As admissions decisions come out, so do wait lists. As more and more students apply to more and more schools, it becomes hard for colleges and universities to uncover which students are really interested in attending their institutions. As a way to measure student interest, colleges and universities turn to their databases and analyze who visited, how many times, and what actions were taken to learn more about their schools. In other words, colleges and universities consider the following:
How many times did the student visit campus?
Did the student attend an open house?
When the college sent an admissions representative to visit the high school, did the student attend?
If the college is further way, did the student attend a local college fair or presentation?
Did the student reach out to the admission representative and ask any questions?
A college education is the most expensive investment most people will make into their education in their entire lives. Demonstrated interest does not just help colleges and universities analyze who may really want to attend, but is also helps students figure out if they could pictures themselves as members of that college community. In other words, not only do visits, emails to admissions representatives, and college fairs help your chances of admission, but it also helps you figure out if you even want to take the time to apply.
Any college or university will be better off because you are a member of their community. No college can make you apply. Take the time and decide what institutions are a good match for you. Take the time and show how awesome you are. You will be happy you did and will feel more confident in the choices you make.
The link below is an article that talks about demonstrated interest and the roll it plays in admissions.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2018-05-21/what-demonstrated-interest-means-in-college-admissions
Picture from College Match Point
