Campus Visits and Demonstrated Interest
May 25, 2023 | By Daniel Strom
While researching colleges online can provide valuable information, there is something exhilarating about setting foot on a college campus and immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere.
Yes, that is cliché, but it’s cliché because it’s true.
Visiting a college campus allows you to go beyond the glossy images and carefully crafted marketing materials. It gives you the opportunity to experience the campus culture firsthand, interact with current students, and get a sense of the overall environment. These intangible aspects of a college cannot be fully captured in a pamphlet or website. By physically being on campus, you can better evaluate if the college aligns with your personal preferences, values, and goals.
In addition, registering for an official college campus tour is a way to show demonstrated interest, which, for many schools, is a factor that admissions officers consider when making decisions.
But which schools actually care about demonstrated interest?
This information can be found in each college’s Common Data Set (CDS). The CDS is a collection of standardized questions and answers regarding each college’s admissions and financial assistance procedures, graduation percentage, and student composition. Each school’s CDS can be found through a simple Google search.
Let’s look at Northwestern University’s Common Data Set as an example. Pay special attention to page 8, which indicates the factors that admissions officers take into account when making admissions decisions. I’ve also pasted this below:
Notice the last row, which notes that an applicant’s level of interest is “considered” in the admissions process.
Now, I don’t want applicants to think that not visiting a college campus beforehand will cause them to be rejected. Colleges are aware that not everybody has the time or financial resources to splurge on a spring break college tour. However, there are ways to show demonstrated interest without actually visiting campus.
Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions: Colleges often organize college fairs and admissions information sessions in various locations globally. Come prepared with thoughtful questions (avoid things that are answered on the college website). You can often find out where each college will visit by signing up for their admissions mailing list.
Virtual Interactions: Attend virtual campus tours, webinars, or online information sessions. Participate actively by asking questions and engaging with the presenters. These small actions show that you are actively seeking information and staying connected with the college community.
Email and Phone Communication: Write personalized emails expressing your interest in the college and your interest in learning more. And guess what? By introducing yourself to the admissions team over email, you are already showing demonstrated interest! You can also request an informational interview with an admissions officer, where you can ask questions about the various majors, curriculum, and student life. Again, it is important to ask questions not already answered on the college website.
Remember that you shouldn’t be aiming to show interest in a school just so admissions officers can check off the “demonstrated interest” box. This is a two-way street, and you should also be thinking about whether each college is a fit for you.
One of the key benefits of campus visits is the chance to connect with current students. They can provide invaluable insights into the college experience while also helping you gain a deeper understanding of the academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus life. However, if you cannot visit the campus, you can connect with current students and alumni virtually through websites like The College T.
Remember, demonstrating interest should be authentic and genuine. If you can visit campus, great, but it is not going to make or break an admissions decision. Avoid spamming the admissions office with excessive communication or engaging in superficial actions solely for the sake of demonstrating interest. Focus on meaningful interactions that allow you to genuinely connect with the college and convey your passion for becoming part of their community.
About Daniel Strom
Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.