How to Demonstrate Interest to the Colleges on Your List

By
Aparna Huprikar and Jamie Lewis
UFit College Consulting

During the last two college admissions cycles, test-optional policies resulted in many colleges receiving record numbers of applications from many more fully-qualified candidates than they could possibly admit. This, in turn, has led to historically low admissions rates and more than a few disappointed students who were rejected from their top-choice colleges.

These trends are leaving students and families feeling pessimistic and confused by what appears to be the randomness of current college admission decisions, since many students who were rejected or waitlisted from some colleges appear to have similar stats (GPA, course rigor, leadership, etc.) as those who were accepted. While a college's institutional needs are considered foremost when admitting an incoming class, colleges are also hyper-focused on protecting their yield rate.  A college's yield rate is determined by dividing the number of students who ultimately commit to a college by the number of students who were offered admission to that college. Simply put, colleges want to know that if they offer you admission, you are likely to accept and attend their university. If your stats are higher than their averages, they might assume you will get into and likely attend a more competitive university.

Today, more than ever before, it is important for students to demonstrate interest to the colleges they are applying to, so that the colleges feel confident there is a good chance they will attend if offered a spot in their freshman class.

How can you show your commitment to attending a college during the admissions process? Here are some suggestions:

• Attend in-person or virtual campus tours and information sessions. Register for these official events with your email (not your parents'), preferably one that uses your first and last name for easy tracking.  
• Attend college admissions representative visits to your high school. Most high schools host information sessions with college admissions reps throughout the school year. This is an easy way to gain an audience with the person who will be reading your application, learn about the college, and show your interest. Check your high school  calendar regularly and attend sessions for all the colleges on your list.
• Send thank you emails. After attending an information session (in-person, virtually, or at your high school), send a brief email to the admissions representative who gave the presentation. Thank them for helping you learn about their college, tell them one or two things you found compelling, and let them know you are excited to apply to their school. Sign your email with your full name, the name of your high school, and your home city and state.
• Attend a summer program at one or more of the colleges you are considering.
• Spend time on your colleges' websites. Some colleges use tracking software to see what pages applicants are visiting and how long they are staying on each page.
• Sign up to be on your colleges' email lists and open all emails they send you. Admissions reps often track whether or not applicants are opening their emails and clicking on included links in an attempt to gauge true interest.
• Follow your colleges on social media.
• Email your admissions representatives. Many colleges list their regional admissions reps. on their websites. If not, you can call the admissions office and ask, or consult with your high school college counselor to obtain the name of your high school's regional rep. If you have a thoughtful question to ask, reach out to your regional admissions representative. This would be a good way to get your name on their radar, but make sure you do not contact them too often or request information that can easily be found on the college's website; this could have a negative impact. 
• Submit your applications early. While applying early decision is the best way to prove a college is your top choice, not all colleges offer this option and not all students are ready or financially able to commit to one college for early decision. Submitting your applications as early as possible (by the early action deadlines if offered) can signal your enthusiasm for your colleges, while waiting until the latest deadlines can make colleges question whether your application to their institution is an afterthought.
• Once you have applied to a college:
  • Set up your portal and check it regularly. This is where you will be notified if you have anything missing from your application and where you will receive your admissions decision. Colleges can track when you access your portal and how often. If anything is missing from your application, the colleges expect you to take care of it in a timely manner. If you don't, that could indicate a lack of interest.
  • If your stats are in the top 60%-75% of admitted students for a college, apply to their Honor's College and apply for merit scholarships (if applicable). Taking the time to fill out these extra applications and write the often-required extra essays, shows your commitment to academic excellence and helps you continue to demonstrate your interest in the school.
  • Sign up for an admissions office or alumni interview if offered.
    

Now is the perfect time for high school juniors to start finalizing their college lists, thinking about an application strategy, and demonstrating interest in the colleges they will be applying to in the fall. For personalized assistance with any part of the college search and application process, please contact UFit College Consulting.

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