Continue demonstrated interest

Overview

Demonstrated interest is the attention you've paid to a specific school during the application process. For the minority of schools that track it, continuing to show interest can help in waitlist or marginal decisions.

Schools That Track Demonstrated Interest

Examples (varies year to year):

• American University
• Boston University
• Case Western Reserve
• Chapman
• Colby College
• Denison
• Elon
• Emory (for some programs)
• Fordham
• George Washington
• Grinnell
• Hamilton
• Kenyon
• Miami University of Ohio
• Northeastern
• Occidental
• Pittsburgh (Pitt)
• Reed
• Rensselaer (RPI)
• Rochester
• Saint Louis University
• Skidmore
• Smith
• Southern Methodist
• Syracuse
• Trinity College
• Tulane
• University of Miami
• Washington University (lightly)
• Wheaton (MA)
• Worcester Polytechnic

Schools That Don't Track

• Ivies (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.)
• MIT, Stanford, Caltech
• Large publics (UCs, CSUs, big state schools)
• Most highly selective privates that can fill their class regardless

Check each school's Common Data Set (Section C7) for definitive answer.

Ways to Demonstrate Interest

• Open admission emails
• Click links in admission communications (they track this!)
• Visit the school (in person or virtually)
• Follow on social media
• Attend virtual info sessions or webinars
• Meet regional admissions officers when they visit your area
• Apply Early Decision or Early Action
• Send tailored supplemental essays with school-specific detail

Post-Application Interest

• Send a thoughtful letter of interest (if not already sent for other reasons)
• Reply to admissions communications
• Attend admitted student events (once admitted)
• Ask targeted questions via the admissions office
• Engage with current students (via alumni network or their social media)

What NOT to Do

• Stalk social media with repeat likes/comments
• Email admissions officers multiple times
• Have parents email
• Show up at the school unannounced
• Apply to too many "target" schools (spreads attention thin)

The Waitlist Context

Schools pulling off waitlist in April-July often prioritize students who've demonstrated continued interest. A Letter of Continued Interest (see waitlist LOCI task) is the clearest signal.

February Actions

• Confirm you're on school mailing lists
• Read school newsletters
• Attend virtual events for admitted students (if invited)
• Prepare specific questions for any campus visits

Strategic Balance

Demonstrated interest is one factor. It won't overcome significant gaps in academic profile or fit. But for similar-profile students, it can tip the scale.

If You've Been Admitted

• Congratulations! Interest now shifts to evaluating fit and affordability
• Admitted student events are valuable (especially admitted student weekends)
• Continue engaging with the community

If You've Been Deferred

• Interest signals become even more important
• Send LOCI (letter of continued interest) with specific new information
• Attend any virtual events for deferred or waitlisted students

Parent Role

Parents can support by:

• Discussing school fit honestly
• Helping with logistics for visits
• Never communicating directly with admissions officers
• Supporting student-led engagement