I know that a lot of colleges do take your demonstrated interest into account, however not many people really elaborate on what this means.
A lot of people say college visits is the best way to show demonstrated interest, but I know a few schools have said that college visits won’t be taken into account during the application process. Additionally, with all the schools I want to apply to, it wouldn’t be practical for me to visit most of them as they are far away and that would be incredibly expensive. Because of this, I feel like there have to be more ways to show demonstrated interest.
So far, I’ve gone to Duke University (My ED choice) for the past two summers through their summer college program and I’ve signed up for the mailing list or the more info tab for every school that I could find this option for. Would these be considered ways to show demonstrated interest?
I realize what I’ve done thus far hasn’t been enough, what more can I do?
Google the Common Data Set for each school to see if interest even matters (for some schools is it is not considered). If it does matter, some ways are:
Get on mailing lists for schools early (and open the emails)
Visit if you can. Be sure to sign in at admissions.
If they have a Info session or something in your city, go.
If they come to your HS, go and try to have a question or two that isn’t obvious from their website,
If they have a table at a college fsir, stop to pick up literature and sign in.
When you apply, check the portal they give you regularly.
If they have an EA round, try to get your app in then. It shows interest and organization.
If there is a “Why College X” essay, really try to be specific about what interests you and also how you are a fit for them.
Hi @intparent, this goes off on a little bit of a tangent, but I think it still follows on the demonstrated interest topic. I would like to ask you a question.
I’ve heard from my Calculus teacher that universities can know what other schools you have applied to if you fill out the FAFSA form with your application. Can you tell me if this is true? If so, I think I would have to focus on squeezing the number of schools I apply to around 10-ish, because I think colleges will be a bit worried with the slim chances that I will actually go to their school even if I get accepted if I have a grandiose list of applied-to colleges.
Obviously, colleges want to decrease the enrollment-to-accepted ratio to increase their rankings.
It used to be the case that schools receiving the FAFSA got to see the list of schools, and that some would infer a preference order from the order that they were listed. But the FAFSA changed policy so that schools do not see the other schools that the applicant listed.
In addition to what’s already been mentioned, follow the school and admissions on social media. If you are offered an alumni interview, or interview of any kind, do it even if you are told it doesn’t impact your application. Some schools will also have you register to do virtual tours on line. For sure set up your portal once you get quickly and check often.
Applying ED already shows a lot of interest and Duke only “considers” interest. Email your regional rep if you have a question that’s not their website and take an interview if you’re offered it.