Hi ccers, if you want to let colleges know that you’re really interested in going to their school how would you let them know?
Like through your overall application obviously, but what else could you do if you didn’t apply early anywhere?
Do you just email or write them a letter? What would it say? Or is there another way to show this? Thanks!
First you should check if that even matters for the schools you are applying to. But assuming it is here are some ideas: A campus tour and/or sit in on classes, or stay overnight. Sign up for their mailing list. It might also be good to send your SAT and ACT scores early. If they interview and it’s at all possible, you should do that too.
^^ all that plus actually respond to those mass emails students send out. Not the ones that are like “come apply to our school” but the ones that say “I’m a sophomore and I’m majoring in this and come to talk to me for advice”. the recruiting emails. also look out for college fairs in your area and make sure to introduce yourself and put your name down on their list, even if you’re already on the mailing list, just so they can keep a record of it. but yes make sure it actually matters first, that’s kinda important lol
@ClaremontMom and @lilypippili thank you for responding 
would it be strange to visit at this point in the application process because i’m a senior right now?
and it’s too late to for most college fairs and recruiters to come by our school now
the schools that im thinking about are amherst and brown but really amherst
does anyone know how much it matters to show interest thanks!
Doesn’t matter at either school:
https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/CDS_2015-2016-C_FY%2520Admission.pdf
http://www.brown.edu/about/administration/institutional-research/sites/brown.edu.about.administration.institutional-research/files/uploads/CDS_2014-2015.pdf
For any school type the name of the school and “Common Data Set” . Then look for “Relative importance of each of the following academic and nonacademic factors in first-time, firstyear, degree-seeking (freshman) admission decisions.”
At Brown, just write really compelling and unique essays, especially the “Why Brown” one, to demonstrate that you truly like the school and are not drawn to it solely for prestige.
@ClaremontMom oh wow, thanks i’ll do that alright so i guess no impromptu visits 
You’ve talked about some mighty competitive colleges. Most important is your app, itself. How you complete it (both the facts and the writing) will let them know if you are.were interested enough to learn what they are about, what they value, and to match yourself. This is more than visiting or emailing someone. Have you done this? It’s not confirming they have your major or study abroad or reputation, etc. So, why Amherst and what d you really know about it? See what I mean?
And, show, not just tell.
I’d err on the side of showing interest even if it isn’t one of the factors the school endorses as important. I’d make sure to click on their site/portal and read what is available. And do all the things suggested in the posts above. There is a way that you can show absolute commitment. That is, you can write to them, express interest and tell them, explicitly that if you get an offer you will take it. And even better, if you have a guidance counselor who is willing, you can talk with the GC about the possibility of him or her sending a quick email to the school endorsing your promise. But, do not tell the school that you would go if given an offer unless you are 100% certain that you will. So there can be no other extenuating circumstances that would lead you to rejecting an offer. If you renege after making the promise and getting an offer, you will be persona non grata at your school forever after. That is because if your guidence counselor makes that promise she or he is staking the school’s reputation on it. And that is literal. It could be a long time before that school took another student from your high school.
@lookingforward well i am gonna do all of that, i meant because i didn’t ed anywhere, if there was another way to sort of let schools know if i am that interested but @lostaccount has given me a pretty good idea thank you both