Demonstrated Interest is a term used by colleges to determine the level of interest a student actually has in a particular college. How a college uses this information varies from college to college. Some colleges, usually top tier, do not factor in Demonstrated Interest, and other colleges rank it right behind the essay (personal statement). As a matter of fact, there are colleges that actually use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software to track student interest.
So why does it matter? Colleges are interested in “yield”. Yield refers to the percent of students who enroll in the college after being admitted. For example, if a college sends out 1000 acceptance letters and 900 students enroll, their yield is 90%. Low yields may result in low enrollment, budget woes, cancelled classes…you get the picture. Colleges want/need high yield. Students who show a high level of interest (Demonstrated Interest) are more likely to enroll. Get the picture?
So how can a student show demonstrated Interest without becoming a stalker? First of all, it is important that you are authentic. Perhaps the best way you can show your interest is to make a campus visit. Now this does not mean going to visit a friend for the weekend. It means actually taking a campus tour. When you sign up for a tour, they have your name and will document the visit in your file. Sometimes visiting a campus is not possible. If this is the case, do some virtual tours and study the website. Find some questions that need answers, and then call or email the admissions office with your questions. Give them your name and where you are from, then let them know that you cannot make a formal visit but that you are very interested in their campus. Then ask your question. Be sure it is not something you could have easily found on their website. If you email, be sure to use good grammar and punctuation! It will make a better impression than a poorly written email. The best emails are well thought-out. The content may just provide an update on your achievements. Try to send it to the admissions officer who will handle your application.
You can also meet your admissions rep at College Night, request information from the college, or schedule an informal interview with your rep. Another great way to demonstrate interest is to apply early. Early Action shows a higher level of interest, but be careful when applying Early Decision since it is binding. That means if you are accepted you must attend. As you demonstrate your interest, be sure you do not become a pest. And for goodness sakes, do not have your mom make the call for you.
Although Demonstrated Interest will not gain admission for a student who is otherwise not qualified, it can certainly make a difference to a student who is “on the bubble”. So get busy and demonstrate your interest!
