This week a high-achieving student of mine was deferred from a school where she was more than qualified to be admitted. I called, and the admissions representative checked her file. “She didn’t engage with us at all. We leaned heavily on demonstrated interest in the Early Action round,” she said. They admitted 50% of the EA applicants, but this student hadn’t visited campus, watched a webinar, or opened their emails. (Actually, she had visited, but not officially, so they had no record of that.)

What is demonstrated interest?

Demonstrated interest is when you show a college through your actions that you are interested in that school.

How do you know if a school considers demonstrated interest? Google “Common Data Set” and the name of the school, and then go to section C7. Find “level of applicant’s interest” or “demonstrated interest.” It will tell you if admissions factors this as “very important,” “important,” “considered,” or “not considered.”

However, even if the school says it’s not considered, they may track your engagement.

How do I demonstrate interest? Make your name known.

• Visit the campus. But make sure you’re signed up for a tour and/or information session. The sign-up should be under the student’s name and email (not the parent’s—admissions tracks the student).
• Attend virtual info sessions, webinars, and online Q&A events. Watch virtual tours.
• When college representatives visit your high school, sign up through Naviance or Scoir and show up. Introduce yourself. Ask questions.
• Email your regional admissions representative with thoughtful, specific questions about programs or opportunities.
• Attend college fairs when the school is present.
• OPEN YOUR EMAILS! Promptly.

When should you start?

Begin demonstrating interest junior year for schools you’re genuinely excited about. Focus on schools where you’d truly be happy—admissions officers can tell when engagement is authentic versus box-checking.