<p>Some of the colleges I'm applying to (for example Carnegie Mellon) consider demonstrated interest important, but my parents won't let me visit. How else can I show demonstrated interest?</p>
<p>Doing an alumni interview is a good way to show you are interested. You can also contact members of the department you are interested in and ask questions.</p>
<p>I’ll tell you what I did,</p>
<p>I email admissions and asked questions, after asking questions I requested a current student pen pal who was majoring in what I wanted to major in. Talk to them for a while, when everything is done email the admin person again once ever 2 or 3 months, just so they remember you.</p>
<p>It’s what I did. ^_^</p>
<p>Also, at the very least visit at a local college fair. You have a good chance to meet the actual person that will read your application. Follow up with an email referencing the meeting and then ask thoughtful questions.</p>