“Demonstrated interest.” You hear colleges talk about it all the time. It means showing colleges you REALLY want to go to THEIR school. Colleges say it matters. But how do you “demonstrate interest” without going overboard? Without being…annoying? No one wants to be THAT student, the one who seems desperate. The key is to show your love the SMART way. To be genuine, to be thoughtful, to be respectful. 

Let’s learn the art of “demonstrated interest” – how to show colleges you’re serious about THEM, without being “too much” and hurting your chances instead.

“Demonstrated Interest”: Colleges Want to Feel the Love, But…

Yes, colleges want to feel the love. They want to know you’re not just applying to 20 schools randomly. They want to see you’ve picked their school for real reasons. Demonstrated interest is about showing colleges you are SERIOUSLY interested in THEM, specifically. 

• But here’s the “but”: Colleges want GENUINE interest, not fake flattery. They want thoughtful engagement, not annoying overkill. There’s a fine line between showing you care and being “extra” in a bad way. Let’s learn how to walk that line perfectly.

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Why Colleges Care if You Care – It’s More Than Just Flattery

Why do colleges even care about “demonstrated interest”? Is it just about ego? Nope. There are real reasons why colleges track and value demonstrated interest. Colleges look at demonstrated interest because it helps them:

• Boost Their “Yield Rate”: Remember “yield rate”? It’s the percent of students they accept who actually ENROLL. Colleges want a high yield rate (it makes them look good in rankings). Students who show demonstrated interest are seen as more likely to enroll if accepted, so colleges like to admit those students.
• Build a Community of Engaged Students: Colleges want students who are excited to be THERE, on THEIR campus, in THEIR community. Demonstrated interest shows you are excited about THEIR specific school and want to be part of THEIR unique campus vibe.
• Predict “Good Fit” Students: Students who show demonstrated interest often have done their research. They understand what the college is about. They are more likely to be a good “fit” for that school’s culture and programs, and therefore more likely to be happy and successful there.

So, demonstrated interest is not just about flattery. It’s about colleges being strategic and building a strong, engaged student body.

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The “Good” Ways to Show You’re SERIOUS – Be Genuine and Smart

Okay, colleges want demonstrated interest. But how do you show it the RIGHT way? How do you be genuine and smart, not annoying and over-the-top? Focus on these “good” ways to show you’re serious:

Visit Campus (If You Can, Make It Count): More Than Just a Photo Op

Campus visits (in person) are still a top way to show demonstrated interest – IF you make them meaningful. Don’t just go for a quick photo in front of the sign. Make your visit count:

• Take the Official Tour – Yes, Do It: Sign up for the official campus tour. It gets your name on their visit list and shows you’re taking the time to see the school.
• Go to Info Sessions Too – Dig Deeper: Attend info sessions for your major or for student life. Info sessions show you are interested in more than just the campus look; you care about the details.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions – Show You’re Engaged: Don’t just sit and listen. Ask thoughtful questions during the tour or info session. Questions show you are really thinking about the school and your fit there.
• Talk to Current Students – Get Real Scoop: If you can, chat with current students you meet on campus (beyond just tour guides). Ask them what they REALLY think about the school. Show you want the real student view.

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Go Virtual – Online Love Can Count Too!

Can’t visit in person? Virtual engagement counts too! Colleges know not everyone can visit campus. They track online “demonstrated interest” too. Good virtual ways to show you’re serious:

• Take Virtual Tours Online: Yes, do the virtual tours on the college website. Colleges track who clicks on their virtual tour links. It’s a simple way to show you’re checking them out.
• Attend Virtual Info Sessions and Webinars: Sign up for and ATTEND virtual info sessions or webinars. Colleges track who attends these online events too. It shows you’re making an effort to learn more.
• Engage (Smartly!) on College Social Media: Liking or following college social media is okay. But go a bit further. Engage with their posts thoughtfully. Ask questions in comments (relevant questions, not just “cool post!”). Show you’re actually paying attention to what they share online (but don’t overdo it – see “Annoying Alert” below!).

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Email (Smartly!) – Ask Real Questions, Don’t Just “Spam” Them

Emailing the admissions office can show demonstrated interest – if you do it right. Key is to be SMART with email, not spammy:

• Ask Real, Specific Questions: Don’t just email “Hi, I’m interested!” That’s just clutter. Email with a REAL, specific question that you couldn’t easily find the answer to online. “I’m interested in [Major] and I was wondering about [Specific Program Detail]…” That shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely curious.
• Keep It Brief and Polite: Keep emails short and to the point. Admissions folks are busy. Be polite and professional in your tone.
• Don’t Email Just to “Say Hi”: Don’t email just to “check in” or “say hi” or “ask if they got my application.” That’s just annoying and doesn’t show real interest. Email with purpose, not just to get on their radar.

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The “Annoying” Alert! Things to AVOID (Big Time!)

Yes, you want to show demonstrated interest. But there’s a line. Cross it, and you go from “interested” to “annoying” – which can hurt your chances. Things to AVOID to keep it cool and not “extra”:

• Don’t Bombard Them with Emails: Don’t email admissions every week or every day just to “show interest.” That’s spammy and will backfire fast. Email with real questions, not just to be a pest.
• Don’t Be TOO Frequent on Social Media: Liking a few posts is okay. Commenting thoughtfully sometimes is okay. But don’t be their #1 fan who comments on EVERYTHING they post. That can look a bit…much.
• Don’t “Stalk” Admissions Folks Online: Yes, colleges track your online engagement. But don’t go overboard and try to “stalk” admissions officers on their personal social media or LinkedIn. That’s creepy, not impressive.
• Don’t Send Gifts or Crazy Stuff: No need to send college gifts, cookies, or crazy packages to “get noticed.” That’s usually seen as weird or trying too hard, not as genuine interest.

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The Sweet Spot: Genuine, Thoughtful, and Respectful – That’s the Key

The secret to showing “demonstrated interest” the RIGHT way? Be genuine. Be thoughtful. Be respectful of their time and space. Focus on QUALITY of engagement, not just quantity. Show them you care because you’ve done your research, you’re asking smart questions, and you’re truly interested in what THEIR school offers YOU – and what YOU can bring to THEIR community. That’s the sweet spot that shows real, attractive demonstrated interest.

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Action Plan: Start Showing Colleges the RIGHT Kind of Love Today!

Ready to show colleges you’re serious – the smart, non-annoying way? Yes! Do these things now to boost your demonstrated interest game:

• Pick Your Top 3 “Interest Schools”: Choose 3 colleges on your list where you REALLY want to show extra love and boost your chances.
• Plan a “Virtual Visit” for Each: For those 3 schools, plan to do at least one virtual demonstrated interest activity this week – take a virtual tour, attend a webinar, or research a student panel event.
• Brainstorm 2 Smart Email Questions: For each of those 3 schools, brainstorm 2 thoughtful, specific questions you could email to admissions (but don’t send them all at once – just have them ready if you need to email with a real question later).

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Final Thought: Show You Care, Show You Fit – Demonstrated Interest Wins

Demonstrated interest is not about being a pest. It’s about showing colleges you are truly serious, you’ve done your homework, and you’re genuinely excited about THEIR school, not just any school. Be genuine, be thoughtful, be respectful, and show colleges the RIGHT kind of love – and watch your application chances get a real boost!

Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!