Some colleges track how much interest you show in their school — and it can affect your admission chances. Here's what you need to know about "demonstrated interest."

What Counts as Demonstrated Interest:

• Campus visits (in-person or virtual)
• Attending information sessions and college fairs
• Opening and clicking emails from the admissions office
• Connecting with admissions representatives
• Following the school on social media
• Applying Early Decision or Early Action

Schools That Track It:

Many mid-tier and some top schools actively track demonstrated interest. Schools like Tulane, American University, and Case Western are known for weighing it heavily.

Schools That Don't Care:

Most Ivy League schools and highly selective universities (Stanford, MIT, Caltech) explicitly state they don't track demonstrated interest. They have enough applicants.

How to Show Interest Authentically:

1. Visit campus if possible (sign in at the admissions office)
2. Attend virtual events and ask thoughtful questions
3. Write specific, well-researched "Why This School" essays
4. Connect with current students or alumni
5. If you visit, send a thank-you email to your admissions counselor

The Bottom Line:

Demonstrated interest won't get you in if you're not qualified, but it can be the tiebreaker between two similar candidates. It's especially important at schools where "yield" (the percentage of admitted students who enroll) matters.