<p>Can someone please help? The Duke website says that demonstrated interest is not a factor in the admissions. However, I really want to go to Duke (applying RD), and I have expressed that sentiment in my Why Duke essay and such. I also am planning to submit my supplement in about a week or so and then request an interview. Even though they say they do not really consider interest, will the admissions officials still note and consider my heavy interest in the school? I'm sort of confused by all this, because I would think that Duke would want to accept students who give good reasons for why they really want to come to Duke, as opposed to other students who just simply apply. Thanks for any input!</p>
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<p>You answered it yourself. They really don’t factor interest into the school as a factor in admissions (unless you’re doing ED). They will, however, read your “Why Duke” essay and interview review and take those factors into account when making their decision. So basically, write a good “Why Duke” essay and make a good impression on your interviewer, and let your interest for Duke flow through those means.</p>
<p>I think interest will play a role if it comes down to you and another applicant with the same stats and other “scores.” But it doesn’t play an “official” role in that no amount of interest will be able to push you ahead of someone more qualified than you.</p>
<p>I think you are taking “demonstrated interest” the wrong way here. At some schools, they track individuals who visit the school, take tours, meet admissions counselors, etc. In a sense, they create a “record” for all times that an individual made some contact with the school. When Duke says that “demonstrated interest” is not a factor in admissions, they are saying that they don’t track, or really take into consideration, how many times an applicant has visited the school, called admissions, emailed, etc. This is totally separate from the “demonstrated interest” that you are alluding to on your application. The demonstrated interest that you communicate in your Why Duke essay will absolutely be considered - it’s why they have the essay.</p>
<p>^ Yeah, that makes sense. Thanks for all the input!</p>