<p>My daughter is considering applying to Amherst next year. However, we live on the west coast and she will likely not be able to visit unless she is accepted. Does Amherst keep track of students that show interest? She has requested information from them, but would sending her upcoming SAT scores (the free ones) also show that she’s seriously considering Amherst? Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>everyone sends SAT scores so that won't show interest. it's a requirement. </p>
<p>The top schools choose students by merit, not by interest. If you can't visit, there's no disadvantage. If you can, it's good for you in a sense that you get to know the college, not in a sense that it'll help your admission. Only way to show #1 college true interest is to apply ED.</p>
<p>Check out the DIVOH program Amherst has. There's a brief, very brief, application involved, and they'll foot the bill for a visit, provided that the applicant is a minority or from a low-income family.</p>
<p>I don't know if Amherst keeps track of interest shown, when there are so many who show interest. But on the application they'll ask you what you used to find out about the college, be it their website, publications, talking to admissions officers when they visit around the country, talking to alumni, etc. Try one of those methods, and request more information from them.</p>
<p>If accepted, if she is in the Diversity program, they will make the arrangements and pay to have her visit. My D showed no interest whatsoever, because she applied as an afterthought right at the deadline. She didn't visit until the Diversity Weekend for accepted students, called me and said "This is it!" So don't worry.</p>
<p>I didn't visit until I was accepted either, and I'm currently an Amherst 09, so don't worry too much about it.</p>
<p>Amherst doesn't offer interviews, unless they have changed in the last 2 years, I don't think interest is a big factor at all. You can, though, show that you have done your homework about the school in the essays.</p>