Get Noticed: The Secret Power of Demonstrated Interest

Let’s be honest. We all like to feel wanted. This is especially true during the college application process. A student will give a college or university a second or third look if they feel the school demonstrates extra interest. The reverse applies as well.

A college or university wants to know you chose them for a specific reason and you’re serious about them. Showing a place of higher learning that they’re not just another checkmark on your common app, will help push your application to the top.

Check out these five engagement tips that show DEMONSTRATED INTEREST and will help get you noticed.

1. Sign up for emails or a physical mailing list on the school’s website.
   This is an easy first step to show schools they are on your radar.
   
2. Follow the school on social media AND engage with their posts.
   This doesn’t mean you have to comment on the posts. A simple “like” will do. If you are on multiple social media sites, follow the school on all of them.
   
3. Open the school’s emails.
   Schools track if their emails have been opened. If you sign up for mailings, but then delete the emails unread, the institution will know.
   
4. Attend a college tour.
   If you cannot physically visit a school, many have live virtual tools or webinars. Sign up!
   
5. Speak to admissions counselors when they visit in person.
   Admissions counselors may visit your high school, town, or an agreed upon location in your county. Attend at least one of these and introduce yourself to the admissions counselor. The ones visiting your area have been assigned to your region and will be the ones reading your application.
   
6. Request an Interview or Meeting
   Kill two birds with one stone. After you make your college tour appointment, reach out to the head of the department you are interested in and ask to meet while you are visiting. Consider it an informal interview. Not only will they see you are serious about the school, but it is also a great opportunity for you to learn more about the school’s facilities, professors, and major.