Actions that show a college you would actually enroll if admitted.
Many colleges (especially private liberal-arts schools) track whether you seem genuinely interested: campus visits, information sessions, opening emails, applying early, interviewing. They do this because their yield rate depends on it — admitting students who attend keeps their numbers healthy.
Myth: "Demonstrated interest only matters at small schools." Reality: Even some larger universities track engagement. It never hurts to show genuine interest.
Why it matters
At schools that track demonstrated interest (check each college's Common Data Set), it can be a tiebreaker. Open their emails, attend virtual sessions, visit if you can, and apply early if the school is a top choice.
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