Demonstrated Interest: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Show It (Without Overdoing It)

You've probably heard the term "demonstrated interest," but what does it actually mean, and should you even care? The short answer: it depends on where you're applying. For some schools, showing interest can give you a real boost. For others, it doesn't matter at all.

Let's break it down.

What Is Demonstrated Interest?

Demonstrated interest is exactly what it sounds like: colleges tracking how much you've engaged with them throughout the admissions process.

They're paying attention to things like:

• Did you visit campus?
• Did you do an online virtual info session?
• Did you attend their info session at your high school or a local college fair?
• Did you open their emails?
• Did you ask thoughtful questions?
• Did you apply Early Decision or Early Action?

Some colleges use this data to figure out whether you're genuinely interested in attending, or if they're just a backup option.

Who Actually Cares About Demonstrated Interest?

Not all colleges track it. Here's the general breakdown:

Schools that typically DON'T track demonstrated interest:

• Ivies and other ultra-selective schools (Stanford, MIT, etc.) - they know if you get in, you'll probably come
• Large public universities and state flagships - they use standardized formulas for admissions - but there are some exceptions so we need to check!
• Schools with sky-high yield rates (percentage of people who enroll if accepted) - they don't need to worry about it

Schools that typically DO track demonstrated interest:

• Small liberal arts colleges (LACs) - they're building tight-knit communities
• Private regional universities competing with bigger-name schools
• Colleges with lower yield rates who want to avoid being used as a safety school

Pro tip: CounselMore tracks whether colleges track demonstrated interest so if you’d like to look at it, we can add a column to your college list or you can switch to the college tile view, click on the specific college tile and scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see it on the left.

Why Does It Matter?

Colleges care about demonstrated interest for a few reasons:

1. Yield rates matter. If a school accepts 1,000 students but only 250 enroll, that's a 25% yield rate. Higher yield rates look better in rankings and help colleges plan their incoming class.
2. They want students who actually want to be there. A student who's genuinely excited about attending is more likely to be engaged, stay enrolled, and eventually become an enthusiastic alum.
3. Yield protection is real. Some schools will reject or waitlist overqualified students who show zero interest—because they assume the student is using them as a backup.

How to Show Demonstrated Interest (The Right Way)

You don't need to stalk admissions offices or send weekly emails. Here's what actually works:

High-Value Activities:

• Visit campus and register officially. Just showing up doesn't count, so make sure you sign in for the tour or info session.
• Attend local or virtual info sessions. When an admissions rep visits your high school or hosts a virtual event, show up.
• Write a specific, genuine "Why Us?" essay. Don't just name-drop the school. Mention specific programs, professors, opportunities, or aspects of campus culture that genuinely appeal to you.
• Apply Early Decision (if it's your top choice) or Early Action. These application rounds send a strong signal.
• Ask thoughtful questions via email. Make sure they're questions you can't easily find on the website.

Medium-Value Activities:

• Open and engage with emails from the college. Yes, many schools track this.
• Connect with current students or alumni if opportunities come up naturally (not forced).
• Attend college fairs and stop by their booth. And make sure to register your name!
• Follow the school on social media and occasionally engage with their content.

Lower-Stress Ways to Stay on Their Radar:

• If you're interviewing with an alum, show genuine enthusiasm and preparation.
• If a college offers optional interviews or portfolio reviews, take advantage.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes that can backfire:

• Don't visit campus without registering. If you tour unofficially or just walk around, it doesn't count.
• Don't ask questions answered on the website. "What majors do you offer?" or "What's your application deadline?" makes you look unprepared.
• Don't send generic, copy-paste emails. Admissions officers can tell.
• Don't contact them excessively. Quality over quantity. One thoughtful email beats five pointless ones.
• Don't mention the wrong school name in your essay. It happens more than you'd think, and it's an instant red flag.
• Don't ignore all communication and then suddenly show interest senior spring. If a school matters to you, engage earlier in the process.

Regional Considerations

Geography can play a role too:

• If you're a California student applying to a Midwest college, your interest matters more - they want to know you'll actually move there.
• If you're a local student applying to the local university, your demonstrated interest is less critical - they assume you already know the school well.

Keep Track of What You're Doing

If you are interested in purposefully demonstrating interest, I’ve created a spreadsheet for you to keep track of your interactions with each school. This helps you stay organized and ensures you're not accidentally ignoring a school that cares about engagement. Let me know if this is something you want to do!

The Bottom Line

Demonstrated interest isn't about gaming the system. It's about being intentional with schools that genuinely appeal to you.

If you love a college, show it! Visit if you can. Ask questions. Write a thoughtful essay. Engage authentically.

But don't stress about performing interest for every single school on your list. Focus your energy where it matters most, and where your enthusiasm is real.

Need help figuring out which schools on your list track demonstrated interest or how to build an engagement plan that feels authentic? Let's talk. I'm here to help you create a strategy that works for you.