Demonstrated Interest: Sliding into their DMs

Everyone likes to be liked and colleges and universities are no different. They want to know you are truly interested in them because that interest may translate into your accepting their offer of admission.

Many schools use demonstrated interest (DI) to determine who will most likely accept an admission offer. All things being equal, most schools will make an offer to a student who has been actively engaged with them rather than a student who never even opened their emails. Some schools don’t consider DI in their acceptance calculations, but many do.

Think of DI like dating: Most people will ask out the person who has shown an interest in them. Most colleges are no different. They'll send you emails and invite you to events, but if you say no or don't even respond they might lose interest.

How can you demonstrate interest?

• Visit the school. If you live too far away or a visit is too expensive, sign up to attend an online webinar.

• If an Admissions Officer (AO) visits your school, go to the presentation, introduce yourself, and ask good questions.

• If they don’t come to visit, send an email to the AO who covers your area, introduce yourself, and ask good questions.

• Open their emails! Click on the links and spend time on their website to learn about the school. Many universities track how you engage with their site and for how long.

• Write a great “Why Us” essay! Let The Application Coach show you what makes a great essay.

How can you be effective with your demonstrated interest?

• Be purposeful with your communications. Nobody likes a “Hey” DM.

• Ask questions, GOOD questions, but not about something that you can easily find on the website. Bad question: Do you have Electrical Engineering? (It's on their website!) Good question: I am considering majoring in Electrical Engineering. What are the math requirements for this major?

• Don’t waste the AO’s time. The squeaky wheel is annoying. AOs want to be your advocate, so don’t get on their bad side.

• Be gracious and thankful. Good manners might not get you an offer, but rudeness can make them swipe left.

To learn how The Application Coach can help you plan your college application strategy, schedule a free 30-minute Discovery Call.