Demonstrated Interest in COVID times

What is demonstrated Interest?  

Demonstrated interest is an aspect universities measure to determine the level of interest a student has in a particular school. It shows how eager students are to attend.  There is no better way to demonstrated interest in context of modern education than the quote, “Your Desire to Succeed trumps your capability to Succeed.” Tracking a student's search patterns has become more common within universities to ensure high yield rates. Yield rates is the ratio of the number of applicants who accept admissions to the total number of applicants offered one. As every university today tries to improve its yield rates in order to look more desirable, demonstrated interest is gaining more and more popularity amongst colleges and therefore is increasingly becoming a deciding factor in college admissions, particularly those with high competition.   

Why Is Demonstrated Interest Useful?   
College admissions have become increasing competitive. According to The Common App, at large public universities, including state flagships, application totals rose more than 11 percent. At private schools with more selective admissions, they rose more than 17 percent. MIT announced a 66% increase in applications for the Class of 2025, Harvard reported nearly 43% increase in applications to the Class of 2025, UPenn saw a 34% increase, and Brown's applicant pool grew by 26%. Being considered the COVID effect, the sudden explosion in demand in these top schools could reshape college admissions for years to come. The pandemic has given huge momentum to the movement of reducing the use of admissions testing at highly competitive colleges. As per Common App’s Analysis, “Last year, about 77% of applications were submitted by applicants who self-reported a test score to Common App. Through March 1 of 2021, this number was dwindling down to 46%.” This is a result of unavailability of testing locations due to COVID. The colleges are also now looking for a more holistic approach that tips beyond Scores. In such a changing scenario, the students need every little competitive edge they can get. 

Today, as competition has gone more global than any time before in history, and the increased influx of highly talented students vying for the same seat in Ivy college and other top schools, leveraging every tool available at your disposal is the key. There is every probability that you will be pitched against a similar profile as yours while trying to make a prestigious Ivy seat yours. This is when the university try and understand demonstrated interest to tip the scales one way or the other. More than the yield, top Ivy schools today look for students who are willing to go above and beyond for excellence. This generally involves meticulous research about a student and demonstrated interest is a good metric to gauge that.   

From a student perspective, the more research, interaction any student establishes with the college and its authorities, the better positioned is he to determine whether he is a good fit for the particular culture or not. Also, this interaction effect creates a synergy between the student and the college which can go a long way.   

Best Ways to showcase/leverage demonstrated interest in COVID times. 

Demonstrated interest is best showcased by proving your commitment to understanding the college culture and showing bite to grasp minute details while embracing yourselves into the growth environment of the community. College visits used to be a good way to show colleges that you are interested – but most schools not having college visits or tours. Some good alternatives are:  

1. Attending online tours/visits: This is your chance to shine in front of the college authorities without actually going to their college premises. Keep a tab on the dates of these events and don’t miss a chance to interact. Post COVID, many such events are now taking shape of Webinars and your adaptability to Virtual platforms should be high to leverage these events and cast a lasting impact. Do keep in mind, these sessions provide you with networking opportunities with college admissions committee individuals who then can act decisively in your favor or against you as the time for your admission decision closes in.  
2. Reach out to the regional college admissions office: You can reach out to local admission officers. In doing so, you are highlighting yourselves and creating an impression which can work wonders for you while manual discussions towards your candidacy are carried out.    
3. Priority deadline applications: You must have often heard that the chances of admissions at the beginning of the enrollment process are higher than those towards the end. Priority deadlines are a good way to show the college that you are determined to be a part of their great community. It sounds like commitment. However, this isn’t always a good strategy for every student as some may still want to explore and ponder more before deciding.     
4. Leverage email and phone calls to ask relevant questions: As they say, “Judge a Man by huis questions and not by his answers”. It is paramount to ask the right questions at the right time. Though, it is understood that not all of your interactions are recorded by the admissions committee. However, asking precise and relevant questions can create a long-lasting impression towards your meticulousness and can reap great rewards.  
5. Social media analysis: If you are a student, now is your turn to tell your parents why social media is so awesome! If you are a parent, it’s time to be awesome and ask your kids to spend more time on social media to track college activities! Like marketers today, every college can tap and see your actions on their website and social media accounts. This behavior helps them understand the student better. How you engage with colleges on social media can have drastic implications as this helps the college understand if you will be a good fit or not! What you like, what you follow can all help in determining your fit for the college!   
6. Finally, the essays:  When you are writing essays, integrate important pieces of information about the colleges in your essays – this essentially shows you have done your research and you love the school. Try and highlights details which showcase that you have put in the time and efforts in researching about the school.  

PathIvy Take: In the clutter of Information, it is very important to form a bond with the college you are applying to. The strength of this bond which is measured by demonstrated interest goes a long way in determining how you fare in the admissions process. While building this relationship sounds easy, it easier said than done. We at PathIvy are a team of professionals who can guide you better than anyone else on how to ace these application processes. Our mentoring team has experience of going through the process and acing it resulting in admissions in top schools! 

Written by : Team PathIvy