<p>so i keep on reading that washu takes into consideration shown interest in the school, either by visiting, interviewing, applying for scholarships, etc.</p>
<p>but for me, i haven't been contacted for an interview and seeing as washu is somewhat of a reach school for me, it doesn't make sense to apply for a merit scholarship nor visit the school unless i am accepted.</p>
<p>basically....will my lack of apparent interest in the school hurt my application? how else can i show interest?</p>
<p>I think that showing absolutely no interest will hurt your application a little bit… especially if it’s a reach school. Showing interest was a little easier for me since I live on the outskirts of St. Louis, but it’s still doable. For me, I went to an essay writing conference, went to the representative meeting at my school, went on a recruit trip, applied ED, and REALLY made an effort to get to know my high school’s representative. If you get to know your representative for your area, they can easily put a face with a name when they review your application, which always helps.</p>
<p>Apply for the merit scholarships anyhow. Even if you have no shot at getting one, the admissions committee uses that as a gauge of interest level. </p>
<p>And like Dusty said, get to know the admissions officer that is responsible for your area, email them with any questions that you have about the school. If you aren’t sure who your representative is, just call the office of admissions; they’re really helpful there and they will get you set up with the person you need to talk to.</p>
<p>WashU was definitely a reach school for me also. But I loved it so!</p>
<p>I met an admissions rep the summer before senior year, emailed him follow up questions. Visited and Interviewed on Discovery Weekend. During the visit I talked the admissions rep I met before. Later that fall I met my regional admissions rep who was actually going to reading my application at an essay writing workshop. Went to the small info sesh when she visited my school a week later. Emailed her thanks after that. Applied (and got rejected 
) for a merit scholarship and applied ED. WashU 2015!</p>
<p>It may not seem like it…but it wasn’t really forced “showing interest”. It was my #1 school after the visit and I was genuinely interested so it showed. I was going to that essay workshop anyway, going to that info sesh anyway, wanted to visit anyway, was going to apply for that scholarship! (like i wouldve at my other 10 schools lolz) </p>
<p>I’d say be proactive about the interview and schedule it yourself! 100% agree with previous posters. Email your regional rep. Definitely They read your application!</p>
<p>I wrote a short, one-paragraph Why WashU in the additional information. That should show the admission officers that you aren’t just casually adding WashU as a last-minute school since they don’t require a supplement.</p>
<p>Additional information?</p>
<p>Isn’t that section on the Common App? Doesn’t the Common App specifically note NOT to include school-specific information?</p>