Some questions I’m hearing a lot lately are “What if I can’t visit any colleges this summer?” and “How will colleges know I’m interested if I can’t visit?”
They’re two slightly different questions.
If the concern is being able to visit and explore colleges to see if they’re a good fit and should be added to the college list, I’ve already got you covered. Over the past few weeks, I’ve written about ways to get to know a college from home and been interviewed on how to make the most of virtual visits.
If the concern is colleges knowing a student’s interest, the easy answer is that if colleges aren’t open for visits this summer, no one else can visit either. Students are all in the same boat right now, for better or for worse.
But that’s not very reassuring to hear for a student who’s fallen in love with a particular college and wants to make their feelings known. So if you can’t swing an in-person college visit due to a pandemic, a busy family schedule, or because it’s too far to travel, let’s talk about other ways to show demonstrated interest.
What is Demonstrated Interest?
Essentially, demonstrated interest is where a student has connected with a college in some meaningful way to show that they want to attend. The student is demonstrating interest in that school. Some colleges track demonstrated interest to gauge whether or not they think a student is likely to accept an offer of admission. One of the most common forms of demonstrated interest is the in-person visit.
Do all colleges track Demonstrated Interest?
No, not all colleges look at demonstrated interest during the admissions process. And some that may have tracked demonstrated interest in the past may be foregoing it for the 2020-2021 application cycle. But even if a college does not consider demonstrated interest, going through this list is a great way to explore a college fully and determine your interest.
Demonstrated Interest during COVID-19
Virtual Sessions
Many colleges are trying to replicate the traditional tour and information session as closely as they can in a digital format. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect virtually with schools. They may include:
Virtual Tours
Virtual Admissions Information Sessions
Virtual Student Panels
Virtual Interview Opportunities
Reach Out to College Representatives
Admissions representatives are a student’s resource to learn more about a college and the admissions process. They’re there to answer any questions students have, so don’t hesitate to reach out via email. Hopefully, they’ll be able to make their usual visits to high schools this fall, and students will have an opportunity to meet them in person.
Pro-Tip: While students should always feel comfortable reaching out to their admissions representatives with questions, don’t ask questions with easily found answers just to start a conversation. It doesn’t leave a good impression to show that you haven’t done basic research.
Don’t forget that colleges have other representatives outside of the admissions office. Your admissions representative may be able to connect with you with a professor in your intended area of study, a current student, or someone else who can speak to your interests.
Read Your Email & Connect on Social Media
Go ahead and sign up to receive emails from colleges. Joining a college’s mailing list will make sure students get up-to-date information straight from the source.
And yes, colleges do look to see who reads their emails!
In addition, most colleges have an active presence on social media. Follow them! I’m seeing more and more admissions offices start their own Instagram accounts to showcase news and stories that will interest prospective students.
Write a Thoughtful Supplemental Essay
Whether a college officially tracks demonstrated interest or not, admissions offices take their supplemental essay prompts seriously. A prompt like “Why this college?” or “Why this major?” are opportunities for students to make their case for why they’re a good fit for a particular college or major.
Students shouldn’t waste this opportunity by writing a generic or vague essay. Watch this space for a blog post later this summer on writing strong supplemental essays!