What is Demonstrated Interest? (Revised 2025)

How to Show Colleges You’re Interested (and Why It Matters)

The college search process is full of big decisions, and one factor that can sometimes make a difference in admissions is demonstrated interest. While not all colleges formally track it, many do consider a student’s likelihood of enrolling (also known as yield), and one way they gauge this is by the level of engagement a student has with their institution.

What Is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated Interest refers to the interactions a student has with a college or university before applying. This could include:

• Signing up for the college’s email list (and actually opening and engaging with the emails!)

• Attending an information session when a college rep visits your high school

• Visiting campus for an official tour

• Following the college on social media and engaging with their content

• Participating in virtual events, such as info sessions or department-specific webinars

• Interviewing (if available)—whether in person or virtually

• Writing a strong, specific "Why Us?" essay if the college has one

• Applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA), which signals commitment and enthusiasm

Even if a college does not officially track demonstrated interest, doing these things helps you learn more about the school and communicate why it’s a great fit for you.

Note: Many colleges have algorithms that track the activity of an email address - for everything mentioned above and below, it’s best to use the STUDENT’S personal email address that we will be using on their application so everything connects to the application.

Why Demonstrated Interest Matters

As schools have gone/stayed test-optional, many colleges are receiving more applicants than ever. Some schools have started factoring in demonstrated interest more heavily to help predict yield. If two applicants are equally strong academically, but one has visited campus, engaged with admissions, and written a detailed “Why Us?” essay or, in the event of deferral, a Letter of Continued Interest, while the other has not, the student who has demonstrated interest may have the edge.

The actions you take to show interest not only demonstrate your commitment, but it also benefits you! The more you connect with a college, the more you learn about it. This information makes you more confident as you complete your application and especially as you make your final decision.

Best Ways to Show Interest in a College

**Right Course students have an ongoing assignment beginning second semester junior year to track their connections with colleges. I encourage them to keep this up to date as they complete their college research.

1. Sign Up for the College’s Email List

This is an easy first step. Just as important: open the emails, read them, and click on links. Some colleges track whether students engage with their communications.

2. Follow the College on Social Media - Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

Follow both the main college account and the admissions office if they have one. Interact with posts, ask thoughtful questions in comments or DMs, and stay up to date on events and deadlines.

3. Attend Virtual Events

Even if you can’t visit in person, many colleges offer virtual info sessions, major-specific webinars, and Q&A panels with current students. Sign up for these and stay engaged. Add what you learn to your College Research Scavenger Hunt spreadsheet in your Compass!

4. Meet with Admissions Reps

If a rep from a college you’re interested in visits your high school, attend their session! If you can’t make it, email the rep afterward to express interest and ask a thoughtful question. If you do attend, email the rep to thank them for making the trip and share something that you learned that was compelling to you. I can help with these emails!

5. Visit Campus!

An in-person visit is one of the best ways to assess if a school is right for you. If you visit:

• Register for an official tour through the admissions office (this ensures your visit is recorded).

• If official tours are unavailable, ask admissions if a self-guided tour is an option and if someone is available to answer questions. Email admissions if you tour campus on your own to let them know you were there!

• While there, explore the campus beyond the tour—visit the student center, eat in a dining hall, or sit in on a class if allowed.

• See my blog posts on Campus Visits for more details!

6. Request an Interview (If Available)

Some colleges, especially smaller or more selective ones, offer interviews with admissions reps, alumni, or current students. If an interview is optional, consider doing it—it’s a great way to stand out.

7. Engage with Professors or Departments

• If you have a strong interest in a specific major or program, reach out to faculty or department representatives. Some schools track these interactions, and even if they don’t, these conversations can enrich your college knowledge and "Why Us?" or “Why [Major]?” essay.

• Attend department-specific webinars or open houses if available.

• If you visit campus, ask if you can sit in on a class or meet with a professor in your field of interest.

8. Connect with Current Students

• Some colleges offer student ambassador programs where you can chat with a current student. Take advantage of these!

• Join official or informal social media groups for prospective students (some colleges have Discord servers, admitted student Facebook groups, etc.).

• If possible, shadow a current student for a day on campus. If I have a former student there, I am happy to connect you to them!

9. Apply Early Decision or Early Action

• Applying Early Decision (ED) is the strongest form of demonstrated interest since it's a binding commitment, but this is a big decision!

• Early Action (EA), while non-binding, still signals enthusiasm and initiative. Some schools have different EA deadlines, and applying to the earliest round can indicate stronger interest.

• Some colleges offer Priority or Special Application Rounds that signal interest without being binding—research these options.

• We will strategize on deadlines after we complete your college research.

10. Take Advantage of Special Programs or Scholarships

• Some schools have fly-in programs for high-achieving or underrepresented students—applying to these signals serious interest. Open those emails from colleges to see if you qualify!

• Applying to honors colleges or special scholarship programs within a university also demonstrates a deeper commitment to the school. Usually, applying to the honors program is not binding - you can opt out later, but having that honors college option is a great bonus.

11. Write a Strong “Why Us?” Essay

All of the actions above will inform what you write about if a college asks why you want to attend, so be specific! Reference unique programs, professors, traditions, and opportunities that genuinely excite you.

12. Stay Engaged Post-Application

• If a school offers Admitted Student Days, attending one (even virtually) reinforces commitment.

• Some colleges allow applicants to send mid-year updates (new grades, achievements, etc.), which can keep a student's name on their radar. I will help with this!

• If deferred from an Early Action or Early Decision round, sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can reaffirm enthusiasm for the school. I will help with this!

Final Thoughts

If you love a college, show them - and keep track of these connections! Demonstrating interest not only helps colleges see you as a serious applicant but also helps you make a more informed decision about where to apply and ultimately enroll.