Summary:
Demonstrated interest refers to the actions a student takes to show a college that they are genuinely interested in attending. Many U.S. colleges track these actions and may consider them as part of the admissions process, especially when deciding between equally qualified applicants.
What Is Demonstrated Interest?
In the U.S. college admissions process, demonstrated interest means showing a school that you are not only applying, but seriously considering enrolling. This can include things like visiting campus, attending online information sessions, emailing admissions officers, following the school on social media, or mentioning the college in your supplemental essays.
Not all colleges track demonstrated interest, but many private universities and liberal arts colleges do—especially those that want to predict how likely a student is to enroll if accepted. Highly selective schools (such as Ivy League universities) often do not consider demonstrated interest, but smaller or mid-sized colleges may use it as a factor when making decisions.
Why Does It Matter?
Demonstrated interest helps colleges manage their yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who actually choose to attend. If a student never interacts with a school beyond submitting an application, admissions officers may assume the student is using the college as a backup and might not enroll. In contrast, a student who engages actively with the school shows commitment, which can make them a more attractive applicant, especially at schools that are “need-aware” or looking for strong community fit.
How Can Students Show Demonstrated Interest?
There are many ways to demonstrate interest, including:
- Visiting campus or attending virtual tours and information sessions
- Opening and reading emails from the admissions office
- Registering for webinars or interviews
- Submitting applications early (such as Early Action or Early Decision)
- Writing detailed, school-specific supplemental essays
- Contacting admissions representatives with thoughtful questions
Colleges often track these activities through email systems and event sign-ins, so students should register using the same email address they use for their application.