How to Demonstrate Interest to a College—And Why Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions Matters
When it comes to college admissions, students often focus on GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and essays. But there’s another factor—less discussed, yet increasingly important—that can influence admissions decisions: demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest in college admissions.
Show colleges you’re serious about them—and stand out.
What Is Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions?
Demonstrated interest in college admissions refers to the ways a student shows a college that they are genuinely excited about attending. It’s a way to signal, “I see myself here, and I’m serious about it.” In a crowded applicant pool, this can make a difference—especially at private colleges and mid-sized or smaller institutions that are particularly concerned with yield (the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll).
Not all colleges track interest, but many do—and they may use it as a tie-breaker when deciding between two equally qualified candidates.
Why Does Demonstrated Interest Matter?
- Yield Protection
- Colleges want to admit students who are likely to enroll. It helps their rankings and improves classroom planning and housing logistics. If you haven’t shown interest in a college that tracks it, that college’s admission personnel may assume you’re using them as a backup—and admit someone else who’s shown more enthusiasm.
- Fit and Engagement
- Demonstrating interest shows that you’ve done your research. You’re not just applying because of the name or ranking. You understand what makes that school unique and have thought critically about why you’d thrive there.
- Shows Maturity and Initiative
- Making the effort to connect with a college shows strong decision-making and communication skills—qualities admissions readers value.
How to Demonstrate Interest in College Admissions Effectively
Below are strategies to show interest—some obvious, some overlooked.
1. Campus Visits
Visiting shows serious intent and gives you first-hand knowledge you can mention in essays and interviews. If you can’t visit in person, most colleges offer virtual tours and info sessions. These often count just as much. Schools such as the University of Miami, the University of Michigan, and Syracuse University offer virtual tours on their websites (look for the word “visit” on the admissions page).
2. Join the Mailing List
Sign up on the college’s admissions website. This may seem like a minor detail, but it allows the school to track your engagement and helps you receive tailored updates.
3. Open Emails—and Click the Links
Many colleges use email engagement as a signal of interest. That means it’s not enough to just be on their mailing list—you need to open the emails, click on the links, and ideally spend time on the page they send you to. Yes, some schools even track how long you stay on their site. So the next time an email comes in from a college you’re considering, take some time to explore it fully. Every click shows you’re paying attention—and that you care.
4. Attend College Fairs or Virtual Events
Webinars, student panels, and Q&A sessions help you connect and learn. Be sure to register using the same email address you used in your application.
5. Engage with Admissions Officers
Ask thoughtful questions via email or in-person meetings. Introduce yourself at high school visits or local college fairs.
ICC tip: Don’t ask questions you could Google. Ask about unique programs, faculty, or campus culture. “Tell me about your school’s [fill in the blank]” is a good place to start.
6. Apply Early
Applying Early Decision or Early Action signals strong interest. Early Decision (ED), naturally, is the strongest form of demonstrated interest because it’s binding.
7. Write a Compelling “Why Us” Essay
If a college asks “Why [School Name]?”, this is your chance to prove you’ve done your homework. Avoid vague praise. Get specific about programs, professors, or campus initiatives and why they match your goals. Work with International College Counselors to craft powerful, personalized “Why Us” essays that reflect genuine interest and align with each college’s unique values and priorities.
8. Use the College’s Applicant Portal
Many schools track how often you log in to your application portal. Be sure to engage with the content they provide.
9. Follow and Engage on Social Media
It won’t make or break your application, but liking posts or commenting with genuine questions can help you stay informed and occasionally connect with admissions teams or student ambassadors.
10. Interview (if offered)
Accept any invitation to interview. Some schools even let you request an interview, which is a direct way to show interest. Need help preparing? ICC offers expert interview coaching to help students feel confident, articulate, and ready to impress.
11. Submit an Update or Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
For waitlisted or deferred students, this is crucial. A strong LOCI can affirm your interest and provide updates that bolster your candidacy. When the time comes, our college advisors help students craft compelling letters of continued interest that reinforce their enthusiasm and strengthen their application.
Do All Colleges Track Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions?
No. Some schools, like the University of California system and some large public flagships, explicitly state that they do not consider demonstrated interest. Others, like Tulane, American, and Emory, highly value it.
An ICC college advisor can keep you informed as to which schools track demonstrated interest.
ICC Final Thought
Demonstrated interest in college admissions is one of the few parts of the application process that a student controls entirely. It’s about being intentional, strategic, and authentic in showing a college that they’re invested in joining their community.
Wherever you’re applying, taking time to show interest is an investment that will pay off through a better understanding of how the school fits you—and, as a bonus, could result in an acceptance letter.