7 Ways for High School Students to Demonstrate Interest in a College
Colleges love to be loved. They crave attention from the RIGHT students at the RIGHT time. Demonstrating interest in one of your top choices can be critical for college acceptances. They, the college, want to know that if they admit a student, that there is a strong likelihood that the student will attend. As high school students start to engage colleges, here are 7 simple and effective ways to do it. Trust me, it works.
- “Like” their social media pages
Not as silly and trivial as you think. Colleges “track” their social media just like most people. If a student does not take the time to pop up on a list, how can they really want to go there? “Like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Make sure to mention your top choice schools in your own posts and Tweets. And say nice things.
- Go to an information session
If you can visit a school, make sure you do everything the admissions office asks of you. Yes, again students are being tracked. While there, students should try to ask thoughtful questions and take time to introduce themselves to the representative who visits their high schools. These are often the regional admissions officers who also read the applications. Shake a hand and smile!
- Stop by and say “hi!” at a college fair
College fairs are an excellent place to learn about lots of colleges all at once, and the regional admissions officer will often staff the table. Take the time to chat with the colleges while also making a good impression.
- Have an interview
If offered, get some quality face time with an admissions officer. Many private colleges (and a few publics) offer prospective students the opportunity for an interview before they apply or after. These help the student learn more about the college, and also help the college learn more about the student. Many schools also offer alumni interviews. Always call and ask, check the website or ask us!
- Send a thank you note
Post interview, students should be thoughtful young adults and send a simple “thank you” email. You never know how someone’s day is going and this simple gesture may show them that you’re considerate and would be a nice addition to their community. You don’t have to go overboard; just a simple note will show that you appreciate their time and effort in helping you to learn more about their school.
- Write rockstar supplements
Nothing screams “I love you, please take me!” louder than knockout school-specific writing supplements. These have the potential to show why the student is a perfect fit for the school. Many colleges will ask directly: “Why Do You Want to Come Here?” Others will ask questions that reference their school’s mission or strengths. The purpose is the same: to gauge how much the student knows about them and how well they will fit at the school. Research and personal pizazz are the keys.
- Early Decision and Early Action are HUGE indicators of sincere interest
Applying Early Decision is the strongest way to show a college that they are your number one choice. This is why most colleges accept ED applicants as a much higher rate than Regular Decision applicants.” Early Decision is not for everyone though, so if you aren’t ready to commit to just one school early in the game, applying Early Action still shows a strong level of interest. It’s not a race, but it is important to submit applications before the deluge of other applicants. Why be in a bunch or bucket if you can standout?
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