4 Ways to Demonstrate Interest After College Application Deadlines

A student recently asked me if there was anything he could do to influence a college admission decision after applying. There has been a decade long debate on this very issue, called "demonstrated interest" and the role it plays in college admissions.

According to a National Association for College Admissions Counseling survey, 50% of colleges consider a student's demonstrated interest in the admissions process. Examples that demonstrate a student's unique, heartfelt and genuine interest in a college includes visiting the school, calling the admissions office to ask meaningful questions, interviewing with a local alumnus, or sending a thank you note to a college representative following a college fair.

Juniors: When to Visit College Campuses

If you’re a junior, second semester is the time to get serious about creating a college list. Start researching colleges through their websites, college fairs, admissions representatives, books, and college guides. By doing so you will get an idea of what's required and be informed of each college’s process.

While research is a good place to start, you will learn the most about a college’s suitability for you by visiting its campus. The ideal time to visit a college is when you're out of school and the college is in session. Hence President’s Day weekend and spring break are your best options before colleges break for the summer.

Does Community Service Matter in College Admissions?

In any college application, once you get past the demographics, grades, and standardized test scores, comes activities. Extracurricular activities and leadership roles have always been part of admissions; but also colleges want to read about students doing positive work that impacts the community. According to a survey conducted by DoSomething.org, admissions officers reviewing applications are looking to see students have spent time giving back to their communities. Yet before your high schooler starts signing up for volunteer hours, keep in mind that there’s no magical number to achieve. Colleges want to know why your student is doing the service work. Therefore projects that matter are those that –

Show long-term commitment. Spending an hour a week after school over a semester demonstrates more commitment than volunteering broad over spring break.

 Demonstrate leadership, depth, and passion. When choosing a volunteer project, students should select ones that connect to their interests, and demonstrate leadership and passion for a particular cause. Projects that read mandatory or required are frowned upon.

 Make for excellent college essays. Community service projects are a perfect way to capture who your student is as a person, their leadership potential, unique qualities, passions, well-roundedness, and his or her genuine interest in uplifting others.

Help your student find fun ways to give back this holiday season. Stand Out College Prep has put together a list of ideas for your student to make a BIG difference in your community that make an IMPACT on college admissions. All projects listed are ones that can be made into long-term commitments. Encourage your student to start small, get early wins, and build service opportunities from there.

FAQ: Is it okay to send a deposit to two colleges?

The answer is no. In fact colleges ask students to certify a deposit has been rendered to no other school. The consequence of double depositing may be rescinded admission for both schools. 

Also committing to one school frees up space at the other college for waitlisted students. Do the right thing—choose one by May 1^st and let all other schools know your final decision.

Read why wait lists are so long here.