<p>I've noticed on a lot of the Emory threads there is a mention of showing interest. Also, in one of the books sent by Emory it is mentioned as one of the top five admission evaluation criteria.</p>
<p>Can someone explain this in a little more detail? Emory doesn't visit our area and a single school visit doesn't seem like enough.</p>
<p>Emory has become top choice and overall son would fit in top 25% for stats.</p>
<p>This is what I have gleaned that “showing interest” means for Emory:
Have your son request information from Admissions (including the DVD); visit the school; sit in on a class if possible; meet a coach or professor if possible; and find out which Admissions person is assigned to him (I think it’s done by geographic area or alphabetical but there is a specific person who is assigned to his application). Then he should email that person after his visit, mention how much he liked his visit and why (assuming he genuinely liked it), and periodically email that person with specific updates on awards won or other achievements. Don’t stalk them, but start a respectful dialogue with that person.</p>
<p>Columbia’s app used to have an exhaustive checkoff list. Even if Columbia is not of interest, you could look at their app.</p>
<p>One “DI” that a lot people miss is volunteering for Emory Cares. There are half day projects in various cities around the country. You don’t have to be an Emory student.
[Emory</a> Cares International Service Day | Emory Alumni Association](<a href=“http://www.alumni.emory.edu/volunteer-and-give/emory-cares.html]Emory”>http://www.alumni.emory.edu/volunteer-and-give/emory-cares.html)</p>
<p>FYI, Just wanted to let you know that I know someone that was accepted and granted a nice academic scholarship that never went to visit Emory. I obviously think it is best that you visit and show DI, but if you are not able to visit there are still opportunities to be accepted and receive scholarships. I also know this person went regular decision. He went to another school, because the academic financial package was better. Is your son planning on going ED?</p>
<p>It’s a broad term, and there are many avenues to achieving dedicated interest. Visiting, interviewing, requesting information are all great. Applying Early Decision is another method, as you are showing commitment. One that is overlooked is being specific in the “why emory” essay. The more specific and passionate it reads, the more interest you’ve shown, and in a big way since essays factor pretty heavily in admissions.</p>