Demonstrated Interest

Colleges and universities have what are called yield rates: the percentage of students who accept offers of admission.  Schools would like high yield rates for a variety of reasons (which might be the subject of another blog post!) but suffice to say that schools want to extend offers of admission to those qualified students who are a good fit for the school who are also likely to attend.  One way student can use this in their favor, at least with some schools, is to show the school that if they are accepted, they will (or will very likely) choose that school among all other offers.  This is the idea behind "demonstrated interest."

A March 2009 article in the Boston Globe discussed demonstrated interest. 

In the increasingly tense courtship of college admissions, more selective schools are smiling upon high school students who show sincere interest in attending, closely tracking such things as whether they visited campus, responded to recruiting messages, or even joined an online chat with an admissions officer.

The lesson here is that if you are interested in a more selective school, let them know above and beyond just applying!  If interviews are suggested, schedule one.  If you're able to tour the campus, sign up to do so. 

Parents and applicants take note: Walter and other college officials said they do not hold it against students who cannot afford to visit campus, particularly in the slumping economy. There are many other ways students can let colleges know they are among their top choices, including attending a college fair or reception in their hometown. Even better, they said, is introducing themselves to an admissions officer and striking up a conversation.

 To me the bottom line is that if you really want to attend a school it can only help you to let them know!