Demonstrated Interest and Its Pivotal Role in College Admissions Decisions
What Is Demonstrated Interest and Why Is It Important?
Demonstrated interest (DI) can play a pivotal role in admissions decisions. DI refers to prospective students’ actions showing their interest in a college. This nuanced aspect of the college application process can significantly influence admissions decisions at some colleges, while it might not matter at others. The same actions that help you show interest in colleges will also help you learn more about them, which will assist you in deciding which ones you like best.
How Do I Know Which Colleges Consider DI
Most colleges release an annual Common Data Set (CDS). In section C.7. of each college’s CDS, colleges state what factors they consider in making admissions decisions, including the “Level of applicant’s interest.” Thanks to College Transitions’ Dataverse, here is a list of colleges and their statement about whether and how much they consider an applicant’s interest in making admission decisions. Applying early decision (ED), where the student makes a binding commitment to attend if admitted, is the ultimate form of DI.
In my experience, DI is most important at selective private colleges that offer ED where the applicant is not applying ED. Most state flagships and uber-selective private colleges state that they do not consider DI, but it can still be a factor at some of those institutions. For others, DI is truly not considered.
Two Main Reasons Why Some Colleges Consider DI
Yield Rate (the most important reason)
Applicants showing strong interest are more likely to accept their admission offers, i.e., to yield. Institutions are mindful of their yield rates—the percentage of admitted students who enroll. As Jeffrey Selingo wrote recently, colleges want high yield rates for multiple reasons. Yet, with students applying to more colleges, yield rates are decreasing at most colleges (the exceptions are the most selective ones, such as those that accept under 10% of their applicants). DI helps colleges predict which applicants will most likely yield if offered admission.
Community Engagement
Colleges seek students who are genuinely excited about attending their institution and contributing to the campus community. DI and its cousin “demonstrated understanding” can be a proxy for gauging an applicant’s enthusiasm for actively engaging in campus life.
How Students Can Demonstrate Interest
Here are some of the best strategies when you apply to colleges where DI is a factor.
Sign Up for Mailing Lists and Open Emails
Sign up for the college’s mailing list, which typically includes a physical address and email. Many colleges use technology to determine whether you open their emails and click their links and how much time you spend on their website. Consider using an email address dedicated only to the college planning and application process so these emails don’t get buried, and check your spam folder regularly. Ideally, you’ll get on mailing lists well before application season, but late is better than not at all.
Visit Campus
Visiting a college campus is one of the most effective ways to show interest. Participate in an official tour or information session so the college has a record of it. Colleges understand, however, that financial and time constraints don’t allow many students to visit in person. Fortunately, most colleges offer virtual tours and information sessions.
Engage with the Admissions Office
Engaging with admissions representatives can signal your interest, whether through college visits at your high school, college fairs (in person and virtual), or social media. Send thank you emails if you meet an admissions officer in person or virtually. If a college offers interviews, do one and prepare for it, including by thinking of questions to ask. Note: college admissions officers are busy, especially during application reading season, so tread carefully before emailing them; an occasional email is okay if you need information not easily found on the website, but avoid lengthy or repeated emails.
Apply Early
Consider applying ED, depending on whether your top choice college offers it and your financial circumstances. Otherwise, apply early action (EA), which is non-binding, to colleges that offer it. There are some exceptions—based on the college and your unique circumstances—where applying regular decision is preferable to EA (unrelated to DI), but those situations are less common.
Tailored Supplemental Essays
Personalize your supplemental essays to highlight why the college is an excellent fit for you and vice versa. Mention specific programs, classes, professors, and organizations that align with your academic interests and career goals. Even for colleges that don’t officially consider DI, it can be crucial to demonstrate an understanding of these colleges. For example, though Georgia Tech does not consider DI, its 2023-24 supplemental essay question was, “Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech?” Successful applicants demonstrated their understanding of Georgia Tech and showed (perhaps implicitly) why they are a good fit for the institution, including how they would contribute to the Georgia Tech community.
Is DI valuable for the schools on your college application list?
For many colleges, DI can be a valuable component of your application strategy. Contact me to discuss DI or any other part of the college application and admissions process.
