With the 2026 fall admission cycle now in full swing, college-bound students face a more competitive landscape than ever before. According to recent data, over 8.5 million applications had been submitted through the Common Application by March 2025—a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This surge reflects not only a growing number of applicants but also an increase in the average number of schools each student applies to.
The Common Application, used by more than 1,000 institutions across the United States, allows students to apply to up to 20 colleges using a single form. While this convenience benefits applicants, it creates a challenge for admissions offices, especially at well-funded universities striving to build incoming classes composed of students who are most likely to enroll.
To address this, many colleges place increasing emphasis on “demonstrated interest”—a measure of how seriously a student is considering attending a particular institution. Demonstrated interest can influence admission decisions and even scholarship offers, particularly at schools that do not practice need-blind admissions.
There are several effective ways for students to showcase their genuine enthusiasm for a school:
1. Campus Visits
One of the strongest indicators of demonstrated interest is a physical visit to campus. Colleges often track whether prospective students have toured the campus and when those visits occurred. Most applications include a question asking if the applicant has visited, and if so, during which month and year. It’s crucial for students to sign in at the Admissions Office during their visit to ensure it’s officially recorded.
2. Engaging with College Representatives
High school students should take advantage of opportunities to meet with college representatives who attend local college fairs or visit their high schools. Introducing oneself, asking thoughtful questions, and following up with a personalized email can leave a lasting impression. These representatives often play a role in the admissions process and can advocate for applicants they’ve personally interacted with.
3. Email Engagement
Many colleges use software tools like those provided by Technolutions to monitor how students interact with their digital communications. These systems track whether emails are opened, links are clicked, and how much time is spent exploring the college’s website. Consistent engagement with institutional emails shows initiative and ongoing interest.
4. Personalized Essays
Applicants can elevate their profiles by customizing both their Common App essay and any supplemental essays required by individual schools. Writing specifically about academic programs, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, or unique traditions demonstrates that a student has done their research and sees a future at that particular institution.
Demonstrated interest is not just about quantity—it’s about quality. Admissions committees seek students who align with the school’s values and are likely to contribute meaningfully to the campus community. For this reason, strategic communication and thoughtful engagement throughout the application process can significantly boost a student’s chances of acceptance.
In a time when top-tier schools are receiving record numbers of applications, standing out as a committed and informed candidate is more important than ever. By taking these steps, students can send a clear message: they are not just applying to a college—they’re choosing one.
