What Counts as Demonstrated Interest (and Why It Matters)

You’ve probably heard the phrase “demonstrated interest” thrown around in college admissions conversations. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly—does it really matter?

In short: yes, it can.

While not every college tracks it, many do—and for those that care, demonstrated interest can make the difference between an admit and a waitlist. In an era where colleges are trying to predict who will actually enroll, showing genuine interest in a school can give you an edge in an increasingly competitive process.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What demonstrated interest is (and isn’t),

• Why some colleges track it,

• What counts as demonstrated interest,

• And how to strategically show it—without overdoing it.

What Is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest refers to the ways in which a student shows a college that they are genuinely interested in attending. It’s like telling a college, “Hey, I see you—and I might choose you.”

Colleges want to admit students who are not only qualified but also likely to accept their offer. Yield—the percentage of admitted students who enroll—is a key metric colleges watch closely. A high yield means the college is attracting the right students. A low yield? Not so great for rankings, reputation, or enrollment planning.

So, some schools track whether you've opened their emails, attended events, visited campus, or submitted your application early. All of that tells them: You're serious.

Do All Colleges Track Demonstrated Interest?

Nope. Not all colleges track it—and even among those that do, the weight it carries varies.

Colleges that are highly selective (think Ivy League or other top-20 schools) usually don’t need to track interest. They know they’ll receive more applications than they can handle and often assume students would enroll if admitted.

However, many small-to-mid-sized private colleges and some public universities do consider it. They use demonstrated interest to gauge enrollment likelihood and build a class full of students who truly want to be there.

➡️ Pro Tip: You can usually find whether a college considers demonstrated interest by visiting their profile on Common Data Set or websites like CollegeData or BigFuture.

What Counts as Demonstrated Interest?

Now for the big question: What actions actually count when it comes to showing interest? Here's a breakdown of the most effective ways to demonstrate interest:

✅ Campus Visits

Visiting a college in person—whether for a tour, open house, or information session—is one of the most impactful ways to show you’re serious. Be sure to register for the visit, so the college can track your attendance.

✅ Virtual Info Sessions & Webinars

Can’t travel? Colleges understand that. Many offer virtual tours, panels, and Q&A sessions. Just like in-person visits, register and attend—they’re often tracked.

✅ Opening & Engaging with Emails

You’d be surprised—some colleges track whether you open their emails, click their links, or reply to surveys. While it’s not the most powerful signal on its own, it adds to your digital footprint of interest.

✅ Requesting Information or Signing Up for Newsletters

If you’ve never engaged with a school and suddenly apply, it may look like a backup choice. Requesting info early on shows you're exploring intentionally.

✅ Following & Interacting on Social Media

Some colleges pay attention to social engagement. You don’t need to comment on every post, but a follow on Instagram or TikTok—especially if you’re interacting with content—can help build familiarity with the school and its culture.

✅ Applying Early Action or Early Decision

This is a major indicator. Submitting your application early—especially under a binding Early Decision plan—is often seen as the strongest form of demonstrated interest.

✅ Attending College Fairs and High School Visits

If a college visits your high school or hosts a booth at a college fair, make the effort to stop by. Introduce yourself, ask a thoughtful question, and sign the attendance form.

✅ Reaching Out to Admissions Reps

Sending a thoughtful email to your regional admissions officer with a specific question (that can’t be answered by a quick website scan) can help you stand out. Admissions officers love building relationships with curious, motivated students.

✅ Supplemental Essays (Especially “Why Us?” Essays)

This is where you can shine. A strong, detailed “Why This College?” essay that shows you’ve done your homework is one of the most important ways to demonstrate interest—especially when it reflects your goals, values, and fit with the school’s mission or programs.

What Doesn’t Count (or Could Backfire)

Some students, in an attempt to stand out, go overboard. Here's what to avoid:

🚫 Mass emailing admissions officers with generic or unnecessary questions
🚫 Tagging or DMing colleges excessively on social media
🚫 Using a “Why Us?” essay that could apply to any school
🚫 Stalking your admissions rep online (yes, really—it’s happened)
🚫 Overly aggressive or performative interactions (there’s a line between interested and intense)

Demonstrated interest should feel genuine, not forced. Colleges want students who are authentically curious and well-informed—not just gaming the system.

How to Be Strategic About Demonstrated Interest

Think of demonstrated interest as a relationship-building tool. The goal is to show colleges that you’ve explored, reflected, and found something meaningful about what they offer.

A Smart Strategy Might Include:

• Visiting 2–3 top-choice colleges this summer (in person or virtually)

• Attending a few virtual sessions or webinars throughout the fall

• Following 4–6 colleges on social media and engaging casually

• Sending a personalized thank-you email to an admissions officer after an event

• Keeping a spreadsheet to track how you’ve interacted with each school

• Starting your supplemental essays early to show depth and intentionality

Keep it simple and authentic. A few well-placed actions can go a long way.

Final Thoughts: It's Not About Games—It's About Fit

At the end of the day, demonstrated interest isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about clarity and connection. Colleges aren’t just looking for students to fill seats; they’re looking for students who genuinely want to be part of their community, who see value in their programs, and who can envision themselves thriving on their campuses. And you, in turn, deserve to attend a college that recognizes, appreciates, and invests in what you bring to the table.

So show up. Ask thoughtful questions during tours and info sessions. Follow up after interviews. Dive deeper than just the highlights on a college’s homepage—explore departments, student organizations, and traditions that truly excite you. Let your enthusiasm be genuine, not rehearsed.

Be intentional with how you engage—whether it’s writing a personalized supplemental essay, attending a virtual session, or reaching out to a department that matches your interests. Every authentic interaction helps build a stronger case for why you and that college are a great fit.

Demonstrated interest won't replace hard work, strong academics, or meaningful experiences—but when done thoughtfully, it can be the extra nudge that tips the scales in your favor. Approach this part of the process with the same heart and focus as the rest of your application journey—and you’ll not only strengthen your chances of admission, but also find yourself choosing a college that truly feels like home.