When a college rep says "stay in touch" do they mean it?

I did an interview for a school that was one of my top choices. It was a great interview, and after I sent a thank you email, the college rep sent an email back that said “keep in touch, I look forward to reading your application!” Does she really mean this? Also, what kind of email would you suggest sending to keep in touch? I don’t really have any questions but I do want to email her again so she remembers me. Thanks.

Yes, she really wants you to apply, in the sense it’s her job to attract good applicants.

She wants you to apply. But I wouldn’t take it literally, and keep emailing.

When someone says “stay in touch” I DO think they mean things like:
–I hope you apply to the college.
–If you have any meaningful questions that can’t be answered by reading through the school’s website feel free to contact me.
–If you have any important developments after you submit your application send me a brief update.

I DON’T think they want you to contact them just to say hello, to ask questions you can easily get the answer to yourself, to remind them that you met and like the college etc.

Before you send an admission officer anything, remind yourself that they are busy. Admissions officers have tons of applications to review under a tight deadline and are not looking for more things to read. If you do send something, make sure it is meaningful and will add to your overall application.

Adcoms that do interviews take notes. They generally are good at remembering the kids they spoke with but will likely return to their notes to refresh their impressions. That you had an interview is in your file. So you don’t need to email her to remember you.

Which brings up a second point. As @happy1 wrote “stay in touch” given the adcom-applicant relationship is a friendly ending to a meeting and not a blanket invitation to write. Colleges are looking for qualities in an applicant that includes judgement. The judgement not to treat them like your pen-pal or send hollow emails.

I wouldn’t send an email just to chat.

After you submit your app, you can send her a quick note to let her know that you did, in fact, apply. Something along the lines of:

“I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to meet with me last month, and to let you know that I submitted my application yesterday. Best wishes in the holiday season.”

You’re getting good advice. I hope you understand no one’s saying she misrepresented and has zero interest. It’s that this isn’t a social relationship of friends, co workers. You’ll be reviewed fairly and she’ll remember you. Best wishes.

Thanks! I definitely don’t want to send any unnecessary email. I was mostly just wondering if they write that to everyone and if I should send a short email once I submit my application.

LoveTheBard’s suggestion is appropriate.