Ever feel like colleges are watching your every move? Well, you’re not entirely wrong! Demonstrated interest is basically how much you’ve shown a college you’re into them. It’s not just about hitting “apply” and hoping for the best; it’s about the online flirtation, the in-person meet-ups, and proving you’ve done your homework (we call that “informed interest”). Many colleges are like observant detectives, tracking your every interaction to see if you’re truly smitten or just playing the field. They want to know how long you’ve been wooing them and how deep your infatuation goes.

So, how do you show a college you’re genuinely interested in a long-term commitment? 

• Actually showing up: Visiting the campus (in person or virtually) is like turning up with a bouquet of digital flowers.
• Sliding into their DMs (their email, that is): Sending an admissions officer a thoughtful question (that you can’t easily Google) shows you’re engaged.
• Being a social butterfly: Following and interacting with them on social media proves you’re hip to their happenings.
• Opening those emails: Yep, they can see if you’re actually reading their painstakingly crafted newsletters. Don’t worry, you don’t need to open every single one, just the ones that genuinely pique your interest (like that webinar on the “History of Competitive Cheese Rolling”).
• Attending their online parties: Webinars and info sessions are basically virtual open houses, and your attendance gets logged.
• Dropping hints in your essays: This is where “informed interest” shines. Weaving specific details about their obscure club or unique major into your “Why Us?” essay screams, “I did my research, and I love you for it!”
• Applying Early Decision: This is the ultimate declaration of love. It’s a binding contract that basically says, “You’re the only one for me, and I’m ready to commit!”

Why Colleges Are Obsessed with Your “Interest” (It’s All About the Yield!)

Why do colleges care so much about your digital footprint and love notes? Because they’re trying to predict their yield. In college admissions speak, “yield” is the magical percentage of accepted students who actually enroll. Admissions officers know you’re probably playing the field and will likely get more than one acceptance letter. But they can only count on you if you actually show up!

Colleges are like businesses with enrollment quotas to hit. If they admit 100 students but only 30 enroll, that’s not great for their numbers (or their budget for fancy new academic buildings). Statistics show that students who are actively engaged and show “demonstrated interest” are much more likely to actually enroll.

And here’s where it gets spicy: with application pools exploding and yield rates dropping faster than a hot potato, many colleges are going into “yield protection” mode. This means even if you have a GPA that sparkles and test scores that sing, you might get waitlisted—or even denied—if you haven’t shown them some love. Why? Because they figure if you haven’t bothered to engage, you’re probably just using them as a safety net while you pine for a “more prestigious” institution. Colleges don’t just want the best and brightest; they want the ones who actually want them back!

How Demonstrating Interest Is a Win-Win (For Both You and the College)

Showing a college you’re interested isn’t just about playing their game; it actually helps you too! It’s like finding your perfect lab partner in high school.

Imagine you’re the new kid. Sally texts you, invites you to hang out, and clearly wants to be friends. Jack, on the other hand, barely acknowledges your existence outside of class. Who are you picking for that daunting science project? Sally, obviously! She “demonstrated interest” in being your friend. Colleges operate similarly: the more you engage, the more they’ll want you.

But beyond getting accepted, demonstrating interest forces you to actually get to know the school. If all you know is a college’s name from a ranking list, how will you pick the right fit for you? Researching helps you figure out if you’ll actually be happy there for the next four years, whether their weird quirks align with yours, and if they have the obscure major you’ve been dreaming of since you were eight.

Plus, this research isn’t just for your benefit. It’s pure gold for those pesky supplemental essays (especially the “Why Us?” question). Your answer shouldn’t just be a generic love letter; it needs to be specific to you and them. Knowing their unique curriculum, their weird campus traditions, or that one professor who studies competitive cheese sculpting will make your essay shine brighter than a supernova (and significantly more compelling than someone who just copied and pasted from Wikipedia).

Your Fall Playbook: How to Get Your College’s Attention

As the school year kicks off and you’re diving into college research, here’s how to subtly (or not-so-subtly) show those colleges you’re interested. Take the initiative and show them you’re proactive and engaged in your college application process.

• Join Their Fan Club (Mailing List): Find that “request information” button on their website. It’s like signing up for their newsletter, and it immediately puts you on their radar. Bonus: they can see if you open their emails. You don’t need to read every single one, just the ones that genuinely catch your eye!
• Go on a “Date” (Information Sessions & Campus Tours): Whether it’s a virtual tour from your couch or an in-person stroll, attending these events is prime demonstrated interest. Colleges track your registration, and it’s a great way to see if you can picture yourself there (and get answers to questions that aren’t on their FAQ page).
• Hit Up Their Parties (Open Houses & Specialty Events): These are like souped-up info sessions with mock classes and Q&As with real students. Sign up early, especially for senior-specific events!
• Stalk Them (Professionally) on Social Media: Many colleges host live sessions, show off campus life, and let you get a feel for their vibe. Does Hamilton College’s “Silent Disco on the Quad” spark joy or existential dread? Now’s your chance to find out!
• Befriend Your Regional Rep (Your Admissions Officer Pen Pal): Find your regional admissions officer (they’re assigned by your geographic area) and shoot them a thoughtful email with a question you can’t find online. They can also connect you with professors or students. It’s like having an insider at the admissions office!
• Attend Their High School Visits: When an admissions officer visits your high school, sign up! It’s a prime opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and put a face to your name. They track attendance, so your presence is noted.
• Work the Room (College Fairs): Stop by their booth at virtual or in-person college fairs. They’ll collect your info, and it’s another chance to chat with your regional rep.
• Go for the Interview (If Offered): If a school offers an interview, jump on it! It’s your chance to tell them everything that couldn’t fit in your essay and let your personality shine.
• Deep Dive Their Website: Don’t just skim the homepage. Explore majors, general education, honors programs, and student life. Take notes! This research not only helps you, but it’s also your secret weapon for writing killer essays.
• The Ultimate Grand Gesture: Apply Early! Applying Early Decision (if it’s your absolute top choice and you’re ready to commit) or Early Action sends a massive signal of interest. It helps colleges predict their yield, and those early rounds often have higher acceptance rates.

Just like picking that lab partner, colleges often prefer to admit students who are genuinely excited about them. And in return, all this “demonstrated interest” will help you make a more informed decision about where you’ll truly thrive. So, get out there and start researching!