How do I let colleges know that I am an interested and serious applicant? I am from NJ, but I will be applying to schools all over the country. I feel that if I can let colleges know I am super interested, I will stand a better chance at the schools I am applying to in California (USC and UCLA) or the other far away schools.
I have heard that writing emails to the admissions rep’s in your area and describing your interest is a good idea? What do you guys think? What should I mention and not mention in the email?
Visiting the school and applying early decision/action to a school shows true interest. Other than that, any types of self-defined “passion” for a particular institution is mediocre at best.
Going for a visit, especially for an organized one.
Applying ED/EA.
Expressing interest at an interview.
Contact with athletic coaches or leaders of activities that are major ECs (music, art)
Showing in your answers to supplemental essays that you have looked into the school in some detail and have more than a superficial understanding of what it offers, and how it fits you. "Why X?" essays are a good way of doing this. Knowledge of specific programs, courses, professors, activities and the like can be helpful.
-Check the school’s common data (google school name followed by common data set) and go to the freshman admission section to see if level of interest is even a factor in admission decisions at that school.
–I agree that applying ED and to a lesser extent EA is the most serious form of interest.
–If you can visit a school that is one way to show interest (be sure to sign up for a tour/information session).
–If a school offers interviews you can interview either on campus, with an admissions rep visiting your area, or with an alumnus near your home.
–Put your name on the school’s mailing list.
–If a school representative comes to your area (ex. for a presentation, college fair etc.) then go.
-Personally (and some may have a different opinion) I don’t think admissions officers want an email just introducing yourself. If you have a specific question that cannot be answered on the school’s website then it is OK to email. They have enough to read already.