the school’s mission statement prompts any thoughts.
You are on target for showing demonstrated interest. She should try to reach out to her admissions rep and ask questions that are not answered on the website, thereby starting a dialog with the person who will be reading her application! This will probably be the same person who will make the presentations in your area. She could also try to meet Tulane grads who are in your area who can offer direct info about being a Californian at Tulane. Good luck to her!
@cameo43 Do they really have enough time to see who “likes” their posts? I know they track interest, but that seems pretty time consuming. But I get the point. Thanks to all!
I was admitted to Tulane and I didn’t visit, even though I didn’t live far at the time. I attended the online chats regularly, but that was all I was able to do. Things might have changed in the last two years. 
They likely pay for analytics on their social media. So yes.
From what I know, the admissions staff at Tulane understands if you cannot come on a visit. You should research Tulane and write your essay on the information that you find.
For example, community service is huge at Tulane. That could be a good think to talk about in the essay.
Tulane has regional visit events where the admission rep for your area comes to a more local site and gives an informational presentation/reception. My daugher and I attended one in our area. It was small enough that she was able to spend a good bit of time interacting with the rep and made an impression. We didn’t visit campus until she had applied and been admitted. If you can attend a regional event closer to home, that will more than check the box for demonstrated interest. Here is the link to the page so you can see when they are coming to your area. Appears they will be hosting five events at different locations in CA in late September/early Oct. https://apply.tulane.edu/portal/tulanecomestoyou
Good luck!
Some ways to demonstrate interest other than visiting (and it seems you have done many of them):
- Get on the mailing list
- If the college gives a presentation near you or at your HS you should attend.
- If the college attends a college fair near you then try to attend and visit the school’s booth
- Request a local alumni interview if they are available
- Some colleges have online question & answer sessions so if available you can participate in those
- If you have a question that can’t be answered by carefully reading the website you can email your admissions rep to ask.
- Read up on the school (website, college guide books such as Fiske, Princeton Review) so if you do contact someone at the school and if you have to write a “Why this college” essay in the supplement you can be knowledgeable about why the school appears to be a good fit.
To determine if demonstrated interest matters for the schools you are considering google the common data set for each college and look at section C7.
To find your admissions counselor, go here: https://admission.tulane.edu/meet-our-counselors