How to Show Demonstrated Interest

• Key Takeaways:
• Demonstrated interest refers to the ways applicants show a college that they are genuinely interested in attending.
• Some colleges consider demonstrated interest more than others, but it can still matter in a competitive admissions process.
• Demonstrated interest may be especially important for academically strong applicants who could otherwise appear to be treating a college as a “safety school.”
• Students can demonstrate interest through campus visits, virtual events, admissions emails, interviews, college fairs, and thoughtful communication with admissions officers.
• A strong “Why this college?” essay is one of the most important ways to show that you have researched the school carefully.
• Applying Early Decision can be a strong signal of interest, but students should only do so if the college is truly their first choice.

The importance of demonstrated interest in college admissions is currently under debate. Some colleges and universities put more weight on demonstrated interest than others, with some eliminating it altogether. Given the complex admissions environment, it is essential, as a prospective applicant, to plan and prepare for the range of colleges to which you will apply, including conveying your interest.

What Is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest refers to the actions a student takes to show a college or university that they are genuinely interested in attending. This can include visiting campus, attending virtual information sessions, opening admissions emails, meeting with admissions representatives, participating in interviews, asking thoughtful questions, and writing a strong “Why this college?” essay.

Colleges may use demonstrated interest as one way to assess whether an applicant is likely to enroll if admitted. While not every school tracks or considers demonstrated interest, it can still be helpful for students to engage sincerely with the colleges on their list.

Which students should show Demonstrated Interest?

Applicants who fall into specific categories must demonstrate their enthusiasm and curiosity for the colleges to which they apply.

Students with strong academics or high standardized test scores. Schools are wary of admitting applicants who are academically strong with high scores but have limited or no demonstrated interest, as they fear being used as a “safety school.”

Students who reside in a state where the majority of applicants to a particular college or university live, demonstrated interest may not be considered to distinguish applicants; on the other hand, if a student resides in a state where a specific college or university has fewer applicants, it often becomes a factor and may tip the admit scale. When a college admissions committee wants to take a risk and accept a student from an underrepresented part of the country, the committee reviews how the student has engaged. When comparing two equal applicants, demonstrated interest could be the deciding factor.

Students who attend a private or a prominent public high school and whose parents have an advanced education are expected to have the resources to visit and engage with colleges.

There are many ways in which to demonstrate your interest in the colleges to which you apply beyond the campus visit. 

In response to COVID-19, many schools have realized that many students, even before the pandemic, were unable to physically visit their campuses. This has led many schools to offer more virtual visit options, such as information sessions, virtual tours, and even application workshops. If you are unable to visit a college in person, consider using these virtual options to demonstrate interest.

How do you show demonstrated interest?

Here are additional actions that you can take to demonstrate an interest in a college or university.

1. Complete an online information request form on college admissions websites.

2. Open emails sent from colleges.

3. Connect on Social Media.

4. Meet with an admissions officer when they visit your high school.

5. Attend a regional college fair or information session.

6. Participate in online events, such as webinars, virtual tours, etc., sponsored by admissions.

7. Engage in alumni or student interviews when offered.

8. Reach out to an admissions officer with sincere questions that cannot be found on the website.

9. Invest time in writing your “Why this college?” or supplemental essay. Take this essay very seriously as it is a way to show an admissions committee that you have done your homework on their school and are genuinely excited about what they have to offer you.

10. Apply early. Colleges like ED applicants because they can count on them as guaranteed members of their freshman class. Admit rates tend to be higher for ED applicants.

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Originally Published: Aug 2018. Updated by an admissions consultant and republished in June 2026