The Dos and Don’ts of Demonstrated Interest: What Colleges Actually Notice

Think of demonstrated interest as dating—you want to show you’re into them, but not so much that it’s weird. Colleges are like the popular kid who’s secretly watching to see who’s worth their time, and you need to play it cool and strategic. Here’s what colleges actually notice (and what they’ll roll their eyes at)...

Why Demonstrated Interest Matters

Let’s talk yield rates. Colleges don’t just care about admitting smart kids—they care about admitting smart kids who will actually enroll. Yield, the percentage of admitted students who decide to attend, is a key factor in rankings and institutional pride. Schools want to avoid the awkwardness of too many open spots come May, so they’re watching closely for signs that you’re serious about them. Showing interest is about proving you’re not just swiping right on every school you see.

DO: Engage with Intent

You don’t need to send schools daily love letters, but you do need to show you care. Schools track interactions like info sessions, campus visits, and yes, even whether you open their emails. If you love a school, make the effort to learn about it beyond the first page of Google results.

Pro Tip: When you visit, ask thoughtful questions like, “What do students here do on the weekends besides study?” or “What’s a tradition here that really builds community?” This shows genuine curiosity about student life.

Action Item: Follow admissions social media accounts, but don’t just lurk. Like, comment (intelligently), or share posts about programs or events that excite you.

DON’T: Be a Clingy Applicant

Colleges are not your therapist, your pen pal, or your new bestie. Sending constant emails with generic questions like, “What’s the average class size?” or “When do decisions come out?” is a major turn-off. They’ve already answered these in their FAQs—show you’ve done your homework.

Big No-No: Writing desperate “Do you think I have a chance?” emails. Confidence, people! You’re applying because you believe you’re a good fit.

DO: Nail the "Why Us?" Essay

This essay is your golden ticket to prove you know the school and what makes it unique. Go beyond obvious stats or the name-dropping of programs every other applicant will mention. Instead, connect what you bring to the table with what the school offers.

Example: Don’t just say, “I want to study business at Wharton.” Say, “As a budding entrepreneur, I’m drawn to Wharton’s Venture Lab and its focus on scalable startups. I can’t wait to apply my experience running my high school’s thrift shop to the Lab’s incubation process.”

Pro Tip: Use specific anecdotes or examples of why the school aligns with your goals—and how you’ll contribute to its community.

DON’T: Overdo the Praise

Gushing about how “it’s always been my dream to attend” sounds hollow if it’s not backed up with substance. Colleges know when you’re just trying to flatter them. Instead, focus on authenticity.

Example to Avoid: “I’ve wanted to attend Harvard since I was five.” No one believes this. Be real about why Harvard fits you now.

Better Approach: Share a specific moment when you connected with the school—like reading an article by a professor or attending a panel discussion that resonated deeply with your goals.

DO: Show Up IRL (or Virtually)

Campus visits, virtual info sessions, and college fairs are gold mines for demonstrated interest. When you engage thoughtfully during these events, it sends a signal that you’re serious.

Action Item: After a visit or session, send a thank-you email to the admissions officer or tour guide with a thoughtful comment about what you learned.

Bonus Points: Attend events tailored to your interests, like major-specific sessions or regional meetups.

DON’T: Assume They’re Not Watching

Even schools that say “demonstrated interest isn’t a factor” are often quietly taking notes. Why? Because they want students who will enroll if accepted. If you’re applying to a school where yield matters (hint: Tufts Syndrome is real), make your interest clear.

Action Item: Check whether the school tracks interest (most do, even if unofficially). Treat every interaction—emails, campus visits, interviews—as part of your application.

DO: Be Strategic About Timing

Applying early decision (ED) or early action (EA) is the ultimate mic drop in demonstrated interest. Schools know ED applicants are locked in if admitted, which can significantly boost your chances if you’re a competitive candidate.

Action Item: If you’re head-over-heels for a school and your profile aligns with their averages, consider ED. But don’t do it just to get in somewhere—only commit if it’s truly your top choice.

DON’T: Forget to Be Yourself

Admissions officers want to admit students, not robots. Show your personality in essays, interviews, and interactions. Let them see your quirks, passions, and what makes you unforgettable.

Final Word of Wisdom: Your demonstrated interest should reflect who you are, not who you think they want. Authenticity always outshines perfection.

At the end of the day, demonstrated interest isn’t about playing games—it’s about building a genuine connection with schools that excite you. And if you’re still feeling unsure about how to show your best self, Top Dog is here to help. We’ll help you craft authentic essays, navigate those tricky emails, and make sure you’re strutting confidently through the admissions process. Let’s win this dog show together.