I tell my DS always always default to the school’s Common Data Set for guidance on this question.
Villanova CDS for 2021-22 indicates level of interest is “considered” in the application process. Villanova website: “Does Villanova track demonstrated interest? No. Villanova does not conduct interviews as part of our admission process, nor do we track demonstrated interest.” which is it? |
I believe that the Common Data Set is often incorrect because (1) at most colleges, it is completed by an entirely different department, not admissions, and (2) often colleges fail to update that portion of the CDS on an annual basis, i.e., plenty of outdated info in the CDS.
So, if the Villanova admission website says they don't track demonstrated interest, that seems more likely to be their current stated policy. Caveat, it's likely they numerically track aspects that are inputs for a yield algorithm even if they don't formally consider those aspects to be demonstrated interest, e.g. link clicks or who knows what else. For a school at Villanova's level, intuitively I would assume they must consider who is likely to attend, whether they admit it or not. Maybe they simply don't care about admission tours anymore, so fine, skip the tour or just do a virtual one. Other than that, I'd work on the assumption that interest counts - better safe than sorry. |
My personal opinion is probably not helpful here, but I believe Villanova does track interest. They more applicants than ever before. They yield protect. If it's a top choice I would tour in person if you can, attend a Spring or Fall focus day, apply ED if your stats match, etc |
respect ur comments, but totally disagree with two pps - if it matters, even a small amt, then why say the complete opposite on the school website? |
I would proceed thinking they track interest. Couldn't hurt. But agree the contradiction is confusing. |
Villanova has ED 1 and ED 2 and don't consider level of interests? big lol. |
haha exactly |