Demonstrated Interest and the Pandemic

Demonstrated Interest and the Pandemic

Oct 25, 2020

Not all students take the opportunity to engage with colleges; they are intimidated or feel the information online (or mere reputation) is enough to go on. But reaching out to a college is not only plain common sense, it can mean something to an admissions office at decision time. Take that tour, book that interview, chat with admissions!

Some colleges actually track "demonstrated interest" and apply it when assessing applications. Students should demonstrate interest deftly and -- this is a big -- authentically. In fact, Jeff Schiffman, Director of Admissions at Tulane, favors the term "engagement" over "demonstrated interest." Lafayette College calls it "demonstrated understanding" -- an appreciation conveyed to the college of why Lafayette is a good fit (Lafayette offers interviews and requires a supplemental Why Us? essay.) It boils down to contacting a college looking for a dialogue and information that is relevant to your needs.

Please do avoid saying hello to admissions just because it's a good strategic move. And let's keep demonstrating your interest authentic and healthy -- err, no gifts, no bribes, no funny stuff. You can ask your parents for advice, but don't let them take the wheel. With the Common App enabling students to fling dozens of applications hither and yon, your interaction with admissions, right down to your application, should demonstrate care and intent.

But how? With 2020 being 2020.

"Virtual tours" of colleges abound -- Skidmore's is among the most impressive.

Admissions interviews fall under "demonstrated interest" and have predictably moved to platforms such as Zoom. If an institution offers interviews, you should consider taking advantage of the opportunity. The interview is another way to tell your story and to learn more about said college, and the impression you make could be a factor as your candidacy is assessed.

I love the admissions interview primer at the Ursinus College site, especially their suggestion that a student should send their interviewer a note of appreciation after the fact, handwritten if possible.

Virtual information sessions can often offer a tour of campus and a Q&A with an admissions officer and/or current student or alum. Your registration for one of these events and the information you glean can also assist you in establishing yourself as a serious applicant. There are groups of colleges offering sessions resembling an online college fair, and many colleges allow you to book a session through their admissions page, dedicated to the lowdown on their particular student experience.

There are some notable colleges that do NOT track demonstrated interest (notably, USC) while other colleges use software to track all avenues of student engagement (see the work of journalist Jeffrey Selingo for more on that).

These are unusual times, yep. With extracurriculars curtailed and testing out of reach for so many, appropriately expressing your enthusiasm for a college before an application is signed and delivered can be a real enhancement.

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