What is demonstrated interest
Demonstrated interest is your way of showing a college you're genuinely excited about possibly attending their school. It's essentially telling them, "Hey, you're one of my top picks!"
Colleges tracking demonstrated interest do it to figure out how likely you are to say "yes" if they accept you. Why does this matter? Because colleges love a high yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll). High yield rates boost rankings and reputation—basically making them look good and attracting even more applicants next year.
However, not every college cares about how interested you are. Some schools pay close attention to demonstrated interest, while others (like Ivy League universities) don't factor it into their decisions at all.
How to check if a college tracks demonstrated interest
You can find this info in the Common Data Set, a documents with tons of college stats that most students never discover! Here's your step-by-step guide:
- Google the college name plus "Common Dataset" (Try: "Tulane University Common Data Set")
- Find Section C7
- Look for "Level of applicant's interest" in the list
When it says "considered" or "important," that means they're keeping tabs on your interest. If it says "not considered," they don't factor it into their decisions.
Ways to show Demonstrated Interest
- Apply Early Decision (the clearest way to show your commitment) or Early Action to prove you're serious about the school.
- Write standout supplemental essays—especially the "Why College X?" essay—that clearly demonstrates you've done your research and genuinely care about the institution.
- Sign up for college mailing lists, open their emails, and click through provided links to explore their resources.
- Join virtual info sessions and events. Participate actively, keep your camera on, and follow up afterward with thoughtful questions or a short thank-you note.
- Email admissions officers with insightful, well-researched questions to show you've genuinely engaged with their institution.
- Visit campus if you can. (Don't worry—colleges understand most international students can't do this!)
🗣️ veronica says...
Veronica Lee
Admissions ExpertSome people go overboard with demonstrated interest—don't be one of them. Sending daily emails or excessive messages won't impress anyone; it'll just annoy admissions officers. Prioritize meaningful interactions over quantity.