Understanding Demonstrated Interest and Why Some Colleges Track It
- Majella McNamara
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30
When applying to college, most students focus on the big three: GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. But did you know that at many colleges, there’s a fourth factor that can tip the scales in your favor? It’s called demonstrated interest, and how you engage with a college before you apply can make a real difference.
What Is Demonstrated Interest?
Demonstrated interest is the actions you take to show a college that you are genuinely interested in attending. In an era where colleges receive thousands (or even tens of thousands) of applications, schools want to admit students who are likely to enroll. Your level of interest can signal that you're a serious applicant and not just clicking 'apply' on every Common App school. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), about 40–50% of colleges consider demonstrated interest during admissions decisions. For smaller private colleges and mid-sized universities, this metric can be surprisingly influential.
Do All Colleges Care About Demonstrated Interest?
No, not all colleges track interest. But many do. Some even admit to factoring it into scholarship decisions and waitlist consideration. How to Find Out:
Check a college’s Common Data Set (CDS), specifically Section C7, which outlines what factors the college considers during admission. If 'level of applicant’s interest' is marked as considered, important, or very important, it’s worth making an effort.
Example:
- American University consider interest important.
- Tulane University considers it important, especially for scholarship decisions.
- University of Florida and University of California schools do not consider it at all.
For the colleges that track demonstrated interest, these activities typically count:
- Opening and clicking on emails from the admissions office.
- Attending virtual information sessions, webinars, or on-campus tours.
- Following and interacting with the college on social media.
- Requesting information via the college’s website.
- Visiting campus and officially signing in at the admissions office.
- Engaging with admissions reps at college fairs or school visits.
- Submitting thoughtful questions via email or interviews (Questions that are not
answered on their website)
- Applying Early Decision or Early Action.
Note: Use the same email address across your application materials, event registrations, and inquiries so your engagement is properly tracked.
Why It Matters - The benefits of demonstrated interest in universities
Colleges use demonstrated interest to:
- Predict yield (the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll)
- Identify students who are engaged, intentional, and excited about the university.
- Determine who is more likely to accept an offer, especially for smaller schools trying to manage enrollment
Demonstrated interest can also:
- Serve as a tiebreaker between equally qualified applicants.
- Help your application feel more personal and intentional.
- Lead to better, informed essays and interviews because you have done your research.
How You Can Strategically Show Interest
Here’s a checklist of smart ways to show demonstrated interest before and after you apply, and when to do it:
- Register for a virtual info session: Junior year spring or summer before senior year.
- Attend an on-campus tour and virtual tours: Any time before application deadlines.
- Send a thank you email after an interview or info session: Within 24 hours.
- Open and click on admissions emails: Regularly (avoid unsubscribing!)
- Follow the college on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn: Ongoing
- Ask a thoughtful question at a virtual session: Ongoing.
- Apply Early Action (EA) or Early Decision ED: ED Only If it’s your top choice.
- Log into your applicant portal: After you apply and regularly check status.
Why This Matters in a Test-Optional World
As more schools remain test-optional, soft factors like essays, activities, and demonstrated interest can carry more weight. Your engagement shows that you are not just applying to rack up acceptances. You are applying because you are genuinely considering that school as a right fit.
Take the extra steps. Be present. Ask questions. Show up. Colleges are paying attention, and those small actions can set your application apart.
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