How to know which college tracks demonstrated interest?

[Anonymous]

We’re completely new to the college application world.

I keep seeing demonstrated interest being mentioned but how can I tell of the colleges my kid is looking at is one of the ones that track? Some of his choices are out of state and I thought it would make more sense to visit only if he is admitted. But now I’m wondering if we should plan to visit ahead of acceptances.

[Anonymous]

Google the school’s name and “common data set” or “CDS”. Each school releases these and there is a checklist that says how much weight they give each aspect of the applicant.

[Anonymous]

https://thecollegecurators.com/list-of-colleges-that-consider-demonstrated-interest/

Here is one list.

I've also heard that colleges can tell if you've opened their emails to track interest.

[Anonymous]

Also, many things count as demonstrated interest. Your DC can sign up and attend virtual info sessions, meet with the rep at their school or local college fairs, visit in person, interview, etc.

[Anonymous]

Open all the emails as well and click through to the college’s website. Many schools track this as well.

[Anonymous]

Common Data Set

If the school considers demonstrated interest and offers Early Decision, then applying ED is the best way to demonstrate interest. But taking tours, attending open house/fall visit day, and engaging with social media also show interest.

[Anonymous]

Google the school and CDS. Then look for demonstrated interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://thecollegecurators.com/list-of-colleges-that-consider-demonstrated-interest/

Here is one list.

I've also heard that colleges can tell if you've opened their emails to track interest.

This list has at least one error (NC State). Better to look at the Common Data Sets for schools you are interested in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re completely new to the college application world.

I keep seeing demonstrated interest being mentioned but how can I tell of the colleges my kid is looking at is one of the ones that track? Some of his choices are out of state and I thought it would make more sense to visit only if he is admitted. But now I’m wondering if we should plan to visit ahead of acceptances.

As another PP said, there are other ways to demonstrate interest without visiting. Sign-up on the school website to get on their email list, starting with a zoom information session. Spend time on the website and watch all of the video tours. Attend a program specific zoom session.

Once you have done some initial research and narrowed down to a few top choice schools DC is really interested in, pay attention to their email and take advantage of opportunities to interact with the school - sign up for interviews, go to a in-person session with an AO if they visit your school or area, send an email to your area's AO in summer with some specific questions that can't be found easily on the website.

Don't think of it as checking a box. Think of it as developing a relationship with the school. Where it will matter is when the AO is looking at 1000 qualified kids but can only offer 200 spots. They want to offer spots to students they think will have a higher chance of accepting, rather than ones who are just applying without seeming to really understand the school or consider if it is a good fit for them.

[Anonymous]

If you hover on the link in an email a school sends you, you might see that it directs you to "mx.technolutions.net" which tracks whether or not you clicked on the link to open it and watch their video or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Some schools give you a code to submit your DC’S application for free if you attend one of their webinars. My DD got two free applications in to schools she is very serious about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://thecollegecurators.com/list-of-colleges-that-consider-demonstrated-interest/

Here is one list.

I've also heard that colleges can tell if you've opened their emails to track interest.

This list has at least one error (NC State). Better to look at the Common Data Sets for schools you are interested in.

+2 Auburn no longer tracks interest and it is on the list. So 2 errors.

[Anonymous]

just google

"Does X university track demonstrated interest?"

[Anonymous]

Other than enormous state universities, you should assume that pretty much all of them are keeping track to some extent these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re completely new to the college application world.

I keep seeing demonstrated interest being mentioned but how can I tell of the colleges my kid is looking at is one of the ones that track? Some of his choices are out of state and I thought it would make more sense to visit only if he is admitted. But now I’m wondering if we should plan to visit ahead of acceptances.

As another PP said, there are other ways to demonstrate interest without visiting. Sign-up on the school website to get on their email list, starting with a zoom information session. Spend time on the website and watch all of the video tours. Attend a program specific zoom session.

Once you have done some initial research and narrowed down to a few top choice schools DC is really interested in, pay attention to their email and take advantage of opportunities to interact with the school - sign up for interviews, go to a in-person session with an AO if they visit your school or area, send an email to your area's AO in summer with some specific questions that can't be found easily on the website.

Don't think of it as checking a box. Think of it as developing a relationship with the school. Where it will matter is when the AO is looking at 1000 qualified kids but can only offer 200 spots. They want to offer spots to students they think will have a higher chance of accepting, rather than ones who are just applying without seeming to really understand the school or consider if it is a good fit for them.

Totally agree with this.
In person visits even early on, can really help narrow down your list, as your child might have an instant reaction to how rural or urban it is, or how large or small. When you go in person, be sure to register for a tour well in advance so you get credit for DI.
Totally agree it is you developing a relationship with the school.
Don't be taken in by the marketing materials you will receive a ton of. That is the school trying to drive up the # of apps and drive down the acceptance rate.
It's up to your child to demonstrate that interest. Advice to interview in person at the admissions office, where allowed, before you apply, is great.
The process of creating a list of potential schools to apply to can be really enjoyable time with your child. Just be sure to create a brutally honestly balanced list of reaches/targets/safeties. Rookie mistake for many of us is to fall in love with too many reaches. There are tons of schools for everyone - be sure their list reflects the balance and show DI to all where you can. Good luck!