How do I talk with admissions people of schools I would like to attend? What kind of questions should I be asking them to reflect my interest in the school? Should the dialogue in emails be really formal or semi formal?
UCs don’t need/want a dialogue with you. That’s not how they evaluate you. Your “interest” in them won’t sway them. Perhaps do a search on this forum for “demonstrated interest” and read those threads. Good luck.
Don’t talk to admissions people just because you think you have to.
First, read info on their website
Sign up to receive information from that college…
Then, read info here on CC about that college.
If feasible, visit the college.
If they do interviews, do one.
Then, only then, if you have questions, ask them of the admissions people.
Also, like the above poster said, google "Common Data Set " and look for “Demonstrates Interest”…see if it is considered, not considered or important. That will let you know how much effort to put into that.
Some State U’s don’t care about interest because they have tens of thousands applicants and just accept based on GPA/SAT. Ivy’s assume you are interested, why wouldn’t you be.
It is those top 100 privates that want to make sure you are interested in attending.
Be courteous and prepared. Don’t waste their time.
Don’t ask anything you can learn from their web site.
OP, provide us an example school and what you would possibly ask an admissions counselor?