<p>How can one demonstrate interest in a school, and be sure the school knows it? How can you let the school know that it's your #1 choice, and you wouldn't rather be anywhere else? Especially if the school does not have ED/EA. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>If you're not a senior, I would say participate in something at the school, such as a class or program. Otherwise, in your essay, write about what you want to do with your life, and why you'd be best at school X for said program.</p>
<p>do you even know if they consider demonstrated interest in their admissions? check the common data set: it should say how important/irrelevant it is....</p>
<p>if it's irrelevant, don't make yourself crazy....won't matter</p>
<p>
If you're not a senior, I would say participate in something at the school, such as a class or program. Otherwise, in your essay, write about what you want to do with your life, and why you'd be best at school X for said program.
</p>
<p>I don't know if this is what Poseiden was saying, but I do need to say that I would REALLY avoid talking about a specific school in your common application essay. Totally do it in a "Why XYZ?" essay, but putting in a "And that's why I'd be so great at XYZ!" in your personal statement/general essay is a tacky move.</p>
<p>Get an interview with an admissions couselor. Have you visited the school? Visit before the interview and talk about the things you liked etc.</p>
<p>Maybe apply first day applications are released.</p>
<p>In an alumni interview, mention it. I did that for one of mine and the alumnus wrote it down and underlined it three times...</p>
<p>And I second rodney's point. If this is for a school like HP, they probably won't care too much (obviously it's not for Y or S or M because they have EA).</p>