How to Get Extra Credit with the Admissions Office — “Demonstrate Interest”!
It’s no secret that the college process is both complex and competitive. However, here are some simple tips for your student to gain extra points in the admissions process by demonstrating interest! College admissions offices often give students extra credit for interacting with them. Why? Because they believe those students who show interest are ideally excited about the college and ultimately are more likely to attend.
What does demonstrated interest mean? Most colleges want to know how likely you are to attend if admitted and they can gauge interest by tracking your contact and assessing the sincerity of your interest. In fact, demonstrating interest can be a key admission factor for colleges that look beyond your grades and scores. For highly selective schools, demonstrated interest is less of a factor. These schools operate under the premise that all applicants are interested in attending.
Here’s how to show demonstrated interest:
Get on the admissions mailing list – Even if you are already receiving information from a college, visit the school’s admissions website or call admissions office to add name to the list.
Submit a contact card at a college fair. At these events, talk with school representatives and complete a contact card so that the school knows you stopped by. Take the business card of the rep and send a thank you note after event.
Visit the campus. Stop by the admissions office and schedule an official campus tour or perhaps attend an informational session. Please note that colleges understand that distance and money are factors in travel to campus, too.
Meet with college representatives who come locally to promote their colleges by hosting information sessions in high schools across the country. If a college you’re interested in is visiting your school, attend the event. Or perhaps a representative is hosting an information session in a nearby hotel or place. Find when a rep will be in your area.
Interview with an alumni or admissions rep! This is a perfect way to enhance your application and make a college connection, share positive information about yourself and ask questions about the school.
Use social media to connect with Admissions. Many admission departments maintain blogs and Facebook pages. Participate in online chats hosted by the admissions staff. Usually these sessions offer students a chance to ask questions directly of admissions officers, current students, and faculty members.
Make every contact count!
