Demonstrated Interest in Universities Students Plan to Apply to
- This spring, universities are considering students now as an applicant before you have even applied. Schools evaluate their interest in them through what’s called demonstrated interest, “To see who is genuinely interested in the program is useful for the universities to see who they might want to admit.”
While it’s not likely that you will physically visit schools this year, here are nine other ways to demonstrate interest in your dream schools.
2-3. Check out the virtual visits on BridgeU; if you don’t see the schools you want there, email College Counselors, and we will help you navigate to the school’s website to find information sessions and online webinars. Even a pre-recorded webinar or virtual walk-through campus likely has you share your email address, and once you share your details with the universities, they keep track of who is visiting them.
- You can introduce yourself to a university admissions officer. College Counselors are planning virtual visits with schools so that you can speak to the people who may read your application. But when we don’t have students attending these sessions, schools may assume ISD students are not interested in attending their schools. Let’s work together to change that perception.
- While students wait for application platforms, like Common App, OUAC, and UCAS to open, you can begin to write your personal statement and application essays TODAY. No need to wait. Some schools have a specific question stating, “Why us?” This is your chance to demonstrate what you know about this school and declare it’s the one for you.
Your BridgeU account has a built-in Writing Builder with sample Common App essays and UK personal statements.
For the US: Sample essays and guidance from The College Essay Guy: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/supplemental-essays
For the UK/UCAS Personal Statement: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-personal-statement
For the UBC personal profile in Canada: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/how-to-apply/personal-profile/
- Some universities may require an interview, while many do not. Begin to review your school and program requirements to see if the program you apply to may ask you to complete an interview during your senior year. If you see this is a requirement, you can use the summer months to prepare.
- Early Application Decisions are to be made before we return to campus in August 2021. For advice on whether to apply early, students can check out resources on the College Counseling page and speak to a College Counselor
- If you’re already doing it for the gram, consider following your dream schools on social media. Keep in mind what you post is public, and you’re accountable for that info. Post wisely, as universities may follow you back. So before adding schools to social media, review your profiles with a critical eye.
- Research, research, research. BridgeU is a great place to start and build your shortlist, but to see the most up-to-date information, review requirements on each school’s website. Check out the department you plan to study with, examine the dorms, clubs, and school library. College Counselors are here to support you and are happy to answer questions, but YOU need to research the schools you plan to apply to, the programs and campuses to join, and the dorms you want to live in. Again, most school websites may ask you if you’re interested in receiving more information from their schools, and schools can monitor who is researching them.
- Consider that universities may use read receipts as you have on your phone or instant message accounts. “When you get emails, open them as soon as you first see them, and follow the embedded links. The university [may] see what you click on and how quickly you open the emails.” This, again, is a way to demonstrate your interest in attending, just by opening and skimming the emails. Not interested, click unsubscribe, so you can focus on the schools you do want to attend.
